Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #001094, is a deep, rich shade of blue. This color is composed of 0% red, 6.3% green, and 58% blue. In the RGB color space, Ultramarine's values are R:0, G:16, and B:148. In the CMYK color space, it's composed of 100% cyan, 89.2% magenta, 0% yellow, and 42% black. The name "Ultramarine" originates from the Latin "ultramarinus," meaning "beyond the sea," as it was originally derived from the mineral lapis lazuli, imported from distant lands. Historically, it was a highly prized and expensive pigment used by Renaissance painters for its vibrant and enduring color. Today, synthetic ultramarine provides a more accessible alternative while retaining the color's distinctive qualities. It is often associated with royalty, depth, and clarity.
The color #001094, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark hue. When used as a foreground color against a white background, it provides extremely low contrast, failing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. This can make text or interactive elements nearly impossible for users with visual impairments to discern. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with much lighter shades, such as light grays, yellows, or even near-white tones, to ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Avoid using this color for crucial interface elements without careful consideration of its impact on users with low vision or color blindness. Providing alternative high-contrast themes is also a good practice. Testing with accessibility tools is essential to validate compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Midnight Blue is a slightly lighter and more common shade of dark blue, providing better contrast in some contexts.
Navy Blue is another popular dark blue that is a bit more versatile than Ultramarine.
Royal Blue is a brighter and more vibrant blue that offers better visibility and is a good alternative if you want a pop of color.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine (#001094) can be utilized as a background color for website headers or footers to create a sense of sophistication and depth. It's crucial to use light-colored text on top of it to ensure readability. This color can also serve as an accent color for buttons or icons, but sparingly, and ensuring sufficient contrast. Furthermore, in data visualization, Ultramarine can represent a specific category or data set within charts and graphs, enhancing clarity and visual appeal. It can be incorporated into a website's branding through logos and graphical elements, but its usage should be carefully balanced with other colors to maintain a harmonious and accessible design.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Ultramarine (#001094) can be a stunning choice for evening wear, particularly for dresses or suits that exude elegance. It's often paired with metallic accents like gold or silver to enhance its richness. This color also works well for accessories such as scarves, handbags, or shoes, adding a touch of sophistication to an outfit. Ultramarine can also be incorporated into casual wear, such as denim jackets or sweaters, providing a classic yet stylish look. It's important to consider skin tone when incorporating Ultramarine into fashion, as it can appear more flattering on certain complexions. The color's depth and intensity make it a versatile option for both formal and informal attire.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine (#001094) can be used as an accent color to create a sense of depth and sophistication in a room. It can be applied to accent walls, upholstery, or decorative items such as vases and artwork. When paired with neutral colors like white, beige, or gray, Ultramarine can add a pop of color without overwhelming the space. It can also be used in combination with other shades of blue to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere. In larger spaces, Ultramarine can be used more boldly, such as for entire pieces of furniture or large-scale art installations. The color's richness and intensity make it a versatile option for creating both cozy and dramatic interiors.