Sepia Black
General Information about Sepia Black
The hex color code #210003, also known as Sepia Black, is a very dark shade of red. It is composed of 12.94% red, 0% green, and 1.18% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as rgb(33, 0, 3). In the CMYK color space, it is composed of 0% cyan, 100% magenta, 90.91% yellow, and 87.06% black. Sepia Black is often associated with feelings of warmth, sophistication, and antiquity, reminiscent of old photographs and vintage aesthetics. This color's extremely low saturation and brightness make it a challenging color to use effectively, especially in applications where readability and contrast are important. It can be used sparingly to add depth and richness to designs, but it should be paired with lighter colors to balance its darkness.
The color #210003, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely dark nature results in very low contrast against lighter backgrounds, which is essential for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. Using #210003 for text on a white or light background would likely fail accessibility standards. To improve accessibility, it's recommended to pair this color with much lighter shades to ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, avoid using this color for crucial UI elements without proper contrast, as it can render them invisible to some users. Using color alone to convey information is also discouraged; always provide text alternatives. Testing with accessibility tools is vital.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #330000
A slightly lighter shade of black that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while still maintaining a dark aesthetic.
- #460505
A deep maroon that offers a warmer tone and slightly better visibility compared to pure black.
- #520808
This colour provides much better contrast on light backgrounds.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Sepia Black can be used sparingly for decorative elements or as a background for sections where high contrast is not critical. For instance, it could be used behind large images or as a subtle accent color in website footers or headers. However, it should never be used for essential text or interactive elements without ensuring sufficient contrast. In branding, it can convey sophistication and mystery, making it suitable for luxury brands or products. It should be paired with lighter colors to avoid a somber or difficult-to-read design. Using #210003 in print design, such as business cards or brochures, can add a touch of elegance but requires careful consideration of the surrounding colors and layout.
Fashion and Interior Design
In fashion, Sepia Black can be incorporated into designs as a base color for clothing items or as an accent for accessories. Its deep hue creates an elegant and sophisticated look, ideal for evening wear or formal attire. Consider combining it with lighter, contrasting colors like gold or cream to accentuate its richness. In interior design, Sepia Black can be used to create a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere. Paint a feature wall or incorporate it in furniture upholstery for a bold statement. Balance it with lighter, neutral tones to prevent the space from feeling too dark and overwhelming. Accessorize with metallic accents or vibrant pops of color to add visual interest and depth.
Graphic Design and Posters
Sepia Black can be used to create a vintage or retro look for posters and graphic designs. Its dark and muted tone adds a sense of nostalgia and can be combined with other vintage colors and fonts to achieve the desired aesthetic. Also this colour can be used as a background for light text.