Asphalt

General Information about #170A03

The hex color #170A03, commonly referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of brown, almost appearing black. It is composed of 9.02% red, 3.92% green, and 1.18% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as rgb(23, 10, 3). In the HSL color space, its hue is 25 degrees, saturation is 77%, and lightness is 5%. This color often evokes feelings of sophistication, depth, and earthiness. Due to its low luminance, it is typically used as a background or accent color rather than a primary color, especially when readability is important. In branding, asphalt can convey a sense of stability, reliability, and understated elegance. It's a color that designers often use when aiming for a muted, yet impactful aesthetic, often used in combination with lighter or more vibrant colors to create contrast and visual interest.

The hex color #170A03, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. When used as a foreground color, it necessitates a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between foreground and background colors should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Asphalt typically fails to meet these standards with most background colors except for very light shades. This is especially problematic for users with visual impairments, who require higher contrast to distinguish text and other elements on a screen. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the contrast ratio and consider using alternative, lighter colors to ensure that content is accessible to all users. Using color contrast tools can help determine if the color combination passes accessibility standards.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Design

  Asphalt is often used in website design to create a sophisticated and grounded aesthetic. It can be applied to backgrounds, headers, or footers to add depth without being overly distracting. In user interface design, asphalt can be employed for sidebars, navigation menus, and card backgrounds. By pairing it with lighter text colors and accent elements, designers can achieve a balance between elegance and usability. However, it is crucial to check the contrast ratios to ensure readability and accessibility, as this color is very dark and may not be suitable for all use cases, particularly smaller text or icons. Consider using it strategically to highlight key elements and create a hierarchy within the design.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, asphalt can be used to bring a sense of urban sophistication to a space. It can be applied to walls, flooring, or furniture to create a dark and moody atmosphere. When used sparingly, asphalt can add depth and contrast to a room, making lighter elements stand out. To balance its darkness, pair asphalt with natural materials, such as wood and stone, and incorporate plenty of light sources to prevent the space from feeling too gloomy. Accent colors like gold or copper can also add warmth and elegance to an asphalt-themed interior. Ensure good lighting to avoid creating a depressing or uncomfortable environment.

• Fashion

  In fashion, asphalt can be incorporated into clothing and accessories to create a chic and edgy look. A little black dress could adopt a similar shade, or it could be used as a primary color for jackets, trousers, or skirts. It can be paired with lighter colors or metallic accents for a balanced and stylish outfit. Asphalt colored accessories such as handbags or shoes can be used to add a touch of understated elegance to any ensemble. The versatility of asphalt allows it to be dressed up or down, making it a staple in many wardrobes. Just consider mixing it with textures and contrasting colors to avoid a monochrome effect.

Complementary color

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