Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#130b0a)
The hex color #130b0a, also known as Asphalt, is a very dark, almost black, shade that evokes feelings of sophistication and mystery. It belongs to the black color family and has very low saturation and brightness. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 7.45% red, 4.31% green, and 3.92% blue. Its representation in the CMYK color model is C:0%, M:42%, Y:47%, K:93%. This color is often associated with urban landscapes, pavement, and the feeling of a dark and quiet night. Due to its near-black nature, it absorbs almost all light that hits it, reflecting very little back to the viewer. Its subtle nature can make it a versatile color when used correctly.
The hex color #130b0a, often referred to as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely low luminance. With such a dark shade, the contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds falls far below the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommended levels. This makes text and other visual elements rendered in #130b0a difficult, if not impossible, for users with visual impairments to perceive. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to avoid using #130b0a for text or important graphical elements unless paired with a very light color. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Careful consideration and testing are essential to prevent exclusion of users with disabilities. Using online contrast checkers is highly advisable during the design process.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Background
Asphalt (#130b0a) can be used as a background color in web design to create a sophisticated and modern feel. However, due to its dark nature, it's crucial to pair it with light-colored text and elements to ensure readability and accessibility. Consider using it for website headers, footers, or sidebars, complemented by a brighter primary color for key interactive elements. It should not be used as a color for main body text.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt can serve as an accent color for walls or furniture to add depth and richness to a space. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver and can be balanced with lighter neutral colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark. It is important to consider the lighting of the room because asphalt colored items will not be able to reflect any significant amount of light.
Fashion and Makeup
Asphalt can be incorporated into fashion design to create a sleek and edgy look. It can be used for clothing items like jackets, pants, or dresses, and paired with bold accessories or contrasting colors to add visual interest. In makeup, Asphalt can be used as an eyeshadow or eyeliner to create a smoky and dramatic effect, but should be used carefully.