Sepia Black
General Information about #220000
The hexadecimal color code #220000 represents a very dark shade of red, often referred to as 'Sepia Black' due to its slight resemblance to sepia tones but with a darker, almost black appearance. In the RGB color model, it consists of 13.33% red, 0% green, and 0% blue. This means that the color is primarily composed of red light, with very little contribution from green and blue. It falls within the range of very low luminance colors, making it appear almost black to the human eye. Its primary usage is to impart a dark, moody, and subtly warm tone to designs. The color is best used sparingly due to its very low brightness.
The hex color #220000, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value (very dark) results in poor contrast against most background colors, making text and other elements difficult to read. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. #220000 falls far short of these recommendations when paired with typical light-colored backgrounds. To improve accessibility, web developers should avoid using #220000 for text or interactive elements unless a much lighter, contrasting color is used as the background. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if color combinations meet accessibility standards. Providing alternative high-contrast themes is also a good practice.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of black offers better readability while maintaining a dark aesthetic.
A dark brown that's a bit warmer and provides slightly better contrast than pure black.
This near-black hue provides a touch more visibility while retaining the desired dark undertones.
Applications
Website Design
In web design, #220000 can be used sparingly to create a sophisticated and mysterious atmosphere. It works well as a background color for small sections or elements where high readability is not crucial, such as decorative lines or borders. However, it should never be used as the primary text color, especially against a dark background, as this would severely impact accessibility. When using it, consider pairing it with a very light color, like #FFFFFF or #f0f0f0, to ensure sufficient contrast. Careful consideration is needed to ensure the overall user experience is not compromised.
Interior Design
In interior design, #220000 can be employed as an accent color to introduce depth and richness into a space. Think of it as a subtle shade for features like trimmings, moldings, or the base of furniture. This color evokes a sense of luxury and quiet confidence. When used correctly, it can serve as a grounding element that makes brighter, more vibrant colors stand out even more. The strategic use of lighting becomes very important to prevent a space from feeling too dark and unwelcoming. It is also a way to complement other elements, such as textures.
Fashion
In fashion, #220000 can serve as a unique alternative to traditional black, offering a subtle, warm undertone. It lends itself well to creating sophisticated and understated looks, particularly in garments made from luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk. The color works exceptionally well for evening wear or for adding a touch of understated elegance to everyday outfits. Consider pairing it with metallic accessories in gold or bronze to enhance the warm tones of the sepia black. This color is an excellent choice for accessories like leather bags or shoes.