Sepia Black
General Information about Sepia Black
The color #300904, also known as Sepia Black, is a dark and muted shade of brown. It resides within the reddish-brown color family, characterized by its desaturated nature and low luminance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 18.82% red, 3.53% green, and 1.57% blue. Its CMYK values are approximately 0% cyan, 81% magenta, 92% yellow, and 81% black. This color evokes a sense of antiquity, warmth, and sophistication. Due to its dark nature, it is often used sparingly or as an accent color. The name 'Sepia Black' is reminiscent of sepia-toned photographs, which have a warm, brownish hue associated with vintage or aged images. It shares some similarities with colors like umber and dark sienna.
The color #300904, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low luminance value of 1.06 cd/m² results in a very poor contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds (e.g., #FFFFFF). According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Sepia Black falls far short of these recommendations, making it difficult for many users to read text or distinguish elements. To improve accessibility, avoid using #300904 for text or interactive elements on light backgrounds. If it must be used, pair it with a very light color to achieve an acceptable contrast ratio. Tools such as contrast checkers can help assess and adjust color combinations to meet accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4a240b
A slightly lighter shade of brown, this color provides better contrast while still maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #5e1a0f
A deep reddish-brown which has better visibility against light backgrounds than Sepia Black, improving readability and user experience.
- #421d07
This dark chocolate color is another brown alternative with a bit more brightness, leading to better perceived contrast on web pages.
Applications
Vintage Website Backgrounds
Sepia Black, with its deep and muted tone, can be effectively employed in website backgrounds to create a vintage or antique aesthetic. This is especially useful for sites focusing on historical content, artisanal products, or brands aiming for a classic feel. When using it as a background, ensure that the foreground text and elements have sufficient contrast (ideally using very light colors) to maintain readability and accessibility. This color evokes a sense of timelessness and sophistication, enhancing the overall user experience when applied thoughtfully.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Sepia Black can be used as an accent color to bring warmth and depth to a space. It works particularly well in studies, libraries, or dens where a cozy and intimate atmosphere is desired. Consider using it on walls, furniture, or decorative elements such as picture frames or vases. To avoid making the room feel too dark, pair it with lighter colors like creams, beiges, or soft greens. Sepia Black can also complement natural materials such as wood and leather, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Fashion Apparel and Accessories
In fashion, Sepia Black can be incorporated into clothing and accessories to create a sophisticated and understated look. It can be used in garments such as coats, sweaters, or trousers, as well as accessories like belts, bags, and shoes. Sepia Black pairs well with other neutral colors such as gray, beige, and cream. It can also be combined with richer colors like burgundy, olive green, or mustard yellow for a more striking effect. The color's dark and muted tone makes it a versatile choice for creating both casual and formal outfits.