Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt
The hexadecimal color #180309, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark, subdued shade that resides within the red-purple color space. Its composition consists of 9.41% red, 1.18% green, and 3.53% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (24, 3, 9). The color is often perceived as a sophisticated, grounding tone. Colors with very low saturation such as #180309 are not part of the grey color palette, because they are not purely composed of the same amounts of red, green, and blue. Due to its darkness, it's often used to create a sense of depth, formality, or even mystery in design applications. The dark and muted nature of Asphalt makes it suitable for creating backgrounds that don't distract from foreground elements or in designs where a somber or serious mood is desired.
The color #180309, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. Its dark nature results in very poor contrast against standard light backgrounds, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to discern text or other elements. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with very light hues, such as whites or very pale yellows, to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Avoid using this color for critical interactive elements like buttons or links without careful consideration of the surrounding colors. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools is essential to guarantee usability for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Dark Theme Web Design
Asphalt (#180309) can create dramatic and mysterious designs. Its dark, near-black tone evokes feelings of sophistication and urban landscapes. For web development, this color works well for backgrounds, headers, and footers, especially when aiming for a dark theme. When combined with lighter, contrasting colors, it can create visually appealing layouts. In fashion, Asphalt can be used in elegant, formal wear or edgy, streetwear designs. Consider using it for jackets, trousers, or accessories to add depth and boldness to an outfit. When used in interiors, Asphalt can provide a grounding effect, especially in spaces designed for relaxation or focus. It is suitable for accent walls or furniture pieces, paired with lighter elements to create a balanced and modern atmosphere.
Minimalistic fashion design
Asphalt (#180309) can be used as an accent color in minimalistic fashion designs, such as black belts or patches on jackets or trousers. Its dark, near-black tone evokes feelings of sophistication and urban landscapes. Its deep hue adds depth and structure to a simplistic design. When combined with brighter colors, it can create a strong contrast. In this case, it can be combined with brighter colors such as beige or even yellow.
Modern interiour design
Asphalt (#180309) can be used as an accent color in modern interiour designs, such as black lamps or picture frames. Its dark, near-black tone evokes feelings of sophistication and urban landscapes. Its deep hue adds depth and structure to a simplistic design. When combined with brighter colors, it can create a strong contrast. In this case, it can be combined with brighter colors such as white or even beige.