Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#1A0112)
The hex color #1A0112, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark, desaturated shade of red. It falls within the reddish-brown color family and is characterized by its low brightness and intensity. In the RGB color model, #1A0112 is composed of 10.2% red, 0.4% green, and 7.1% blue. This composition contributes to its muted, earthy tone. The color is more frequently used for background elements, and should be avoided for text elements. In the HSV (or HSB) color space, it has a hue of 340 degrees, a saturation of 96.4%, and a brightness of 10.2%. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 96.4% magenta, 30.4% yellow, and 89.8% black. Asphalt is a versatile color that can be used to create a sophisticated, mysterious, or somber mood, and is therefore well suited for dark themes.
The hex color #1A0112, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. The contrast ratio against white (#FFFFFF) is very poor, making text rendered in this color difficult to read for individuals with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to avoid using #1A0112 for text or interactive elements on light backgrounds. If this color is essential for branding purposes, consider using it sparingly and only on large elements or as a background color paired with very light text. Always check the contrast ratio using a WCAG compliant contrast checker to meet accessibility standards. Utilizing techniques like text shadows or borders can improve readability somewhat, but a better approach involves selecting a more contrasting foreground color. Proper use of ARIA attributes can also assist screen readers in conveying information effectively, even when color contrast is suboptimal. Always test your designs with accessibility testing tools and real users to confirm usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Dark Theme Web Design
Asphalt (#1A0112) can be employed in website footers or headers to establish a dark, sophisticated theme. When pairing it with lighter text (such as #FFFFFF or similar), ensure the contrast adheres to WCAG guidelines for readability. Further consideration should be given to interactive elements like buttons and links, where hover states must provide sufficient visual feedback against this dark background. It should not be the primary background color for large blocks of text due to accessibility concerns.
Fashion Design
This color evokes a sense of mystery and depth, making it useful in fashion design, particularly for evening wear or gothic-inspired styles. It works well as a base color for intricate embroidery or embellishments in lighter shades, creating a visually striking contrast. Combining it with metallic accents can amplify the luxurious feel. It is often employed in fabrics like velvet or brocade to enhance its richness.
Interior Design
Asphalt is a very unique choice for interior design. When you consider the accessibility, it may be used only on decorative elements, or in a very bright room that is heavily lightened with white and / or yellow. The color should be avoided on large surfaces such as walls, because the color can feel quite overwhelming.