Sepia Black
General Information about Sepia Black
Sepia Black, represented by the hexadecimal color code #220101, is a very dark shade of red. It evokes feelings of antiquity and muted elegance. The color is composed of 13.33% red, 0.39% green, and 0.39% blue. In the RGB color space, it has values of R:34, G:1, and B:1. In the CMYK color space, its composition is 0% cyan, 97.06% magenta, 97.06% yellow, and 86.67% black. This indicates that it's created primarily by absorbing cyan light and heavily relying on magenta, yellow and black pigments for its darkness and red undertones. Due to its extremely low brightness and saturation, it closely resembles black, hence the name 'Sepia Black'. It is not a commonly used color due to its strong muting properties.
The color #220101, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Due to its extremely low lightness value, it offers very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds. This lack of contrast makes it difficult for users, particularly those with visual impairments, to read text rendered in this color. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability. Sepia Black falls far short of these recommendations, meaning it should be avoided for critical text elements. When using this color, ensure sufficient contrast by pairing it with very light shades. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate the suitability of color combinations. Furthermore, consider providing alternative color themes or user-adjustable color settings to enhance accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #330303
A slightly lighter shade that offers a touch more visibility while maintaining a similar muted, dark aesthetic. This provides better contrast without drastically changing the intended feel.
- #40180d
A dark brown that still evokes a sense of warmth and depth, but with improved contrast against lighter backgrounds, making it a more accessible option.
- #440000
A muted burgundy, capturing the red undertones, while providing more visibility. Useful when a subtle accent color is needed instead of main text.
Applications
Subtle Background Accent
Sepia Black can be used in website footers or decorative elements to provide a subtle, sophisticated touch without overwhelming the design. Its dark hue makes it ideal for backgrounds that need to recede, allowing other elements to stand out. It is not suitable for text or essential UI components but can add depth to non-interactive areas. For example, consider using it as a background for a testimonials section, providing a muted backdrop to highlight the text content.
Vintage Design Element
This color is appropriate for creating a vintage or antique feel in graphic designs. Use it sparingly in logos, branding materials, or website headers to evoke a sense of history or nostalgia. When combined with aged textures and classic typography, it can contribute to a cohesive and evocative visual identity. Consider, for example, using it in a watermark or subtle overlay to age an image digitally.
Interior Design Accent
Sepia Black can be incorporated as an accent color in interior design, particularly in spaces aiming for a rustic or industrial aesthetic. Consider using it on metal hardware, such as doorknobs or light fixtures, or as a subtle paint wash on exposed brick walls to add depth and character. This color can complement natural materials like wood and leather, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.