Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#160E00)
The hexadecimal color #160E00, also known as Asphalt, is an extremely dark shade of brown. It belongs to the brown color family. In the RGB color model, it consists of 8.63% red, 5.49% green, and 0% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 0% cyan, 36.4% magenta, 100% yellow, and 91.4% black. Asphalt has a hue angle of 39 degrees, a saturation of 100%, and a lightness of 4.3%. This color evokes feelings of earthiness and neutrality. Its darkness makes it suitable for creating contrast with lighter colors and providing a solid base for designs. The term 'Asphalt' suggests a connection to urban environments and industrial settings, often associated with strength and durability. This color is not very common in nature, which contributes to its somewhat unique and sophisticated appeal.
The color #160E00, a very dark, muted shade, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance means it requires careful consideration to ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #160E00 as a background color necessitates very light text colors to meet these standards. It is advisable to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that hover and focus states provide sufficient visual distinction to aid users with visual impairments. Due to its darkness, it is not recommended for large blocks of text or as the primary background color for an entire webpage. Consideration should be given to users with color blindness, as subtle color differences may be lost, and rely more on contrast and luminance. A light tint color will ensure a great accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design - Subtle Background
In web design, Asphalt (#160E00) can be employed as a subtle background for section dividers or footers. Its dark nature makes it suitable for creating a sense of depth and sophistication without being overly distracting. It pairs well with lighter text and accent colors to maintain readability and visual balance. Use it sparingly to highlight key elements and create visual hierarchy.
Interior Design - Accent Color
In interior design, Asphalt can serve as a grounding color for accent walls or furniture pieces. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows other colors and textures to stand out. When used in larger spaces, it's essential to balance it with lighter elements to prevent the room from feeling too dark or heavy. It is also ideal for smaller pieces of furniture.
Fashion - Versatile Neutral
In fashion, Asphalt can be incorporated into clothing designs as a versatile neutral. It works well as a base color for outerwear, pants, or skirts, allowing for the addition of brighter accessories or contrasting fabrics. Its understated elegance makes it suitable for both casual and formal wear.