Asphalt
General Information
The hex color #1A0309, often referred to as Asphalt due to its resemblance to the dark, tar-like substance used in road paving, is a very dark shade of red. It belongs to the family of dark reds and browns, possessing a minimal amount of saturation, contributing to its muted and subdued appearance. In the RGB color model, it's composed of 10.2% red, 1.2% green, and 3.5% blue. This composition results in a color that leans heavily towards the red spectrum, while the low percentages of green and blue contribute to its darkness. The color evokes feelings of depth, sophistication, and grounding, often associated with urban landscapes and industrial settings.
The color #1A0309, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. Its dark nature means that text rendered in this color requires extremely light foreground colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #1A0309 as a background necessitates careful selection of contrasting text colors to ensure readability for users, especially those with visual impairments. Insufficient contrast can result in text that is difficult or impossible to read, leading to a poor user experience. Therefore, designers should rigorously test color combinations using tools that measure contrast ratios and consider providing alternative high-contrast themes to accommodate users with different visual needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Subtle Web Accents
In web design, Asphalt (#1A0309) can be used sparingly for elements where subtlety is key, such as very fine line dividers or muted background accents. However, its darkness necessitates careful pairing with extremely light text colors to ensure readability and accessibility. It's particularly suited for creating a sophisticated, understated feel when used judiciously. Consider using it for non-essential visual elements to avoid compromising the user experience. For example, it can serve as a subtle background for image overlays, provided the text overlaying it has sufficient contrast. Remember to always prioritize accessibility by checking contrast ratios.
Sophisticated Interior Accents
In interior design, Asphalt (#1A0309) can be employed to create a grounding, sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in small doses, such as accent walls or furniture pieces, to add depth and richness to a space. When used in larger areas, it's essential to balance it with lighter, contrasting colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark and enclosed. This color pairs beautifully with metallics like gold or copper, as well as natural materials like wood and stone, creating a sense of warmth and luxury. Consider using it in rooms with ample natural light to maximize its visual impact and avoid overwhelming the space.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Asphalt (#1A0309) can be used as a base color for clothing items or accessories, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic. The color works best for structured garments such as jackets, skirts or even trousers. The color combines nicely with contrasting color accents or brighter tones to give a more vibrant look and feel. It's often used in combination with textures such as leather or velvet, creating depth and visual interest. The color is popular for evening- and formal wear. For accessories, it can serve as a subtle backdrop, allowing other design elements to take center stage.