Sepia Black
About Sepia Black (#2B0005)
The color #2B0005 is a very dark shade of red, often described as Sepia Black due to its resemblance to aged sepia-toned photographs. It is composed of 17.1% red, 0% green, and 2% blue in the RGB color model. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 100% magenta, 89.8% yellow, and 82.9% black. This color is generally associated with feelings of sophistication, mystery, and vintage aesthetics. Due to its deep and muted nature, it's often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to create a subtle and understated atmosphere in design. It’s essential to consider its low luminance value when using it in visual applications to ensure readability and accessibility.
The color #2B0005, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to perceive, especially for individuals with visual impairments or color blindness. Using this color as text on a white background fails WCAG's AAA contrast ratio requirements by a significant margin. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to avoid using this color for text or interactive elements. If it must be used for aesthetic reasons, pair it with extremely light colors to provide sufficient contrast. Consider that even with careful pairing, readability will still be compromised for many users. Always prioritize accessibility by selecting colors with adequate contrast ratios to accommodate a wider range of users and comply with accessibility guidelines.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #40000a
A slightly lighter variant that improves visibility while retaining a similar dark, muted tone.
- #502000
A dark brown with better contrast for text and user interface elements.
- #440000
A good alternative for backgrounds, providing more depth without sacrificing legibility when paired with lighter text.
Applications
Subtle Background Accents
In web design, Sepia Black can be employed sparingly for subtle background accents or decorative elements to evoke a vintage or mysterious atmosphere. However, due to its darkness and low contrast, it's crucial to avoid using it for text or interactive components. Careful consideration should be given to its pairing with lighter, contrasting colors to ensure readability and accessibility. Sepia Black can be effective for creating a sophisticated and understated aesthetic when used thoughtfully in larger compositions.
Accent Color in Interior Design
In interior design, Sepia Black can serve as a grounding color in a room, lending depth and warmth to the space. It works best as an accent wall or for furniture pieces to complement brighter or more neutral tones. When paired with lighter hues and natural materials like wood and leather, Sepia Black can create a cozy and inviting ambiance. However, avoid using it excessively in small spaces, as it can make the area feel smaller and darker.
Garment base color
In fashion design, Sepia Black can be used to create garments with a sophisticated and understated look. It can be used for dresses, pants, skirts, or jackets, especially when paired with textured fabrics like velvet, silk or tweed. The color works best as a base color and can be combined with other dark colors to create a sense of elegance.