Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#00029B)
The hex color #00029B is a very dark shade of blue, often referred to as ultramarine. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0% red, 0.78% green, and 61.18% blue. This combination gives it a deep, intense blue hue. The color is primarily used to create feelings of trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Its darkness makes it suitable for creating contrast and depth in designs. In art, ultramarine has been historically highly valued, derived from the mineral lapis lazuli. Digital design tools represent the color accurately through its hexadecimal code, facilitating consistent reproduction across various media.
The color #00029b, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used as text or interactive elements. Its low luminance (very dark) requires careful consideration of color contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. For normal text (size less than 18pt) a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 against the background is recommended. For large text (size 18pt and above) or bold text (size 14pt and above), a contrast ratio of 3:1 is acceptable. Given the darkness of #00029b, it is imperative to pair it with very light colors (such as white or very pale yellow) to achieve these contrast ratios. Using it with similar dark shades will make the text unreadable for many users. Consider using tools to evaluate color contrast and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against various backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A brighter, more vibrant blue that is easier to see and can be used to draw attention to specific elements on a page.
A desaturated blue that offers a more subtle and calming feel, suitable for backgrounds or less important elements.
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #00029b can be used sparingly for branding elements or specific accents. Due to its darkness, it is best suited for backgrounds when paired with light text, or for decorative purposes where accessibility is less critical. It's often seen in headers or footers of websites aiming for a sophisticated or corporate look. When used for interactive elements such as buttons, ensure sufficient contrast is maintained during hover and focus states. Furthermore, in data visualization, this dark blue can represent a category, but should be used judiciously in combination with lighter, contrasting colours for readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, this deep ultramarine can create a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere. It works exceptionally well as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, especially when complemented by lighter neutrals like white, beige, or gray. It can also be used in smaller doses in furniture, such as a velvet armchair or decorative cushions. The intensity of the color is best balanced with good lighting and reflective surfaces to prevent the space from feeling too dark or oppressive. Consider using gold or brass accents to enhance the luxurious feel.
Fashion
In fashion, ultramarine can be used to create elegant and sophisticated looks. It is a popular choice for evening gowns, suits, and formal wear. This colour can also be used as an accent colour in casual outfits, such as a scarf, a bag, or a pair of shoes. This would add a touch of sophistication to a simple outfit. Since it is a very dark colour, it pairs well with lighter colours, like white or beige, or with metallic accents, like gold or silver.