Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#100C08)
The hex color code #100C08, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of brown. In the RGB color model, it comprises 6.27% red, 4.71% green, and 3.14% blue. This composition positions it within the realm of muted, earthy tones, lending it a subtle, grounding quality. Colors like this are often associated with stability, strength, and a sense of the natural world, albeit in a refined and urban context. Due to its low brightness it is considered as being a very dark color with limited applications without using additional light shades. The usage of Asphalt as a color requires careful design considerations.
The color #100C08, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely low luminance value makes it difficult to distinguish from black, posing readability issues for users with visual impairments. The contrast ratio against white is very poor, failing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for text and non-text contrast. Using this color for text or interactive elements without careful consideration and mitigation strategies can exclude a significant portion of your audience. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with much lighter colors to ensure sufficient contrast. Employing techniques like text shadows or borders can also enhance the legibility of text rendered in this color. It's crucial to test color combinations with accessibility evaluation tools to guarantee compliance with accessibility standards and provide an inclusive experience for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #201f1e
A slightly lighter shade of gray can offer a similar aesthetic while improving readability and contrast.
- #24221c
A dark olive green provides a subtle variation that still maintains a dark, muted tone but with slightly improved visibility.
- #1a1612
A dark brown offers a warmer alternative while remaining in a similar dark range.
Applications
Modern Website Design
Asphalt is often utilized to create a modern and sophisticated ambience. Its dark nature evokes a sense of mystery and understated elegance. It can be applied in minimalist designs, especially as background color to highlight other elements or components that are much brighter. However, always consider the accessibility when using this kind of color.
Urban Fashion
This color can be used as a base color or accent color in fashion design, especially in clothing and accessories that need to express a sense of urban sophistication and subtle, understated style. It can be effectively combined with brighter accents to provide a visual focal point.
Interior Design
Asphalt can be used to create a bold and dramatic statement in interior design. It works well as a wall color in a media room or as an accent in furniture. When using it in an interior setting, ensure that the space is well-lit to avoid making the room feel too dark or claustrophobic. It can be used together with wood and lighter colors.