Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#1A050B)
The hexadecimal color code #1A050B, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark shade of red. It is composed of 10.2% red, 2% green, and 4.3% blue. In the RGB color space, it has values of R:26, G:5, and B:11. The CMYK representation of this color is C:0, M:0.81, Y:0.58, K:0.9. This color is generally perceived as a dark, muted tone, suitable for applications where subtlety and understated elegance are desired. Its low luminance value makes it challenging for use as a primary text color, requiring careful consideration of contrast ratios to maintain accessibility standards. The color creates a sophisticated, yet somber, feel, best suited for accentuating other brighter colors.
The color #1A050B, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. With such a dark hue, it creates very little contrast against similarly dark backgrounds, making text or elements using this color difficult to perceive, especially for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with significantly lighter colors for text and interactive elements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools and real users is essential to validate the color choices and prevent usability issues. Furthermore, avoid using #1A050B for crucial visual cues without providing alternative indicators, such as labels or icons, to accommodate users with color blindness or other visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #333333
A slightly lighter shade of gray can provide better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #2b1900
A dark brown offers a warmer alternative with potentially improved readability.
- #000000
A true black is a safe alternative if the user intention is to convey a very dark color but with higher contrast when needed
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Asphalt (#1A050B) can be used for subtle background elements or borders to create a sophisticated and understated feel. Its deep hue works well in combination with lighter text colors to ensure readability. However, it should be used sparingly for text itself due to accessibility concerns. Consider using it as an accent color in website headers or footers to add depth without overwhelming the design. In user interfaces, #1A050B can define sections or group elements, providing a visual hierarchy to the layout and contributing to a well-structured and intuitive user experience.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Asphalt (#1A050B) can be incorporated as a grounding element in a room. It can be used as an accent wall color in a minimalist or industrial space to add depth and visual interest, or it can serve as the color of furniture pieces like sofas or cabinets. When pairing Asphalt with other colors, consider using lighter, warmer tones like creams, beiges, or muted yellows to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Natural materials such as wood or stone complement Asphalt well, bringing a sense of organic warmth to the space.
Fashion Accent
Asphalt (#1A050B) serves as a sophisticated choice in fashion design, often employed in formal wear or accessories to convey elegance and subtlety. This dark hue works exceptionally well when used for structured garments such as tailored coats or trousers, adding a touch of refinement to the overall look. When incorporating Asphalt into an ensemble, contrast it with lighter fabrics or textures to prevent the outfit from appearing too somber. Accessories in metallic tones like silver or gold can further enhance the visual appeal, creating a balanced and eye-catching effect.