Asphalt
General Information about #170308
The hexadecimal color code #170308, also known as Asphalt, represents a very dark, muted shade of red. It is composed of 9.02% red, 1.18% green, and 3.14% blue. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, these values translate to 23 red, 3 green, and 8 blue. The CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) equivalent is 0% cyan, 87% magenta, 65% yellow, and 91% black. This color is often associated with feelings of sophistication, mystery, and somberness. Its low brightness makes it suitable for backgrounds or accent elements where a subtle, grounding effect is desired. However, it is crucial to use it carefully to avoid readability issues, especially in text-heavy designs, due to its inherently low contrast.
The hex color #170308, often referred to as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to perceive, especially for individuals with visual impairments. The contrast ratio against a standard white background is critically low, falling far short of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommendations for both normal text and large text. To ensure accessibility, it is imperative to avoid using this color for text or interactive elements without substantial modifications. A lighter color should be used as a foreground. Using #170308 for backgrounds should also be carefully considered, ensuring that all content layered on top has sufficient contrast. Visual cues, such as borders or icons, must be implemented to improve usability for all users. Thorough testing with assistive technologies is essential to validate any design choices incorporating this dark hue.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Subtle Web Backgrounds
Asphalt (#170308) can serve as a subtle background in web design, particularly for sections intended to recede visually, such as footers or secondary content areas. When paired with high-contrast text (e.g., white or light gray), it creates a sophisticated, understated feel. It's crucial to maintain sufficient contrast to ensure readability and accessibility. The color is applicable for themes around a construction setting. The hue is perfect for backgrounds related to a documentary about road construction, or other film projects.
Urban Interior Accents
In interior design, Asphalt evokes a sense of urban chic and industrial minimalism. It can be used as an accent wall color or for furniture pieces to add depth and sophistication to a room. The color works well in combination with metallic accents (e.g., copper or bronze) and natural materials (e.g., wood or leather) to create a balanced and visually appealing space. Use this color for any project that has a modern vibe or setting.
Dark Website Theme
Asphalt can be used as a base color for dark themed websites where the goal is to reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the screen. It's important to have the right amount of contrast between the text and the background, so that the website remains readable and accessible. Using brighter colors as the text color can drastically improve the accessibility in dark mode.