Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#15060C)
The hexadecimal color code #15060C, also known as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of red. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 8.24% red, 2.35% green, and 4.71% blue. This color is often perceived as a muted, almost black hue, providing a subtle and understated presence. It is frequently utilized in designs aiming for a somber, industrial, or sophisticated aesthetic. The low saturation and brightness values make it a challenging color to work with in terms of accessibility, requiring careful consideration of contrast ratios with surrounding elements. It’s a color that evokes feelings of stability and seriousness, making it suitable for designs that require a sense of formality or strength. Its subtle undertones can shift depending on the lighting and adjacent colors, adding to its complexity.
The color #15060C, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its very low luminance value of approximately 0.004 makes it difficult to perceive against most backgrounds, including white. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Asphalt falls far short of these recommendations when paired with lighter colors. Using this color for text can render content unreadable for many users. To improve accessibility, consider using Asphalt sparingly, primarily for decorative elements, and always ensure that any text or interactive elements have sufficient contrast. Employing lighter shades or complementary colors for foreground elements would significantly enhance readability and overall accessibility. Also, providing alternative high-contrast themes can greatly benefit users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #282828
A slightly lighter shade of gray that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar dark aesthetic.
- #331a00
A dark brown that offers a warmer tone and improved visibility compared to Asphalt.
- #363636
A dark grey, that provides a more neutral tone and improved visibility compared to Asphalt.
Applications
Website Footer Background
Asphalt (#15060C) can be effectively used as a background color for sections that require less visual prominence. For instance, website footers, or secondary navigation bars where the main content needs to stand out. Its dark hue provides a subtle contrast without distracting the user. It’s crucial to pair it with high-contrast text colors, such as white or light gray, to ensure readability. Additionally, it can be used in data visualizations to represent the lowest values in a dataset, providing a visual hierarchy. When incorporating Asphalt, consider the overall aesthetic and ensure it aligns with the website's branding and accessibility guidelines. The conservative use helps to maintain a consistent design and provides clear visual cues to users.
Accent Wall Color
In interior design, Asphalt can serve as an accent wall color in minimalist or industrial-themed rooms. Its deep, muted tone creates a sophisticated and grounding effect, particularly when combined with lighter neutral colors for furniture and decor. The color can also be applied to smaller elements like picture frames or decorative bowls, providing subtle pops of contrast without overwhelming the space. When using Asphalt in interior design, it's important to balance it with sufficient natural or artificial light to prevent the room from feeling too dark and enclosed. Consider metallic accents like brass or copper to add warmth and visual interest to the space.
Clothing and accessories
In fashion, Asphalt is suitable for sophisticated and understated pieces. It can be a great choice for creating elegant dresses, skirts, or trousers. It can also be incorporated into accessories like belts, handbags, or scarves to add a touch of refinement. When using Asphalt in fashion, consider pairing it with other neutral shades for a more relaxed look or contrasting it with brighter colors for a bolder statement. It is a versatile color that can be worn in various settings, from casual outings to formal events, and can be adapted to suit different styles.