Asphalt
General Information About Asphalt
The hexadecimal color code #160C0A represents a very dark, desaturated shade of brown, often referred to as Asphalt due to its resemblance to the color of paved roads. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 8.63% red, 4.71% green, and 3.92% blue. In the CMYK color model, its composition is 0% cyan, 45.45% magenta, 54.55% yellow, and 91.37% black. This color evokes a sense of sophistication, stability, and earthiness. Its muted nature makes it suitable for backgrounds, accents, and designs requiring a subtle, understated tone. The color is not very vibrant and is not usually considered as the main color in designs. The Asphalt color is often associated with serious and professional contexts.
The hex color #160C0A, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. Its contrast ratio against white is extremely poor, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to discern text or elements using this color. To ensure inclusivity, it is crucial to avoid using #160C0A for text or interactive elements on light backgrounds. When using it for decorative purposes, provide alternative cues, such as labels or larger font sizes, to enhance readability. Pairing this dark color with very light or bright colors is essential to meet accessibility standards. Also, carefully consider the colorblindness, and test the color with various colorblindness simulators to ensure that the information is still accessible. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to comply with WCAG guidelines and ensure usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #261c1a
A slightly lighter shade offers improved visibility while maintaining a similar dark aesthetic.
- #333333
A desaturated gray provides a more neutral alternative with better contrast against various backgrounds.
- #000000
Provides a high contrast against white, ensuring readability for text and other elements.
Applications
Website Background
Asphalt (#160C0A) can be effectively utilized as a background color for website sections where a dark, muted tone is desired. It creates a sophisticated and understated feel, particularly suitable for portfolios, landing pages, or sections highlighting specific content. To ensure readability, pair it with light-colored text and ensure sufficient contrast. This color evokes a sense of strength and reliability. The usage of asphalt can improve the user experience and add a layer of depth and class, especially for businesses trying to communicate a sense of quality. Also, ensure the content is easily scannable.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt (#160C0A) can be applied to create accent walls or provide a grounding element in a room. Its dark and neutral nature allows it to blend seamlessly with various decor styles, from modern minimalist to industrial chic. It pairs well with metallic accents and natural materials like wood and stone. Using it on furniture can provide a sophisticated feel, especially when paired with lighter fabrics. It is important to balance the darkness to avoid making the space feel enclosed. Consider the lighting.
Fashion Foundation
Asphalt (#160C0A) provides a solid neutral base for fashion designs. It is frequently used as a foundation to build striking clothing that stands out by contrasting vibrant hues. In addition, this color is appropriate for accessories like handbags, shoes, and belts that add a sense of understated elegance to any outfit. It has a distinct way of making clothing seem high-end and sophisticated. Its adaptability makes it an essential part of clothing collections since it allows for simple mixing and matching with a variety of styles and colors, which improves its attraction to both designers and customers.