Asphalt
General Information about #13070E
The hex color #13070E, often referred to as 'Asphalt' due to its resemblance to the dark, muted tone of paved roads, is a very dark shade of red. In the RGB color model, it consists of 7.45% red, 2.75% green, and 5.49% blue. Its primary attribute is its low luminance, making it a challenging color for accessibility if not used carefully. Colors like #13070E communicate a feeling of darkness, sophistication, and sobriety. In color psychology, dark colors often represent authority, stability, and seriousness. They can also create a sense of mystery or intrigue. Its composition leans heavily towards the red spectrum, but the low overall values render it a near-black color. This color can be used in a wide variety of creative ways.
The hex color #13070E, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. With such a dark hue, it provides insufficient contrast against typical light-colored backgrounds, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to discern text or graphical elements. To ensure inclusivity, it's crucial to pair this color with substantially lighter shades, such as whites, creams, or pale yellows, to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to comply with WCAG AA guidelines. For WCAG AAA compliance, the contrast ratios should be even higher, at 7:1 and 4.5:1 respectively. Using color contrast checkers is highly advisable to verify adherence to these standards. Moreover, avoid relying solely on color to convey important information; use supplementary cues like text labels or icons to enhance accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #261a21
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark and muted tone.
- #333333
A desaturated gray that can serve as a neutral background, offering improved readability when paired with brighter foreground elements.
- #292929
Use a dark gray for better readability on light backgrounds. This alternative enhances visibility while retaining a sophisticated, muted aesthetic.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, Asphalt (#13070E) can be utilized to create a sophisticated and understated aesthetic for website backgrounds, headers, or footers. Its dark, muted tone evokes a sense of seriousness and professionalism, making it suitable for corporate websites or portfolios. However, careful consideration must be given to text and element contrast to ensure readability and accessibility. When using Asphalt, consider pairing it with lighter accent colors to create visual interest and hierarchy. For example, using light text on an asphalt background or incorporating brighter graphical elements.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Asphalt (#13070E) can be a chic and versatile color choice for clothing, accessories, or footwear. Its dark and neutral tone allows it to be easily paired with a variety of other colors and styles. Asphalt-colored garments can serve as a sophisticated base for building outfits, while accessories in this hue can add a touch of understated elegance. For example, an asphalt-colored blazer or a pair of ankle boots can be combined with brighter colors and statement jewelry.
UI Design
Asphalt, or #13070E, can introduce a grounding and refined presence to any digital interface. Its subdued nature is well-suited for dashboards or data visualization tools, where minimizing distractions is key. Use it sparingly as an accent to draw focus without overwhelming the user. Balance is achieved when juxtaposed with lighter elements, ensuring the interface remains intuitive and accessible.