Asphalt
General Information about #0C0903
The hex color code #0C0903, often referred to as 'Asphalt,' is a very dark shade of brown, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It is composed of 4.71% red, 3.53% green, and 1.18% blue. In the RGB color model, it is defined as (12, 9, 3). This color is often associated with feelings of seriousness, stability, and groundedness. Colors close to black are often used as background or border colors. The low saturation and luminance of #0C0903 make it a subtle and understated color, ideal for creating a sense of depth and sophistication. It's important to consider its low visibility and potential accessibility issues when using it in design projects.
The color #0C0903, a very dark, muted shade, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance results in poor contrast against almost any background, especially white. This makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, to perceive text or graphical elements rendered in this color. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize the importance of sufficient color contrast to ensure readability and usability. Using #0C0903 for foreground elements against a similarly dark background would violate these guidelines. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter color for the background or foreground, or explore tools that can assess color contrast ratios to meet WCAG standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a1713
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark, neutral feel.
- #333333
A dark gray that offers improved readability compared to the near-black #0C0903.
- #33291a
A dark brown that gives a similar feel but is slightly lighter, making it better for accessibility.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #0C0903 can be used sparingly as an accent color in dark themes to evoke a sense of sophistication and mystery. It's best suited for decorative elements rather than crucial text or interactive components due to its low visibility. Combining it with brighter, contrasting colors is essential for maintaining accessibility. This color can also be effective in creating a background for hero sections that contain lighter-colored text and graphics. Ensure that the lightness of the text is high enough to be legible. Use it for divider lines, or as a background for website loading bars.
Interior Design - Grounding Element
In interior design, #0C0903 can serve as a grounding element in a room, particularly when used for flooring or as a wall color in a space with ample natural light. This color works well in creating a moody, intimate atmosphere. It pairs effectively with metallic accents like gold or bronze to add a touch of luxury and warmth. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, incorporate lighter-colored furniture and accessories, such as cream-colored sofas or vibrant artwork. Use it for the floors, or as background for a book shelf to make the books pop out.
Fashion and Beauty
This color can be used for makeup looks, particularly for smokey eye effects or as a base for darker, more dramatic lip colors. It provides depth and intensity, especially when combined with shimmer or metallic finishes. When using it in fashion design, this color can be used for designing leather jackets, bags, and other accessories. It's commonly used in the design of formal attire.