Asphalt
General Information About Asphalt
The hex color #0D0A02, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark, desaturated shade of brown. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 5.1% red, 4% green, and 0.8% blue. Converting it to the CMYK color model yields 0% cyan, 21.6% magenta, 84.2% yellow, and 94.9% black. This composition indicates a predominantly dark color with a slight yellowish undertone. Asphalt is frequently associated with feelings of seriousness, depth, and stability. In design, it can be used to create a sense of sophistication or to provide a grounding element in a color scheme. However, due to its darkness, it requires careful consideration of contrast to ensure readability and accessibility, especially in text-based applications. Use contrast checkers to ensure optimal visibility.
The hex color #0D0A02, often referred to as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low luminance value results in very poor contrast against both white and light-colored backgrounds, making text and other elements virtually unreadable for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Asphalt falls far short of these recommendations, posing barriers for individuals with low vision, color blindness, or those using devices in bright environments. To enhance accessibility, it's crucial to pair Asphalt with very light or white foreground elements, or to increase the luminance of the background, ensuring adequate contrast. Tools such as contrast checkers can help evaluate color pairings and ensure compliance with accessibility standards, promoting inclusivity and usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a170a
A slightly lighter shade of grey can offer better contrast while still maintaining a dark, muted aesthetic.
- #262113
A desaturated brown can provide a similar earthy tone but with improved visibility.
- #ffffff
Use very light colors or white color for text. This is important because this is a very dark color.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Asphalt's deep, muted tone makes it suitable for backgrounds in websites and apps aiming for a sophisticated, understated aesthetic. It can create a sense of depth and seriousness, working well in portfolios, corporate sites, or applications related to finance or security. However, care must be taken to ensure that foreground elements have sufficient contrast to remain readable and accessible. Proper spacing and layout are essential to prevent the design from feeling too heavy or oppressive. The color should be combined with lighter colors.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt can be used as an accent wall color in modern or industrial-style spaces. Its dark, grounding effect can create a sense of stability and sophistication. When combined with lighter neutrals and metallic accents, it can add depth and visual interest to a room. It is important to balance the darkness of Asphalt with ample lighting to prevent the space from feeling too dark or claustrophobic. Use for furniture is not optimal because it is a dark color.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Asphalt can be incorporated into clothing designs, especially for outerwear or accessories. Its neutral tone allows it to be paired with a variety of other colors and patterns, making it a versatile choice for creating a stylish, yet understated look. Think of dark jeans or a stylish leather jacket. The color evokes a sense of urban sophistication. It is important to balance the darkness of Asphalt with other colors to not make the look too dark.