Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#1C0508)
The hex color #1C0508, often referred to as Asphalt, is a very dark, desaturated shade of red. It sits low on the color spectrum in terms of brightness and saturation, giving it a muted, almost brownish appearance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 11% red, 2% green, and 3.1% blue. Its CMYK representation is 0% cyan, 72% magenta, 69% yellow, and 89% black. This indicates a high level of black pigment, contributing to its darkness. Asphalt's subdued nature lends itself to applications where subtlety and understated elegance are desired. Its dark value makes it a poor choice for primary text color against a light background, as the contrast is insufficient for readability.
The hex color #1C0508, also known as Asphalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance value of approximately 1.1% means that it offers very little contrast against a standard white background. This makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness, to distinguish text or elements using this color. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. #1C0508 falls far short of these recommendations. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with much lighter shades for text or interactive elements. When using this color for backgrounds, ensure that the foreground elements have sufficient contrast, ideally exceeding a contrast ratio of 7:1 to meet the highest accessibility standards. Employing tools that check color contrast can help designers make informed decisions to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e0b0f
A slightly lighter shade that offers a touch more visibility while retaining a similar dark, muted tone.
- #333333
A dark gray that provides better contrast against light backgrounds, improving readability.
- #301809
Using a brown similar to the original tone with more luminance can improve accessibility
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Asphalt can serve as a sophisticated background color for sections intended to convey a sense of depth, mystery, or understated elegance. For instance, a portfolio website might use this color for the footer or for interactive elements like a navigation bar. However, careful consideration must be given to the foreground elements. White or very light text is essential to ensure readability. Furthermore, interactive elements such as buttons or links must have clear visual cues to maintain usability and accessibility. It's best used sparingly to highlight certain areas, not for general readability purposes.
Interior Design Accent
Asphalt evokes a sense of industrial chic and can be employed to create a modern, edgy look. Imagine a living room with concrete walls, accented by furniture in this dark, muted tone. It pairs well with metallic accents like copper or brass, and natural materials such as wood or leather. Using this color for a sofa or a statement chair can anchor the room, providing a sense of groundedness. To prevent the space from feeling too heavy, incorporate lighter colors such as creams or beiges for the walls and textiles. Consider using the color as an accent for a gallery wall with lighter art pieces to create an eye-catching contrast.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, Asphalt can provide a bold, understated base for eye-catching accessories. Consider a sleek, asphalt-colored trench coat paired with vibrant scarves or statement jewelry. It can also be a sophisticated choice for footwear, such as boots or heels, adding an element of rugged elegance to an ensemble. The color lends itself well to minimalist aesthetics, where it can be used for dresses or jumpsuits, allowing the silhouette to take center stage. To avoid a drab appearance, incorporate textures like leather or suede to add depth and interest. The dark hue makes a perfect canvas for layering jewelry.