Asphalt
General Information About Asphalt
The hex color #14060A, commonly referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark, muted shade of brown. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 7.84% red, 2.35% green, and 3.92% blue. Its CMYK values are 0% cyan, 70% magenta, 50% yellow, and 92% black. This color evokes a sense of sophistication, depth, and understated elegance. Asphalt is often used in design contexts where a strong, grounding element is needed without being overly bright or distracting. Its subdued nature makes it a versatile choice for backgrounds, text, and accent elements, particularly in web design, branding, and interior design. The color provides a neutral canvas that allows other brighter or more vibrant colors to stand out effectively.
The hex color #14060A, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA standards. Asphalt fails to meet these requirements when paired with many common background colors, potentially excluding users with visual impairments. Designers should carefully evaluate the contrast ratio using online tools and consider alternative, lighter color options for improved accessibility. Providing sufficient contrast is crucial for ensuring that content is perceivable and usable by all users, regardless of their visual abilities. The usage of this color requires careful consideration and testing to ensure inclusivity and avoid creating barriers for individuals with low vision or color blindness. Remember to use color combinations carefully and make sure that the design is still functional with alternative color combinations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #282828
A slightly lighter shade of gray can offer improved readability while retaining a similar dark, muted aesthetic. This provides better contrast, especially for text.
- #332927
Using a dark desaturated brown provides a warmer alternative that's still dark but may be perceived as more inviting and accessible.
- #36454F
Using a dark gray-blue will keep a dark color palette with a hint of color.
Applications
Web Design Background
Asphalt (#14060A) can be effectively used as a background color in web design to create a sophisticated and modern look. Its dark hue provides a strong contrast for lighter text and graphical elements, making them stand out. This color is particularly well-suited for websites focused on technology, finance, or luxury goods, where a sense of understated elegance is desired. It is also a great color for mobile applications. Additionally, Asphalt can be employed in data visualizations to highlight specific data points against a muted backdrop, improving clarity and user engagement. This usage helps maintain a professional and clean aesthetic, which can enhance the overall user experience.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt can be used to create a grounding and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well as a wall color in accent walls, adding depth and drama to a room. The color can be paired with lighter furniture and metallic accents to create a balanced and stylish space. Asphalt is particularly effective in modern and minimalist interiors, where its understated elegance can truly shine. It can also be used in smaller doses, such as in decorative items or textiles, to add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space. The versatility of Asphalt makes it a great choice for creating a timeless and refined interior.
Logo design
Asphalt color can be used as the main color for a logo design. It will add a sense of professionalism, maturity and elegance to the brand's image. It works very well for brand's in the area of finance, technologies or automotive industries. To be more effective, you should use other colors to contrast with asphalt.