Asphalt
General Information about #140E0D
The hex color #140E0D, often referred to as "Asphalt", is a very dark shade of gray-brown. It is composed of 7.84% red, 5.49% green, and 5.1% blue. In the RGB color space, it has the values R:20, G:14, B:13. The color sits very close to black on the color spectrum, making it appear almost entirely devoid of color to the naked eye. Given its low saturation and brightness, it tends to evoke feelings of seriousness, stability, and sophistication. In practical applications, #140E0D is often used to create a sense of understated elegance or to provide a neutral backdrop that allows other colors to stand out. Its subtle nature makes it versatile for a variety of design contexts.
The hex color #140E0D, a very dark shade, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low lightness value makes it unsuitable as a primary text color on a white or light background, as the contrast would be far below the WCAG recommended ratios. For body text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is needed, and for large text, at least 3:1. #140E0D fails to meet these criteria. Therefore, it should primarily be used for decorative elements, backgrounds for light text, or accents where readability is not critical. If used for text, pair it with a very light color to ensure sufficient contrast. Consider using accessibility evaluation tools to verify contrast ratios before deploying designs using this color. Furthermore, always provide alternative visual cues in addition to color to avoid excluding users with color vision deficiencies.
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Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, #140E0D can serve as a sophisticated background for light-colored text or as a subtle accent color to add depth to a layout. It works well in minimalistic designs where a touch of darkness is needed to create contrast and highlight other elements. Its muted nature makes it suitable for websites aiming for a serious, professional, or industrial aesthetic. For example, use it as a header background with white or light gray text for a clean and modern look. However, ensure adequate contrast to maintain readability and accessibility.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #140E0D can be used to create a moody and sophisticated atmosphere. It's a great choice for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when paired with lighter, warmer colors to balance the darkness. It can also be used for furniture, such as sofas or cabinets, to add a touch of understated elegance. Consider using it in spaces where you want to create a sense of calm and relaxation, such as home theaters or reading nooks. Complement with textures like leather, wood, and soft fabrics to enhance the overall effect.
Fashion Design
In fashion, #140E0D can be used in clothing design, adding sophistication to a wardrobe. It can be incorporated into accessories such as handbags or belts, offering versatility that matches various outfits.