Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#150B05)
The hex color #150B05, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of brown. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 8.24% red, 4.31% green, and 2.75% blue. This color has a low saturation and a very low brightness, contributing to its dark and muted appearance. Asphalt is often associated with urban environments, modernity, and a sense of subdued elegance. Its dark nature can evoke feelings of seriousness, sophistication, and even a touch of mystery. In color psychology, dark browns are often linked to stability, reliability, and grounding. However, the low lightness value of #150B05 requires careful consideration in design applications to ensure adequate contrast and readability, especially when used for text or interactive elements.
The hex color #150B05, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low lightness value (very dark) results in poor contrast against most backgrounds, including white. This lack of contrast makes text and other UI elements using this color difficult or impossible to read for many users. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability. Asphalt falls far short of these recommendations, requiring careful consideration of foreground colors. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair Asphalt with much lighter colors that provide sufficient contrast. Providing alternative high-contrast themes or allowing users to customize color schemes are also important strategies to accommodate diverse user needs and ensure an inclusive experience. Avoid using #150B05 for crucial information or interactive elements without ensuring adequate contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the dark, sophisticated feel but offers improved contrast.
A neutral gray that provides better readability and accessibility than pure black or very dark browns.
A dark green hue that offers a similar depth to asphalt, but has a touch more luminosity and is more visually interesting and easier to make accessible.
Applications
Website Footer or Header
Asphalt (#150B05) can be used as a background color for sections of a website where a dark, serious tone is desired. However, due to its low contrast, it should only be used sparingly and with very light text. For instance, it could serve as the background for a brief introduction section or a footer. The main body text should be placed on a lighter background for readability. To improve accessibility, consider using a slightly lighter version of Asphalt or pairing it with a high-contrast accent color for interactive elements.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt can be used as an accent color to add depth and sophistication to a space. It can be used on walls, furniture, or accessories to create a grounding effect. For example, an Asphalt-colored accent wall can create a dramatic backdrop for lighter-colored furniture and artwork. When using Asphalt in interior design, it's important to balance it with lighter colors and textures to prevent the space from feeling too dark or heavy. Consider adding pops of bright color or metallic accents to create visual interest.
Fashion Accessory
In fashion, Asphalt is a chic and versatile color choice, particularly for outerwear and accessories. An asphalt-colored coat, handbag, or pair of boots can add a touch of understated elegance to any outfit. However, wearing Asphalt from head to toe can be overwhelming, so it's best to balance it with lighter or brighter colors. For example, an Asphalt-colored dress can be paired with a brightly colored scarf or statement jewelry. The color is also frequently used for durable workwear because it resists showing dirt and stains, while still appearing professional.