Asphalt
General Information about #150609
The hex color #150609, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of brown. It belongs to the family of near-black colors and is characterized by extremely low brightness and saturation. In the RGB color model, it consists of 8.24% red, 2.35% green, and 3.53% blue. The color is far from the primary or secondary color groups, because of its lack of saturation and low brightness. Due to its limited luminance, #150609 is rarely used as a primary color in design but is better suited for subtle accents or backgrounds, where its darkness can provide depth and contrast when paired with lighter colors. It's important to note that its usability is limited to the applications that don't require high visibility. In printing, it would require a very small amount of pigment to be used to achieve the color. When using this color, consider its darkness in conjuction with other elements to improve the overall visual experience.
The hex color #150609, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low luminance value makes it difficult to perceive for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires a very light background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, using #150609 for text or important user interface elements should be carefully considered and tested with accessibility tools to ensure readability. If you have to use this color consider its saturation and brightness in conjunction with other elements to improve the overall visual experience. Avoid using it for critical interactive elements where perception is essential. Ensure sufficient contrast when combining it with other design elements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2a2a2a
A slightly lighter shade of gray can offer better readability while maintaining a similar dark aesthetic.
- #331a00
A dark brown provides a warmer alternative that may be more visually appealing and easier on the eyes.
- #36454F
A dark gray with a hint of blue retains a subtle depth and remains a more readable alternative.
Applications
User Interface Accents
In user interface design, Asphalt can be used sparingly as a background color for secondary elements or decorative accents to provide a sense of depth and sophistication. It's best suited for areas where high contrast is not essential, such as subtle dividers or non-interactive elements. Consider using it for website footers or to highlight promotional sections. When incorporating #150609 into a user interface, pair it with brighter colors for important elements to ensure visibility and usability.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Asphalt can be used as a base color for clothing or accessories. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows other colors and textures to stand out. It can be used for jackets, pants, or shoes, often complemented by brighter colors for shirts, scarves, or jewelry. This combination creates a balanced and stylish appearance, suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Interior Design
In interior design, #150609 (Asphalt) can be used to create a sophisticated and moody atmosphere. It works well as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, or as a color for furniture pieces like sofas or cabinets. When using this color, it's important to incorporate plenty of light and brighter accents to prevent the space from feeling too dark. Consider pairing it with metallic tones like gold or silver for a luxurious feel, or with natural materials like wood or stone for a more organic aesthetic.