Sepia Black
About Sepia Black
The hex color #310803, often referred to as Sepia Black, is a very dark shade of brown with a strong red undertone. It resides within the reddish-brown color space and is characterized by its extremely low brightness and high saturation of red, rendering it as a nearly black color with a noticeable sepia tint. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 19.22% red, 3.14% green, and 1.18% blue. This color is frequently used to convey feelings of nostalgia, antiquity, and earthiness. Due to its dark nature, it is often used as an accent color rather than a primary color, especially in digital interfaces and print media, as it can be difficult to read text against a background of this color.
The hex color #310803, also known as Sepia Black, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value results in very poor contrast against virtually any background color, including white. This makes text rendered in #310803 difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments, color vision deficiency, or even those with normal vision under less than ideal viewing conditions. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to avoid using #310803 for text or interactive elements. When using this color for decorative purposes, provide sufficient contrast with surrounding elements, or pair it with high-contrast colors. Tools such as contrast checkers should be utilized to verify compliance with WCAG guidelines.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Vintage-themed website design
Sepia Black (#310803) can be strategically used in website design to evoke a sense of vintage charm or historical authenticity. Its deep, muted tone works exceptionally well as a background accent color for sections featuring historical content or showcasing antique products. When employed sparingly, it can add a touch of understated elegance and sophistication, particularly when paired with lighter, contrasting elements to ensure readability and visual balance. This color is suitable for use in small amounts for visual appeal, but be cautious with its use for text or important UI elements due to low contrast.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Sepia Black can be utilized to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It can be used as an accent wall color in a library or study to bring a sense of warmth and sophistication to the room. When paired with rich textures like velvet or leather, it can enhance the overall sense of luxury and comfort. However, it is important to balance the darkness of the color with ample lighting to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed. Consider using lighter colors for furniture and accessories to create a visually appealing contrast.
Makeup and Fashion
Sepia Black is a sophisticated choice for makeup, particularly for creating a smoky eye effect. Its deep, muted tone adds depth and dimension to the eyes without being overly dramatic. It can be used as an eyeliner or eyeshadow to define the eyes and enhance their natural beauty. When paired with neutral lip colors and a subtle blush, it creates a balanced and elegant look. In fashion, Sepia Black can serve as a versatile base color for creating outfits with a vintage or earthy aesthetic. It pairs well with warm tones like olive green and mustard yellow.