Asphalt
About Hex Color #17040A
The hexadecimal color code #17040A represents a very dark, muted shade of red. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.02% red, 1.57% green, and 3.92% blue. This color is often associated with Asphalt due to its dark, almost black appearance with subtle reddish undertones. It is frequently used in design contexts where a dark, sophisticated, or mysterious aesthetic is desired. Because of its low saturation and luminance, it is generally not suitable for situations requiring high visibility or readability, such as body text on web pages. Understanding the composition of this color helps designers use it effectively, combining it with complementary or contrasting colors to create visually appealing compositions.
The color #17040A, a very dark, muted shade of red, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance results in poor contrast against most background colors, especially white. Text rendered in this color would be difficult to read for users with normal vision, and nearly impossible for those with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider using much lighter text colors or using #17040A solely for decorative elements where legibility isn't critical. Contrast ratios should be carefully evaluated using WCAG guidelines to ensure sufficient contrast. Tools that measure contrast ratio will show a significant failure, and designers should ensure that adjacent colors provide enough contrast. Furthermore, avoid using this color to convey important information without redundant cues like icons or text labels in an accessible color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Header Accent
In web design, #17040A can be used sparingly as a background accent for headers or footers to create a sophisticated and mysterious aesthetic. Due to its darkness, it pairs well with lighter, contrasting text to ensure readability. For instance, use it as a backdrop for a website's navigation bar with white or very light grey text. It's best suited for websites aiming for a dark theme, or those wanting to convey a sense of luxury or exclusivity. However, care must be taken to maintain adequate contrast to meet accessibility standards.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt (#17040A) can be used as a dominant color for accent walls or in small spaces like home theaters to create a sense of intimacy and enclosure. It works best when paired with lighter, reflective elements like metallic accents or light-colored furniture to prevent the space from feeling too dark and oppressive. Consider using it behind a shelving unit to make lighter display items stand out, or on a feature wall to highlight artwork with bright colors. Proper lighting is crucial when using such a dark color to ensure the room remains inviting.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, #17040A (Asphalt) can be used as the primary color for elegant evening wear or accessories such as handbags and belts. Its dark, sophisticated hue complements a variety of skin tones and can be paired with metallic jewelry or colorful scarves for a striking contrast. It's also effective in menswear, used for tailored suits or casual jackets, offering a versatile and understated look. This color provides a grounding element, allowing brighter or more extravagant pieces to take center stage.