Sepia Black

General Information about Sepia Black

The hex color #280205, also known as Sepia Black, is a very dark shade of red-brown. It is composed of 15.7% red, 0.8% green, and 2% blue. In the RGB color model, it has values of R:40, G:2, and B:5. The color is best described as a muted, deep tone that evokes a sense of age, nostalgia, and subdued elegance. The low values across all three color channels result in a color with very little luminance, making it appear almost black. Sepia Black can be used to represent sophistication and can bring a certain gravitas to designs. Its close resemblance to black makes it useful as a subtle alternative when pure black seems too stark. Its name suggests a connection to sepia tones used in photography, which contribute to its vintage feel. In print, the CMYK values are C:0, M:95, Y:88, K:84.

The hex color #280205, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely low luminance value results in very poor contrast against common background colors like white. This lack of contrast makes text and other elements using this color difficult to read for users, especially those with visual impairments such as low vision or color blindness. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize the importance of sufficient contrast ratios to ensure readability. Using #280205 for text on a white background would fail WCAG's contrast ratio requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using this color for text or important interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast. When using #280205, ensure that it is paired with a very light color to achieve an acceptable contrast ratio. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios and verify compliance with accessibility standards. Alternatives should be considered where possible to improve accessibility.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Fashion Accent Color

  In fashion, Sepia Black (#280205) can be used as an accent color in clothing designs to add a touch of understated elegance. It works well for creating subtle patterns or providing depth to darker garments. It could be used for accessories like belts or buttons on lighter fabrics for contrast, or on darker shades of red for a matching, bold look. This color is particularly suited for creating a sophisticated and mysterious vibe in high-fashion designs. The shade is reminiscent of old photographs and times gone by, and brings that sense of nostalgia with it.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, Sepia Black can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It works well in small doses, such as for accent walls or decorative elements, in living rooms or bedrooms. This color pairs well with warmer, lighter tones such as beige or cream to balance the darkness and create a visually appealing space. Using #280205 for furniture or textiles can add a touch of sophistication and luxury to a room, especially when contrasted with lighter elements to prevent the room from feeling too dark. Sepia Black is great in modern interior design.

• Web Design Accent

  In web design, Sepia Black is not good for text, but rather for backgrounds or decorative accents where readability is not an issue. It can be used in website headers or footers to add a touch of sophistication. The dark color works well to create a sense of depth on the webpage. It can also be used sparingly for borders or dividers, as long as it doesn't compromise the overall accessibility of the website. Given its low contrast, it must be used very carefully and tested thoroughly with accessibility tools. Consider using it with brighter, contrasting colors to ensure readability.

Complementary color

Buttons