Sepia Black
About Sepia Black (#280400)
The hexadecimal color code #280400 represents a very dark shade of reddish-brown, often described as Sepia Black. In the RGB color model, it consists of 15.69% red, 1.57% green, and 0% blue. This color is perceived as a very dark, muted, and earthy tone. Its primary characteristics include its low saturation and lightness, leading to its near-black appearance. Sepia Black evokes a sense of vintage or antique aesthetics due to its association with aged photographs and documents. It is a color that suggests depth and solemnity and might be associated with feelings of nostalgia or history. Due to its dark nature, it absorbs a significant amount of light and can make spaces appear smaller if used extensively.
The color #280400, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its extremely low lightness value results in very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Sepia Black likely fails to meet these criteria against many backgrounds, hindering readability for a wide range of users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Therefore, it should be used cautiously and paired with very light backgrounds to ensure sufficient contrast and meet accessibility standards. Using color contrast tools can help determine if the combination is adequate.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, Sepia Black can be used sparingly for decorative elements where readability is not crucial, such as thin lines or subtle background textures. However, it should be avoided for text or interactive elements due to its poor contrast. It can be used to create a vintage or antique look, but careful consideration must be given to accessibility standards.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Sepia Black can be employed in creating dark, mysterious, or edgy looks. It can be used as a base color for leather garments, accessories, or even in makeup for dramatic eye looks. Its deep, muted tone can add sophistication and depth to an outfit, provided it is balanced with lighter or brighter accent colors to avoid a drab or overwhelming appearance.
Interior Design Accents
In interior design, Sepia Black can serve as an accent color to add depth and warmth to a room. It works well in small doses, such as for picture frames, decorative bowls, or as a trim color. When paired with lighter, warmer colors like creams, beiges, or golds, it can contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Avoid using it as a primary wall color in small rooms, as it can make the space feel smaller and darker.