Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#150F0B)
The hexadecimal color code #150F0B represents a very dark, muted shade of brown, often referred to as Asphalt due to its resemblance to the color of paved roads. This color is composed of 8.24% red, 5.88% green, and 4.31% blue. In the RGB color space, it has relatively low values, indicating its darkness. Asphalt is an achromatic color, meaning it lacks strong saturation and is closer to grayscale. The human eye generally perceives this color as somber and grounding, contributing to its use in designs aiming for seriousness or sophistication. Its subtle warmth prevents it from feeling cold or sterile, making it a versatile choice for backgrounds or accents.
The hex color #150F0B, often described as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value results in very poor contrast against white text, failing to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal text (AA) and large text (AAA). This means individuals with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, may struggle to read content presented in this color. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter color for text on an Asphalt background, or vice versa. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Tools are available online to check color contrast ratios and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Avoid using #150F0B for critical user interface elements or important information without ensuring sufficient contrast.
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Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Urban and Industrial Web Design
Asphalt is frequently employed to establish a feeling of urban grit or industrial sophistication. In web design, it can serve as a background for highlighting lighter content, especially in portfolio sites or online magazines focused on architecture or urban planning. Its muted tone allows other elements to stand out. It also finds use in data visualization to represent less significant information, avoiding visual noise that might distract from primary data points. In branding, especially for companies in the construction or engineering sectors, Asphalt can contribute to an image of solidity and reliability. It evokes concrete and solid materials.
Fashion and Interior Design Accent
In the realm of fashion, Asphalt serves as a neutral base for highlighting brighter colors or unique textures. It often appears in outerwear, footwear, or accessories, providing a grounding element that allows other pieces to shine. In interior design, Asphalt can create a sophisticated and understated atmosphere, particularly when paired with natural materials such as wood or stone. It is suitable for spaces that require a calm and focused environment, such as home offices or bedrooms. The color's grounding nature makes it a popular choice for accent walls or furniture.
Beauty and Cosmetics
In the beauty sector, Asphalt or colors close to it can make a statement without being too loud, a perfect option for creating a smoldering smoky eye effect. The color can also be used to create a base tone that brings out the brighter colors around it. Its dark nature also works well with nail-polish.