Sepia Black
General Information about Sepia Black
The hex color #2D0104, also known as Sepia Black, is a very dark, desaturated shade of brown. It belongs to the family of brown colors, characterized by a mix of red, green, and blue light. In the RGB color model, #2D0104 consists of 17.65% red, 0.39% green, and 1.57% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 0% cyan, 97.73% magenta, 91.18% yellow, and 82.35% black. This combination of color components explains its dark, muted appearance. The color's name, Sepia Black, suggests a connection to sepia tones, which are often associated with old photographs and vintage aesthetics due to the presence of melanin. However, #2D0104 is an unusual representation of a sepia tone.
The hex color #2D0104, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its extremely dark nature. Its low luminance results in very poor contrast against lighter backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text or discern interface elements rendered in this color. Web developers should avoid using this color for text or critical interactive elements unless paired with a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, specifically a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Consider alternative color choices or adjustments to brightness to enhance readability and usability for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Proper testing with accessibility tools is crucial when using such a dark color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #330000
A slightly lighter shade of brown, offering a bit more visibility while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #800000
A dark maroon color can provide a similar feel while offering slightly better contrast against light backgrounds.
- #301934
A dark shade of purple that can serve as a substitute for this color
Applications
Vintage Web Design
Sepia Black (#2D0104) can be used to create a sense of vintage or antique aesthetics in web design. It evokes feelings of nostalgia and can add a touch of historical charm to websites. This color is often used sparingly to highlight specific elements or to create a subtle background texture. When incorporating Sepia Black, balance it with brighter, contrasting colors to prevent the design from appearing too dull or heavy. Consider pairing it with off-white or cream colors to enhance the vintage effect while maintaining readability and visual appeal.
Moody Interior Design
In interior design, Sepia Black can be utilized to create a sophisticated and moody atmosphere. It works well in spaces where a sense of drama or intimacy is desired, such as a home theater or a cozy reading nook. The color can be applied to walls, furniture, or accent pieces. To avoid overwhelming the space, balance it with lighter, warmer tones like gold or beige. Incorporating natural materials like wood and leather can also complement the Sepia Black and add a touch of organic texture.
Fashion design
In fashion, Sepia Black can provide a very dark neutral tone, ideal as a base color for a whole outfit or small elements such as accessories. It works well in formal and informal attires. Sepia Black can be matched with complementary colors for an original style.