Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#140409)
The hex color code #140409, often referred to as 'Asphalt' due to its resemblance to the dark, slightly textured surface of asphalt concrete, is a very dark shade of red. It is composed of 7.84% red, 1.57% green, and 3.53% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as (20, 4, 9). This color has a low saturation and brightness, making it a subtle and understated choice for various design applications. It leans towards the warmer side of the spectrum due to the higher proportion of red. Colors like Asphalt are often associated with themes of urban environments, industrial settings, or modern minimalism, and it offers a unique and versatile option for creating sophisticated and grounded aesthetics. Due to its darkness it's mostly used as backgroundcolor.
The hex color #140409, often referred to as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. Its dark nature results in very poor contrast against standard light backgrounds, making text and interactive elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with very light shades like white or bright yellows to achieve a sufficient contrast ratio, ideally meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA or AAA standards. Avoid using #140409 for critical elements like links or buttons without careful consideration of contrast. Providing alternative high-contrast themes or allowing users to adjust color schemes can further enhance accessibility for a wider audience. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is essential to validate the usability of any design incorporating this dark hue.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Asphalt (#140409) can be effectively used in web design to create a sophisticated and grounded aesthetic, especially for websites related to architecture, urban planning, or industrial themes. This dark color can serve as a dominant background, providing a strong foundation for showcasing brighter elements like photography or graphical components. It can be paired with neutral tones such as grays and whites to construct a balanced color scheme, or it can be accentuated with vibrant accent colors to add visual intrigue. The key is to ensure sufficient contrast between text and background elements to maintain readability and overall user experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, Asphalt (#140409) can be employed to evoke a sense of modernity and sophistication. It works well in accent walls or as a color for furniture, particularly in spaces that aim for a minimalist or industrial style. The dark hue provides a grounding effect, allowing other design elements to stand out. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, it's important to balance it with lighter colors such as off-whites, creams, or light grays. Introducing natural textures like wood or metal can further enhance the aesthetic and create a visually appealing environment.
Fashion Design
In fashion, asphalt, a very dark and neutral color, is a foundational piece for creating versatile and sophisticated looks. This color is often utilized in creating garments like structured jackets, trousers, or skirts, it exudes an air of understated elegance. The color's ability to blend seamlessly with various palettes enables its function as a backdrop for eye-catching accessories or as a calming element within a vibrant ensemble. The color's neutrality also allows for interesting textural contrasts through the use of materials such as leather, wool, or silk. From a practical point of view, the resilience of this dark shade makes it a great selection for everyday wear, masking potential wear and remaining elegant even when exposed to daily use.