Diesel
General Information
The hex color #190106, also known as Diesel, is a very dark, subdued shade of red. It belongs to the reddish-brown color family and is characterized by its extremely low saturation and lightness. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it consists of 9.8% red, 0.4% green, and 2.4% blue. When converted to the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color model, it comprises 0% cyan, 96% magenta, 76% yellow, and 90% black. This color exudes a sense of depth, mystery, and sophistication, making it suitable for applications where a touch of understated elegance is desired. However, its darkness necessitates careful consideration of contrast and accessibility to ensure readability and usability.
The hex color #190106, often referred to as Diesel, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low lightness value results in very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds, making text and other visual elements nearly illegible for users with normal vision. For individuals with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness, the color may be entirely indistinguishable from a black background. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid using #190106 for text, icons, or interactive elements without ensuring a sufficiently high contrast ratio. When utilizing this color, pairing it with very light shades of yellow, beige, or white is essential. Additionally, providing alternative visual cues, such as outlines or textures, can improve accessibility for all users. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend specific contrast ratios for different text sizes to ensure readability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Elegant Backgrounds
In web design, #190106 can serve as a sophisticated background color for sections intended to evoke a sense of luxury or exclusivity. Given its darkness, it’s vital to pair it with high-contrast text (e.g., white or a light gold). Consider using it for website headers, footers, or distinct content blocks. For instance, a high-end watch brand might utilize this color to display their new collection, combining it with elegant typography and product photography. Moreover, ensure that interactive elements maintain adequate contrast for accessibility, such as buttons with white text and a subtle hover effect to guide the user's eye. It's a color best used sparingly and thoughtfully.
Fashion Accents
In the fashion world, the color #190106 (Diesel) can be used as an accent color for garments designed to convey a sense of understated luxury and sophistication. Imagine a collection of leather jackets or accessories where subtle touches of this dark color are combined with lighter, contrasting materials like cream-colored silk or brushed metal. For example, a designer might use this color for the lining of a trench coat or the stitching details on a handbag. The key is to use it sparingly and in combination with other colors and textures to create visual interest and depth. Using this color in fashion requires a deep understanding of texture, material, and contrast to make the design pop.
Interior Design
In interior design, #190106 can be applied as an accent wall color in spaces designed to create an intimate and luxurious ambiance. This deep, dark shade works well in bedrooms, home theaters, or libraries, especially when paired with warm lighting and opulent textures like velvet or satin. When incorporating this color, balance is key. Too much of it can make a space feel claustrophobic, so use it sparingly, accentuating it with lighter elements like artwork with gold frames, light colored furniture, and accessories with metallic accents. Consider using this color for smaller areas, like a reading nook or a home bar, to achieve the desired effect without overwhelming the room.