Sepia Black
General Information about Sepia Black
The hexadecimal color code #290004, also known as Sepia Black, is a very dark shade of red. It is composed of 16.08% red, 0% green, and 1.57% blue. In the RGB color model, #290004 consists of 41 red, 0 green, and 4 blue. This color has a hue angle of 354 degrees, a saturation of 100%, and a lightness of 8%. Sepia Black is often associated with feelings of sophistication, luxury, and tradition. Its deep, rich tone can evoke a sense of history and elegance, making it suitable for designs that aim to convey these qualities. However, its darkness requires careful consideration in design to ensure readability and accessibility, especially when used for text or as a background color. This color is not one of the 16 HTML color names and so needs to be specified using its hexadecimal representation.
The hex color #290004, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely dark nature results in very low contrast against typical light backgrounds, making it difficult for users to read text or distinguish elements. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability, particularly for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, avoid using #290004 for text or important interactive elements on light backgrounds. If this color is essential for branding, consider using it sparingly and always pair it with very light or bright colors to ensure adequate contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the contrast ratio meets accessibility standards. Using larger font sizes or adding text shadows can also marginally improve readability, but a better solution is to adjust the color palette to include lighter, more accessible alternatives.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #330008
A slightly lighter shade that offers better contrast while maintaining a similar dark aesthetic.
- #400008
A dark red that provides a visual alternative while improving readability against light backgrounds.
- #361c00
A dark brown that can serve as a softer, more accessible alternative while retaining a similar mood.
Applications
Website Header/Footer Design
Sepia Black (#290004) can be effectively used in website headers or footers to create a sophisticated and grounded feel. When designing a website for a luxury brand or a historical archive, this color can evoke a sense of timelessness and elegance. However, it's crucial to pair it with contrasting elements like white or gold to ensure readability and prevent the design from feeling too heavy. This color should be used sparingly to highlight specific sections or elements, not as a primary background color, to maintain a user-friendly experience. Furthermore, ensure that any text placed on this background meets accessibility standards for contrast ratio, optimizing for users with visual impairments.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Sepia Black (#290004) can serve as an accent color in a room, particularly in furniture or decorative pieces. Imagine a luxurious velvet couch or a set of elegant throw pillows in this deep shade, complemented by lighter, neutral walls and brighter accents. This color works well in creating a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, especially in living rooms or studies. It pairs effectively with metallic elements like gold or brass, enhancing the sense of luxury. Ensure that the overall lighting in the room is adequate to prevent the space from feeling too dark or oppressive. Introducing lighter textures and reflective surfaces can also help balance the deepness of Sepia Black, creating a harmonious and inviting environment.
Dramatic Eye Makeup
Sepia Black can be used to create dramatic eye makeup looks. It can be incorporated in smoky eye looks for evening events. Using it in makeup ensures to create depth and definition. Due to its dark nature, pair it with brighter highlight colors.