Asphalt
General Information about #180B09 (Asphalt)
The hex color #180B09, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark, muted shade that lies within the brown color family. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.41% red, 4.31% green, and 3.53% blue. In the CMYK color model, commonly used in printing, its composition is 0% cyan, 54.05% magenta, 62.16% yellow, and 90.59% black. This color is not particularly vibrant and tends to convey a sense of seriousness, sophistication, and stability. It is often associated with urban landscapes, industrial settings, and a sense of understated elegance. Its low luminance value makes it suitable for use in backgrounds or accents, provided that it is paired with contrasting elements to ensure readability and visual clarity. This color is not part of the standard web safe colors.
The hex color #180b09, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance value makes it difficult to discern text or interactive elements against a background of this color. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. The contrast ratio between #180b09 and white (#ffffff) is quite low, failing to meet the minimum requirements for normal text (4.5:1) or large text (3:1). Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid using this color for text or interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast. When using this color as background it is essential to ensure that the foreground elements have high contrast. Careful adjustments to the color scheme are needed to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and to provide a usable experience for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Providing alternative high-contrast themes can greatly improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, Asphalt (#180b09) can be utilized to create a sophisticated and understated background for sections or panels that require a subtle touch. It's well-suited for websites aiming for a modern, minimalist aesthetic, where the focus is on content and functionality. However, due to its darkness, it's crucial to pair it with light, high-contrast text and interactive elements to ensure readability and usability. It can also be effectively used for creating subtle dividers or borders to add depth to the layout, keeping the design clean and focused.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt can be employed as an accent wall color in a room with abundant natural light. Its dark, grounding presence can create a sense of warmth and intimacy. It is often paired with lighter, brighter furniture and décor to create a balanced and visually appealing space. It can also be used to paint doors or trim for a subtle touch of sophistication, offering a sophisticated alternative to stark black. It is important to avoid using this color in smaller spaces as it may make the room feel smaller.
Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Asphalt can be used as a base color for clothing items such as jackets, pants, or skirts, offering a sleek and versatile foundation for various outfits. It can be paired with brighter colors or patterns to create contrast and visual interest. It's an excellent choice for creating a sophisticated, urban look. Furthermore, accessories like belts, bags, or shoes in this color can add a subtle touch of elegance to any ensemble. The color is very versatile and can easily be used in all kinds of styles.