Blue Whale
General Information about #002048
#002048, also known as "Blue Whale", is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, stability, and professionalism. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0% red, 12.5% green, and 28.2% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 100% cyan, 56% magenta, 0% yellow, and 72% black. This color is often associated with trust, authority, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and designs that aim to convey reliability. Its hexadecimal code, #002048, is a shorthand representation that web designers and developers use to specify colors in HTML, CSS, and other digital formats. The color's depth makes it a versatile option, suitable for backgrounds, text, and other design elements where a strong, grounding presence is desired. It requires careful consideration of contrast to ensure readability and accessibility.
The hex color #002048, often referred to as "Blue Whale," presents specific accessibility considerations, particularly in web design. Its dark hue signifies a low level of luminance, which implies that it is often not suitable as a background color unless paired with a very light foreground color to ensure sufficient contrast. A lack of contrast between foreground and background elements can lead to readability issues, especially for users with visual impairments. To maintain compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should ideally be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, designers should carefully evaluate color combinations using tools that measure contrast ratios to avoid inadvertently creating barriers for users with disabilities. When using #002048, using very light colors like #FFFFFF or #FAF9F6 helps to provide enough contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter blue, #003366, offers a similar aesthetic but provides marginally better contrast when paired with lighter text.
Navy blue, #000080, is a classic alternative that can be more universally accepted and easier to work with in various design contexts while maintaining a professional feel.
Oxford Blue, #283593, is another close alternative which provides a more muted alternative that works well with brighter accent colors.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #002048 can be used for website headers, navigation bars, or as a background for specific content sections. When using it as a background, be sure to use a very light foreground color to ensure text is readable. The deep color can evoke a sense of trust and stability, making it suitable for corporate websites or financial institutions. It's a good choice for creating a professional and reliable brand image. This color also works well for data visualizations where different shades of blue can represent varying data values.
Interior Design
In interior design, #002048 can be used as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, or as the color for furniture upholstery. It pairs well with lighter neutral tones, such as beige or gray, to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It can also be used in smaller doses, such as for decorative pillows or artwork, to add depth and richness to a space. Because of its dark shade, it can add depth to rooms with ample natural light, but you have to be careful about using it in smaller or darker rooms.
Fashion and Beauty
#002048 can be used as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, or nail polish color. It can also be used in clothing designs, such as for suits or dresses, to create a powerful and elegant look. It is well-suited to evening wear, providing a sophisticated yet understated base color. It can also be used as an accent color in accessories, such as scarves or handbags, to add a touch of elegance to an outfit. Its versatility allows it to be incorporated into various styles, from classic to modern.