Diesel
General Information about Diesel (#180208)
The hexadecimal color code #180208, also recognized as 'Diesel', represents a very dark shade of red-brown. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it comprises 9.41% red, 0.78% green, and 3.14% blue. This substantial imbalance results in its deep, muted appearance. In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 92% magenta, 17% yellow, and 91% black. The high percentage of black contributes to its darkness. 'Diesel' is rarely used as a primary color in design because of its low luminance value, which is only 0.61. Colors with such low luminance levels tend to be difficult to perceive and can pose accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Its aesthetic qualities make it suitable for backgrounds and accents.
The hex color #180208, often referred to as 'Diesel', presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low luminance, resulting from the very dark red and minimal green and blue components, means that text rendered in this color against a white or light background will likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. Specifically, it will not meet the minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio needed for normal-sized text or the 3:1 ratio required for large text and graphical objects. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to avoid using #180208 for text or interactive elements without a carefully chosen, much lighter background color. Alternatives could include shades of white, light grays, or very pale yellows to provide sufficient contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can accurately assess compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #280a0f
A slightly lighter shade of red-brown that provides a bit more visibility while retaining a similar aesthetic.
- #800000
A deep maroon that offers improved contrast compared to Diesel, making it more suitable for text.
- #362f2d
This dark gray-brown offers a neutral alternative, providing versatility in design.
Applications
Web Development Accent Color
In web development, #180208 can be used sparingly as a background accent color for specific sections where high contrast is not essential, such as footers or decorative elements. However, it should be avoided for text or interactive components due to its poor accessibility. Consider pairing it with lighter complementary colors to create visual interest while maintaining usability. For example, it could be used for subtle background textures behind imagery or as a border color for less critical visual elements. Careful consideration is needed to ensure it doesn't negatively impact the overall user experience.
Fashion: Elegant Accents
In the realm of fashion, 'Diesel' can be employed as a sophisticated, understated color for garments intended to convey elegance and mystery. Think of velvet dresses, leather accessories, or even subtle accents in textile patterns. This color evokes a sense of depth and richness, making it ideal for creating evening wear or adding a touch of intrigue to everyday outfits. When combined with metallic accents like gold or bronze, it can enhance the luxurious feel. Moreover, it serves as a superb base for layering with brighter, more vibrant colors, allowing them to pop and create visually striking ensembles. The color adds a touch of darkness when added to lighter garments, making them interesting.
Interiour: Moody Background
In interior design, Diesel (#180208) can be used to create a moody and sophisticated ambiance. Imagine it as the wall color in a home theater or a study, where the intention is to create a cozy and intimate space. It also works well for accent furniture like leather chairs or dark wood cabinets, bringing a touch of elegance and depth to the room. This color pairs well with warm lighting and textures like velvet or faux fur, which enhance its luxurious feel. Accenting with lighter colors such as gold or cream can also balance the darkness and prevent the room from feeling too enclosed.