Asphalt
General Information about #1A010D (Asphalt)
The hexadecimal color code #1A010D, commonly referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of red. In the RGB color model, it consists of 10.2% red, 0.4% green, and 5.1% blue. When represented in the CMYK color model, it is composed of 0% cyan, 96.1% magenta, 50% yellow, and 89.8% black. This color is often associated with feelings of depth, mystery, and sophistication. Due to its low saturation and luminance, it appears almost black to the human eye. Its use in design often requires careful consideration of contrast and surrounding colors to ensure visibility and readability, especially when used for text or interactive elements. The color evokes associations with urban landscapes, industrial settings, and subtle elegance. Understanding the nuances of this color is essential for its effective application in various design contexts.
The hex color #1A010D, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its very low luminance value of 0.004 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, falling far short of WCAG recommended contrast ratios for normal text (4.5:1) and large text (3:1). Using this color for text or interactive elements requires careful consideration of background colors. Ideally, it should be paired with very light shades to ensure readability. Additionally, avoid using this color for essential UI elements as users with low vision may struggle to perceive them. Alternatives to #1A010D should be considered where accessibility is a key requirement. The perceived darkness of this color also potentially violates accessibility standards for users with photosensitivity if used in ways that produce flickering or strobe effects.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design and UI
Asphalt (#1A010D) can be effectively utilized in web design as a background accent or a subtle divider. Its dark and muted tone adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the user. It can be used for website headers, footers, or sidebars to create visual separation and emphasize important content. However, careful consideration must be given to text color and contrast to ensure readability. For example, pairing it with a bright, contrasting color like white or a light pastel can create an engaging and accessible user experience. In UI design, it can be used for dark mode themes to reduce eye strain in low-light environments, offering a modern and sleek aesthetic.
Beauty and Fashion
In the realm of beauty and fashion, Asphalt (#1A010D) embodies a sense of mystery and understated elegance. It can be used as a sophisticated nail polish color, offering an alternative to traditional black. In fashion, it can be incorporated into accessories such as belts, scarves, or handbags, providing a subtle yet impactful accent. It can also be used in eye shadow palettes to create smoky eye looks, lending depth and intensity to the eyes. This color works well in creating a unique style. Considering the tone is very dark, pairing it with vibrant colors is advised.
Interior Design
In interior design, Asphalt (#1A010D) can be employed to create a modern and industrial aesthetic. It can be used as a wall color in a minimalist living room or as a cabinet finish in a contemporary kitchen. Its dark and grounding presence can add depth and sophistication to a space. When using Asphalt in interior design, it is important to balance it with lighter colors and textures to prevent the room from feeling too dark or heavy. Accents of white, gray, and natural wood can create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Using metallic accents can also enhance the industrial feel. Consider that good lighting is very important in such a room.