Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt
#170904, also known as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of brown. It belongs to the dark-tone colors group and evokes feelings of earthiness, stability, and grounding. Its hexadecimal representation indicates a composition of 9.02% red, 3.53% green, and 1.57% blue. In the RGB color space, it translates to R:23, G:9, B:4. The color's low saturation and luminance make it a challenging color to work with, particularly in applications where readability is crucial. It often evokes a sense of mystery, somberness, or understated elegance. Due to the high density of darkness, this color absorbs most light.
The color #170904, a very dark, desaturated shade of brown, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to distinguish from black, which can cause problems for users with low vision or color blindness. The contrast ratio against white is very poor, falling far short of WCAG guidelines for readability. Therefore, using this color for text or interactive elements is strongly discouraged. If it must be used, ensure sufficient contrast with a very light background color, and consider providing alternative styling options for users who need them. Additionally, avoid relying solely on color to convey information, as users with color vision deficiencies may not be able to perceive the intended message. Careful consideration and thorough testing are crucial to ensure an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, this color can be used sparingly as a background for non-interactive elements, such as dividers or purely decorative sections. However, it should never be used for text, buttons, or other interactive components due to its poor readability. When used in backgrounds, pair it with very light text and ensure sufficient spacing to improve legibility. It can also be incorporated into website branding for companies aiming to convey a sense of understated luxury, or a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Careful planning and rigorous accessibility testing are crucial when using this color.
Interior Design
In interior design, #170904 can be used as an accent color in small doses. It works well for grounding a space or adding depth to a room. It could be used on a feature wall, but only if the room has ample natural light and lighter-colored furniture to balance the darkness. It can be paired with metallic accents like gold or bronze for a luxurious feel, or with natural materials like wood and stone for a more organic look. However, avoid using it in small, poorly lit spaces, as it can make the room feel cramped and depressing.
Fashion
In fashion, asphalt is a unique color choice to create subtle garments. It can be used for pieces such as handbags or shoes to add a subtle edge. It can also be used as a base garment which can be accompanied by lighter accents for a contrast. If you want to be bold, a whole garment in that color can work for evening events.