Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#120608)
The hex color #120608, also known as Asphalt, is a very dark, muted shade that lies within the brown color family. It is composed of 7.06% red, 2.35% green, and 3.14% blue. In the RGB color space, this equates to R:18, G:6, B:8. The CMYK representation is C:0, M:0.67, Y:0.56, K:0.93. Asphalt typically evokes a sense of seriousness, stability, and earthiness. Due to its dark nature, it is often used as a background or accent color in design to provide a solid foundation or create contrast. Its subtle nature can also be useful in branding to convey a sense of reliability and sophistication, especially when combined with lighter or brighter contrasting colors.
The color #120608, often referred to as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text against a white background, or conversely, white text against an Asphalt background, the contrast ratio falls far below the WCAG recommended minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This can make the content difficult to read for users with low vision or color blindness. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter shade of gray or a completely different color altogether for text. If Asphalt is crucial for branding, ensure that it is paired with a very light background or text color to meet accessibility standards and provide a better user experience for everyone. Also avoid using this color for critical interactive elements without proper contrasting indicators.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website and UI Design
Asphalt (#120608) can serve as a grounding element in website design, often used for footers, headers, or sidebars to provide a sense of stability and structure. In user interface design, it can be employed for subtle shadows, dividers, or as a muted background for less critical elements. However, caution is advised when using it for interactive components due to accessibility concerns regarding contrast. To use this color effectively, consider its psychological impact – its somber and serious tone may evoke a sense of reliability but could also be perceived as dull if overused. Balancing it with brighter accent colors is crucial for a visually appealing and user-friendly design.
Interior Design
In interior design, Asphalt (#120608) can be used to create a sophisticated and modern ambiance. It serves as an excellent choice for accent walls or furniture pieces in living rooms or bedrooms, providing a neutral backdrop that allows other colors and textures to stand out. When paired with metallic accents like gold or silver, it evokes a sense of luxury and elegance. In commercial spaces, it can be used for flooring or wall coverings in lobbies or hallways, conveying a sense of professionalism and stability. To make the best use of Asphalt, ensure that the space has ample natural light or strategic lighting to prevent it from feeling too dark or gloomy.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Asphalt (#120608) can be used as a base color for creating sophisticated and edgy outfits. It can be used for jackets, trousers, skirts, or dresses, providing a versatile foundation that can be paired with various colors and accessories. It works well with both light and dark colors, allowing for a range of styling options. For example, an asphalt-colored blazer can be paired with a white blouse and black trousers for a classic and professional look. Alternatively, an asphalt-colored dress can be accessorized with bold jewelry and shoes for a more dramatic and stylish ensemble. This color can also be used for shoes, bags, and other accessories to add a touch of understated elegance to any outfit.