Asphalt
General Information
The hexadecimal color code #100A04 represents a very dark shade of brown, often referred to as Asphalt due to its resemblance to the color of paved roads. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 6.27% red, 3.92% green, and 1.57% blue. The CMYK color model translates to 0% cyan, 37.25% magenta, 75% yellow, and 93.73% black. This color is rarely found in nature but is commonly associated with man-made materials. The perceived darkness of the color is due to its extremely low luminance value. It evokes feelings of seriousness, sophistication, and earthiness.
The color #100A04, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value (very dark) results in poor contrast against most backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. To ensure accessibility, it's imperative to use #100A04 with very light text or interface elements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Avoid using this color for critical information or interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast. Providing alternative color schemes or allowing users to customize colors can also improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #202020
A slightly lighter shade of gray can offer better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #302010
A dark brown provides a warmer alternative with potentially better contrast depending on the context.
- #36454F
A muted charcoal color can offer a sophisticated alternative with improved readability.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Asphalt can be used sparingly as a background color for specific sections or elements to create a sense of depth and sophistication. When used as a background, ensure that the text and interactive elements placed on top have sufficient contrast to meet accessibility standards. It can also be used for subtle borders or dividers to define sections without being too visually jarring. Avoid using it as the primary background color for large areas of the page, as it can strain the eyes. For example, you could use this color to provide a subtle dark mode option in the webpage.
Interior Design
In interior design, Asphalt can be employed as an accent color to create a sense of groundedness and luxury. It can be used for painting a feature wall in a living room or bedroom, or as the color for furniture upholstery. When used in interior design, consider pairing it with lighter, brighter colors to balance the overall ambiance and prevent the room from feeling too dark and closed-in. For example, use it to offset lighter tones, creating a stylish and dramatic contrast.
Fashion
In fashion, Asphalt can be a sophisticated alternative to black. It can be used for clothing items such as jackets, pants, or dresses. The neutrality of this color allows for versatile pairing with other colors and patterns. Accessorizing with brighter or bolder colors can create a striking contrast, while pairing it with other muted tones can create a subtle, understated look. It makes for a great base for almost any outfit.