Asphalt

General Information

The hexadecimal color code #16040B represents a very dark shade of red. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 8.63% red, 1.57% green, and 4.31% blue. When converted to the CMYK color model, its approximate values are 0% cyan, 81.6% magenta, 50% yellow, and 91.4% black. This composition indicates that #16040B is a predominantly desaturated and dark color, often perceived as a deep, muted brown or black with reddish undertones. It evokes a sense of sophistication and mystery, making it suitable for applications that require a subtle yet impactful visual presence. Colors like this are often used to create a strong yet subtle statement, relying on its depth and richness to add a touch of elegance.

The color #16040B, a very dark, desaturated shade of red, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used as text or interactive elements. Its extremely low lightness value of approximately 2.6% means that it lacks sufficient contrast against almost any background, including white. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with moderate visual impairments. #16040B fails to meet these standards against virtually any background. Therefore, avoid using this color for text, icons, or other interactive elements without careful consideration. When using it for decorative purposes, ensure it doesn't convey any critical information. Pairing it with a very light color, such as white or a pale yellow, as the foreground is mandatory to achieve acceptable contrast, but even then, it's crucial to test the contrast ratio using an accessibility tool to ensure compliance. It's essential to prioritize accessibility and choose color combinations that cater to users with visual impairments.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design Accent

  In web design, #16040B can be used sparingly as a background accent in dark-themed websites to create a sense of depth and sophistication. Due to its dark nature, it's unsuitable for primary text or interactive elements. When applied to backgrounds, ensure ample contrast with foreground elements using a very light color, such as white or a pastel shade. This color can also be used in website footers or decorative separators to add a subtle visual break. When designing for mobile applications, avoid using #16040B in areas that require high legibility or user interaction without proper contrast to ensure usability on different screen sizes and lighting conditions.

• Fashion Design

  In fashion, #16040B can be utilized as a base color for creating elegant and edgy outfits, especially when combined with contrasting textures and materials like leather, silk, or velvet. It is commonly used in gothic or alternative fashion styles for garments such as jackets, pants, and dresses. Additionally, it can serve as a complementary color in accessories like belts, shoes, or jewelry, providing a grounding element to bolder, brighter colors. The shade adds a touch of understated luxury and can be particularly effective in evening wear or formal attire, creating a sophisticated and mysterious aesthetic.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, #16040B can serve as an accent color in modern and minimalist spaces, providing a grounding element to brighter, more vibrant hues. It works well in small doses, such as in decorative pillows, artwork, or accent walls, to add depth and sophistication to a room. When used on walls, it is best suited for rooms with ample natural light to prevent the space from feeling too dark and enclosed. It can be effectively paired with metallic accents like gold or silver to create a luxurious and dramatic effect. Furthermore, this color could be incorporated into furniture, such as chairs or tables, to achieve a subtle, elegant touch.

Complementary color

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