Sepia Black
General Information about Sepia Black
#2E0709, also known as Sepia Black, is a dark, muted shade of reddish-brown. It belongs to the brown color family, but has very strong undertones of red. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 18.04% red, 2.75% green, and 3.53% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 0% cyan, 84.85% magenta, 80.56% yellow, and 81.96% black. This color evokes a sense of warmth, earthiness, and sophistication. It can also be associated with feelings of nostalgia, tradition, and luxury. It's not a very bright color, which means that in most contexts it has to be used with a light font to maintain a good readability. Its darkness and mutedness make it suitable for use as a background.
The color #2E0709, a deep, muted red-brown, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low lightness value results in poor contrast against both white and black backgrounds. Text rendered in this color may be difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to read, including those with low vision or color blindness. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to avoid using this color for text or interactive elements without providing a significantly lighter background color to create sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Consider using online contrast checkers to verify compliance with WCAG guidelines. Furthermore, avoid relying solely on color to convey information, as users who are colorblind may not be able to distinguish this color from other similar dark shades.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4a1517
A slightly lighter shade of brown that offers improved contrast and readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #581845
A deep burgundy that provides a touch more visual interest and better contrast compared to Sepia Black.
- #40291d
This color shares the warmth of #2E0709 and works nicely as a background color.
Applications
Sophisticated Website Background
In web design, #2E0709 can be utilized as a background color for website sections that evoke feelings of sophistication, tradition, or luxury. It would be particularly effective for brands focused on high-end products or services such as wineries, leather goods, or artisanal crafts. When incorporating this color, it is crucial to pair it with contrasting text colors like white or a light beige to ensure readability. Also, consider using it for subtle accents like borders or dividers rather than large blocks of color. Its rich hue provides an excellent starting point for a darker palette, and it can be used to create a dramatic feel when used correctly.
Accent Color in Interior Design
In interior design, #2E0709 can be employed as an accent wall color in a study, library, or dining room to add a touch of warmth and elegance. It pairs well with natural wood tones, leather furniture, and metallic accents such as gold or brass. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, it is important to balance the color with lighter elements like off-white walls, light-colored rugs, and ample lighting. The color could also be used for smaller decorative elements like picture frames, vases, or throw pillows to add depth and richness to a room without overwhelming it.
Beauty and Cosmetics
This color is often seen in the beauty section, to paint nails or as a dark lipstick to underline character. It is also used for dying hair, mainly to darken the natural color and add a subtle gloss.