Asphalt
General Information about #180A0C
The hex color #180A0C, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark, muted shade that evokes feelings of depth, seriousness, and understated sophistication. It belongs to the family of black and dark gray colors, and its composition primarily consists of a low presence of red, green, and blue, resulting in its subdued appearance. In the RGB color model, it is defined by R:24, G:10, and B:12. Its application is often preferred in design contexts where creating a subtle yet impactful visual impression is desired. The color's hex code provides a standardized way to refer to and use this specific shade across various digital platforms and design software, ensuring consistency in appearance.
The hex color #180A0C, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its very low luminance value of approximately 1% means that text or interactive elements using this color as a background are unlikely to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio. Adequate contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To ensure inclusivity, it is vital to pair this dark shade with extremely light colors, such as white or very pale yellow, for text and foreground elements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Utilizing accessibility evaluation tools during the design process is highly recommended to verify sufficient contrast and make necessary adjustments to improve readability and usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #281a1c
A slightly lighter shade that offers a bit more visibility while maintaining a similar dark and muted aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark gray that can serve as a more neutral background option, providing better contrast with lighter foreground elements.
- #302224
A slightly brighter asphalt color that may be useful to highlight elements.
Applications
Website Background
Asphalt (#180A0C) can serve as a dramatic and sophisticated background for websites related to urban themes, architecture, or industrial design. Its dark and muted tone creates a sense of depth and seriousness, drawing the user's eye to brighter content elements. This background color can be combined with a minimalist layout and a sans-serif typography for a modern and professional look. However, it's crucial to ensure high contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain readability and accessibility.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt can be used to create accent walls or provide a grounding element in a room. It works exceptionally well in spaces with natural light, where its dark tone can be balanced by brighter elements and textures. When used on walls, it allows furniture and artwork in lighter colors to stand out. It is also suitable for rooms designed to evoke a sense of calm and introspection, like studies or bedrooms, when paired with complementary muted tones and soft lighting.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, the Asphalt color can be incorporated in outfits and accessories to convey sophistication and a touch of urban edge. It serves as a neutral base that pairs well with a range of colors and textures. It is especially fitting for jackets, trousers, and shoes, lending a modern and understated elegance to one's look. This color can be accessorized with metallic accents or bold pops of color to add personality and visual interest.