Stratos
General Information about #000538
#000538, also known as Stratos, is a very dark shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family, but its extremely low brightness places it closer to black in terms of visual perception. This color is often associated with depth, mystery, and sophistication. Due to its deep and somber nature, it can evoke feelings of calmness, contemplation, and even melancholy. In color psychology, dark blues are often linked to trust, loyalty, and authority. However, the very dark nature of Stratos might temper these associations, emphasizing its more enigmatic qualities. It's important to use this color judiciously, considering its impact on mood and readability.
The hex color #000538, also known as Stratos, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low lightness value results in very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds. Text rendered in this color would be nearly illegible for most users, including those with normal vision. Individuals with low vision or color blindness would find it particularly difficult, if not impossible, to discern. Therefore, it is strongly advised against using #000538 for text or other essential visual elements without careful consideration of contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. #000538 falls far short of these recommendations when paired with white. To improve accessibility, consider using lighter shades of blues and purples or using a very light color for the background. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter blue can offer a similar aesthetic while significantly improving readability and accessibility, especially when used for text or interactive elements.
A darker shade of gray can provide a neutral background alternative, ensuring better contrast with lighter foreground elements and enhancing visual clarity.
This dark teal color provides a good contrast to lighter text, is visually appealing, and can be used as an alternative background color.
Applications
Website Footer Background
In web design, #000538 can be employed as a background color for website footers or navigation bars to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements to maintain readability and accessibility. Consider pairing it with lighter shades of blue or white for text, and using larger font sizes to enhance legibility. It may also be used as a subtle accent color to highlight specific areas of a website, provided that it doesn't compromise the overall visual hierarchy.
Bedroom Accent Wall
In interior design, #000538 can be used to create a dramatic and moody atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms or home theaters to evoke a sense of calmness and relaxation. Pair it with metallic accents like gold or silver to add a touch of luxury, or use it as an accent wall to create a focal point. It is important to balance the darkness of this color with lighter elements to prevent the room from feeling too enclosed.
Evening Wear
In fashion, #000538 can be utilized in elegant evening wear or formal attire. The deep, dark hue creates a sophisticated and mysterious look. It can be incorporated into velvet dresses, silk scarves, or as an accent color in tailored suits. To enhance the visual appeal, complement it with accessories in metallic tones or lighter shades of blue. Consider the overall skin tone and complexion when choosing to wear this color close to the face, as it can sometimes appear stark on very pale skin.