Sepia Black
General Information about Sepia Black
Sepia Black, represented by the hexadecimal color code #280100, is a dark, muted shade of brown, leaning towards the red spectrum. Its name suggests a connection to the sepia tones often found in old photographs, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. This color is created by combining a small amount of red with very little green and blue, resulting in a deeply saturated, low-luminance hue. Due to its dark nature, Sepia Black is often perceived as sophisticated, refined, and somewhat mysterious. In color psychology, dark browns like Sepia Black can be associated with stability, reliability, and a sense of groundedness. It is not a commonly used color in mainstream design due to its limited versatility and potential accessibility issues, but it can be effective in niche applications that require a vintage or antique aesthetic. The sRGB values are R:40, G:1, B:0 and the CMYK values are C:0, M:0.98, Y:1, K:0.84.
The color #280100, a deep, muted red-brown, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value of approximately 1.4 means that text rendered in this color against a white or light background will have extremely poor contrast. It would fail WCAG AA and AAA standards for contrast ratio in most text sizes. Therefore, it should not be used for text unless paired with a very light color (e.g., near-white) for the background. When using #280100 for UI elements, consider using a lighter shade of brown or beige for interactive elements like button text. Ensure sufficient contrast (at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text) is achieved to comply with accessibility guidelines. Providing alternative high-contrast themes is recommended to accommodate users with visual impairments. In general, this color is best suited for purely decorative purposes where text legibility is not a primary concern.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Vintage Web Design
In web design, Sepia Black (#280100) is an excellent choice for adding subtle accents to vintage-themed websites or creating a sophisticated, understated atmosphere. It can be applied to borders, dividers, or background elements to evoke a sense of history and elegance. When used sparingly, it can create a professional and mature feel, enhancing the overall design without overpowering other colors. Due to its dark tone, consider using it as a background color with white or very light text to ensure readability and maintain accessibility standards. Sepia Black is also suitable for icons or graphical elements where a muted, refined appearance is desired.
Cozy Interior Design
In interior design, Sepia Black evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and timelessness. Use in accent walls or furniture to create an inviting space. Complement with natural materials like wood and leather to enhance warmth and depth. Sepia Black creates a cozy and restful ambiance in bedrooms and living rooms. Pair with neutral colors such as beige, cream, or gray for a balanced and harmonious look. Metallic accents such as gold or bronze can add a touch of luxury. Accessorize with soft textiles such as velvet or wool to create an inviting and tactile environment.
Elegant Fashion
In fashion, Sepia Black presents a unique alternative to traditional black, offering a warmer, more subdued palette for creating elegant and timeless outfits. It can be used for various garments, including dresses, coats, and trousers, providing a sophisticated and understated look. Combine Sepia Black with complementary colors such as cream, gold, or olive green to enhance the richness and depth of the overall ensemble. Sepia Black is also ideal for accessories like belts, handbags, and shoes, adding a touch of refinement to any outfit. This versatile color works well in both casual and formal settings, making it a must-have in any fashion collection.