Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#120808)
The hex color #120808, commonly known as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of red. It resides within the RGB color space, with red having the highest value, and green and blue having lower, almost negligible values. Due to its composition, it evokes a sense of darkness, earthiness, and understated intensity. This color is often associated with industrial landscapes, urban environments, and the solid, unyielding nature of asphalt roads. In color psychology, dark colors like #120808 can symbolize stability, sophistication, and a sense of groundedness. However, it can also be perceived as somber or even oppressive if overused or combined poorly with other colors. When using Asphalt, it is important to consider the surrounding colors and context to achieve the desired effect. It's a very dark color which can make accessibility a real challenge, if not used carefully.
The hex color #120808, often referred to as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark nature. When used as a background color, it necessitates extremely light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet Level AA compliance. Given its darkness, achieving this contrast level requires careful selection of text colors. Developers should use contrast checking tools to verify compliance and consider providing alternative color themes to accommodate users with visual impairments. Failure to address contrast issues can lead to a poor user experience and exclusion of individuals with low vision or color blindness. Providing options for users to adjust color schemes is also beneficial.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #221818
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic but offers improved readability as a background color.
- #333333
A dark gray that provides better contrast when used with white or light-colored text, enhancing accessibility.
- #1a0e0e
A dark brownish tone that shares the warmth of asphalt, but with slightly better luminosity.
Applications
Minimalist Website Background
Asphalt (#120808) can be utilized as a primary background color in minimalist website designs where a dark, subdued aesthetic is desired. It pairs well with vibrant accent colors to draw attention to key elements, and can create a sense of sophistication and modernity. The color also works great in website footers, giving a clear visual separation from the main content. Be careful with text contrast when using this color in webdesign!
Accent Wall Color
In interior design, Asphalt can be employed as an accent wall color in modern or industrial-style spaces. It provides a grounding effect and complements metallic or concrete elements. When used sparingly, it can add depth and drama to a room without overwhelming the space. Consider using lighter furniture to provide good contrast to the wall's darkness.
Urban Fashion Base
In fashion, Asphalt can serve as a base color for creating edgy, urban-inspired looks. It can be paired with bold accessories or contrasting textures to add visual interest. The color is also suitable for outerwear, providing a sleek and versatile option for everyday wear. When used as a base color, use brighter colors in smaller portions of the outfit to create a good contrast and avoid an overall depressing look.