Sepia Black
General Information about Sepia Black
The color #30040C, commonly referred to as Sepia Black, is a very dark, muted shade of brown, almost black. It is composed of 18.82% red, 1.57% green, and 4.71% blue. In the RGB color space, it represents a very low intensity of light across all three primary colors. Its hexadecimal representation makes it easy to use in digital design and web development. The color evokes feelings of antiquity, sophistication, and understated elegance. Because of its dark nature, it is often used to create a sense of depth and grounding, particularly when used as an accent or background element. In the CMYK color model, it contains a high percentage of cyan, magenta, and yellow, with a significant amount of black, which contributes to its dark, muted appearance.
The color #30040C, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its extremely low luminance value results in a very poor contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds, falling far below WCAG recommended ratios for both normal and large text sizes. This can cause considerable difficulty for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision, color blindness, or age-related visual decline. To ensure readability, it is crucial to avoid using #30040C as a text color on light backgrounds. If it is essential to use this color, consider pairing it with a very light or white font color to maximize contrast. However, even with a white font, careful evaluation and testing with accessibility tools are necessary to verify sufficient contrast for diverse users. In broader design contexts, be mindful of the color's impact on users with visual impairments and consider alternative, more accessible color choices when possible.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #46231b
A slightly lighter shade of brown that provides a bit more visibility and contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #480607
A dark, muted red that offers a similar depth but with a slightly different tone, potentially improving contrast in some situations.
- #444444
A dark grey instead of the dark brown color can improve the readability
Applications
Vintage Web Design Accent
Sepia Black (#30040C) can be used sparingly in web design to create a vintage or antique aesthetic. It's suitable for backgrounds in small sections or as an accent color in elements like borders or icons. However, its low visibility makes it unsuitable for large blocks of text or important interactive elements. When using it, ensure sufficient contrast with other elements and consider providing alternative high-contrast themes for accessibility.
Sophisticated Fashion Base
In fashion, Sepia Black can be used as a base color for creating garments with a sophisticated, understated look. It works well for textured fabrics like velvet or corduroy. It also can be used for accessories such as leather belts or handbags, especially when paired with brighter or lighter contrasting colors. The color lends itself well for fall and winter collections, creating a sense of warmth and comfort.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #30040C can be used to add depth and warmth to a space. It's suitable for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when combined with lighter neutral tones. It works very well for wooden furniture or leather accents, creating a cozy and inviting environment. It is recommended to balance it with lighter and brighter elements to avoid making the room feel too dark.