Asphalt
General Information About Asphalt (#150D06)
The hex color #150D06, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of brown, almost appearing black to the naked eye. It belongs to the family of near-black colors and evokes feelings of sophistication, strength, and understated elegance. Due to its low lightness value, it absorbs a significant amount of light, making it a challenging color to work with in design, especially when considering accessibility. The color is composed of 8.24% red, 5.1% green and 2.35% blue. In the RGB color model #150d06 is comprised of 8.24% red, 5.1% green and 2.35% blue. In the CMYK color model #150d06 is comprised of 0% cyan, 38.89% magenta, 71.43% yellow and 91.76% black.
The color #150D06, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark nature. Its low luminance results in poor contrast against typical light backgrounds, making text or graphical elements difficult to perceive for users, especially those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. To ensure accessibility, it's imperative to pair Asphalt with very light colors, such as white or very pale yellows. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility standards. Avoid using this color for essential interface elements without careful consideration of contrast ratios. Using a larger font size or adding a text shadow may improve legibility but are not substitutes for adequate contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #261a0f
A slightly lighter shade offers better readability while maintaining a dark, sophisticated aesthetic.
- #29140a
A warmer, brown-toned alternative can provide a softer feel compared to the starkness of Asphalt.
- #333333
A dark gray provides a less harsh alternative, ensuring improved readability compared to Asphalt.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Asphalt can be employed as a background color for headers or footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It pairs well with lighter text colors like off-white or light gray to ensure readability. However, it should be used sparingly for large blocks of text due to its low contrast ratio. Consider using it for decorative elements, icons, or as a subtle overlay on images to add a touch of elegance without compromising usability. Properly implemented, Asphalt can enhance the overall visual appeal of a website while maintaining a professional aesthetic.
Interior Design
In interior design, Asphalt can serve as a bold accent color for walls or furniture, creating a dramatic and modern ambiance. It works particularly well in minimalist spaces where it can add a touch of sophistication and depth. When used for walls, it's crucial to balance it with lighter colors for the ceiling, flooring, and other decorative elements to prevent the room from feeling too dark and enclosed. Metallic accents like gold or silver can complement Asphalt beautifully, adding a luxurious touch to the overall design.
Beauty
Asphalt can be used as a base color for eyeshadow palettes, adding depth and dimension to eye makeup looks. The depth of the color makes it perfect to build a sultry, smokey eye. It can be paired with lighter shimmers or neutral matte shadows to create captivating and dramatic looks. The key is to blend it well to prevent harsh lines and build a soft gradient. Asphalt is also ideal for eyeliner, providing a softer, more natural alternative to black eyeliner, enhancing the eyes without appearing too severe.