Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt
The hex color #180312, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark, desaturated shade of purple. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.41% red, 1.18% green, and 7.06% blue. This composition results in a very low luminance value, making it appear nearly black. The color is associated with themes such as darkness, sophistication, and mystery. It's frequently used in designs aiming for a modern or industrial aesthetic. Due to its darkness, it's crucial to pair it with lighter colors to provide sufficient contrast for readability and visual interest. Its low saturation also contributes to a muted, subtle feel, making it suitable for backgrounds and accents where a bold statement is not desired.
The color #180312, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value means that it offers very little contrast against both white and light-colored backgrounds. This poses readability issues for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability. Asphalt fails to meet these contrast standards with typical foreground colors. To improve accessibility, consider using much lighter text colors such as whites and very light grays, or using Asphalt sparingly for purely decorative elements where readability isn't critical. Testing with accessibility tools is highly recommended to validate compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Background
Asphalt can be effectively used as a background color for websites or applications aiming for a sophisticated, dark theme. The color evokes a sense of mystery and can make brighter elements 'pop'. It's especially effective when paired with neon or pastel accents to create visual interest. Consider using it for headers or sidebars to provide a visual anchor and a clear visual hierarchy. However, remember to choose a text color that offers sufficient contrast to ensure readability. For example, pairing #180312 with a vibrant teal or soft yellow can be visually striking while maintaining accessibility guidelines.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, Asphalt can be used as a base color for clothing, particularly in creating edgy or minimalist designs. It can be incorporated in fabrics such as leather or denim to achieve a rugged yet stylish look. It is well-suited to serve as the perfect neutral base to highlight other elements or colors. Accessorizing with lighter colors will help you create a vivid contrast. Asphalt can also be combined with metallic accents to create a visually engaging combination.
Interior Design
In interior design, Asphalt can be applied to create a sophisticated and modern space. It works well in spaces where you want to create a cozy atmosphere, like bedrooms and living rooms. It can serve as an accent color on walls, paired with brighter hues to create a statement. You can also use Asphalt in furniture. It is a versatile color to design minimalist and modern spaces.