Sepia Black
General Information about #280700
The hex color code #280700 is a very dark shade of brown, sometimes referred to as 'Sepia Black.' It lies within the reddish-brown spectrum of colors and possesses an extremely low luminance value, making it appear almost black. This color is created by combining small amounts of red and green light, with virtually no blue light. In terms of color theory, #280700 evokes feelings of antiquity, richness, and perhaps even a touch of somberness. It is often associated with vintage aesthetics, old photographs, and historical documents. Its dark nature makes it challenging to use effectively in many applications, requiring careful consideration of contrast and context to avoid readability issues and ensure visual appeal. The sRGB values are R:40, G:7, B:0.
The color #280700, a very dark shade of brown, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to distinguish from black, posing problems for users with visual impairments. The contrast ratio against white is very poor, failing to meet WCAG standards for readability. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to use this color sparingly and pair it with much lighter colors to ensure sufficient contrast. Avoid using #280700 for text or important interactive elements without careful consideration of the contrast ratio. Providing alternative color schemes or allowing users to customize colors can further enhance accessibility for individuals with diverse visual needs. Larger font sizes and heavier font weights can somewhat alleviate the contrast issue but are not a substitute for a fundamentally better color pairing. Thoroughly testing with accessibility evaluation tools is essential when using very dark colors like this.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #331a00
A slightly lighter brown that provides a bit more visibility and contrast, making it a safer choice for text or interactive elements.
- #404040
A dark gray that offers better contrast against light backgrounds compared to the almost black #280700.
- #3b3017
A dark but rich chocolate brown that can offer a more pleasing visual experience while still maintaining a dark aesthetic.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #280700 can be used sparingly as an accent color for backgrounds or borders to evoke a sense of antiquity, mystery, or richness. Due to its very dark nature, it should not be used for text or interactive elements unless paired with a very light color to ensure adequate contrast. It might be suitable for creating a dark theme for a website or application, especially in conjunction with other dark shades and contrasting light elements. For instance, in a website related to historical artifacts or classic literature, this color might provide an appropriate aesthetic. Careful attention to accessibility is paramount to avoid excluding users with visual impairments.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Sepia Black can be applied as a deep, grounding color in furniture or accent walls. Given its boldness, it's most effective in rooms with ample natural light or in combination with lighter, contrasting colors to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed or somber. This color can be used to create a sophisticated and dramatic atmosphere, particularly when paired with metallic accents like gold or bronze. Think of a library or study where this color could contribute to a sense of history and tradition. The texture of the materials used alongside this color, such as velvet or leather, further enriches the sensory experience.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, this color can be used in garments or accessories where a subtle, sophisticated, and understated look is desired. It may be used in items such as leather bags, belts, or jackets to provide a subtle statement. When combined with lighter colors, like creams or whites, the color can provide a sophisticated contrast. Avoid using this color for entire outfits without contrasting colors as the darkness may overwhelm the overall aesthetic, appearing too severe or monotonous.