Sepia Black
General Information About Sepia Black
The hexadecimal color code #2B0207, commonly referred to as Sepia Black, is a very dark shade of red. It consists of 17.1% red, 0.8% green, and 2.7% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:43, G:2, B:7. The HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) values are H:352°, S:91.3%, L:8.8%. In the context of color theory, Sepia Black evokes a sense of antiquity, sophistication, and understated elegance. Its muted nature makes it less vibrant than pure black, lending a softer, warmer tone reminiscent of aged photographs and vintage documents. This color is frequently used to create a sense of depth and richness in designs, offering a subtle alternative to stark black tones. In CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black), the values are C:0%, M:95%, Y:84%, K:83%.
The hex color #2B0207, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of 1.3 makes it difficult to distinguish from true black and other dark shades. Consequently, using this color as text on a white or light background fails to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards for contrast ratio, requiring a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text. For large text (14pt bold/18pt regular), the minimum ratio is 3:1. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text to ensure readability. Developers should carefully consider color contrast when using #2B0207, providing sufficient contrast for all users. Alternatives include lighter shades or pairings with contrasting hues to improve visibility and overall accessibility. Tools for checking color contrast can assist in making informed decisions.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #330008
A slightly lighter shade of brown that offers better contrast against light backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #800000
A deep red that provides a bolder alternative, offering increased visibility and improved accessibility.
- #444444
A dark gray tone that serves as a neutral alternative with improved contrast for text and user interface elements.
Applications
Vintage Web Design Accent
In web design, Sepia Black can serve as an accent color for backgrounds or dividers, lending a touch of vintage sophistication. It can also be used sparingly for text elements when paired with a high-contrast background. This color is suitable for websites aiming for a classic or historical aesthetic, or in themes where a darker palette is preferred. Ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements to maintain readability and accessibility, particularly for interactive components and textual content. Using it as a background for images can also create a unique effect.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Sepia Black can be used as a grounding color in outfits, paired with brighter hues for contrast, or as a sophisticated monochromatic base. It could be ideal for leather accessories such as belts and shoes, or in knitwear and outerwear, offering a subdued yet elegant appeal. As a nail polish colour, it provides a classic and understated appearance for everyday wear. It evokes feelings of sophistication and timelessness, fitting well with various styles from modern to vintage. The colour is adaptable and suitable for creating both statement pieces and subtle everyday elegance.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Sepia Black can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It is suitable for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, or for furniture pieces that act as anchors in a room. Combine it with lighter, warmer colors such as creams and golds to brighten the space and add balance. Sepia Black can also be incorporated into decorative elements such as cushions, curtains, or rugs to add depth and sophistication to a room. Careful consideration of lighting is crucial, ensuring that the space does not become too dark and uninviting.