Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, represented by the hex code #002E57, is a deep, rich shade of blue with a hint of green. It's named after the dye first produced in Prussia. Chemically, it's a complex iron cyanide compound. Historically, it was one of the first modern synthetic pigments, and it has been widely used in paints, inks, and dyes due to its strong tinting power and relative lightfastness. In color psychology, Prussian Blue is often associated with intelligence, stability, and authority. It can evoke feelings of trust, security, and sophistication. Because of these characteristics, it is often chosen by brands that want to appear professional, trustworthy, and reliable. The color is often used in formal settings.
The hex color #002e57, a deep Prussian Blue, presents specific accessibility considerations for web development. Its dark nature means it requires careful contrast evaluation, especially regarding text. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Using #002e57 for text on a white background will likely fail these guidelines. Therefore, it is crucial to pair it with significantly lighter colors to ensure readability for users, including those with visual impairments. When used for interactive elements like buttons, sufficient contrast must be maintained for states like hover, focus, and active to provide a clear visual indication of the element's status. Additionally, avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning, as colorblind users may not perceive the intended message. Consider using icons or text labels alongside the color to enhance usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A muted gray-blue that can be used for backgrounds to provide a subtle, sophisticated feel without overpowering content.
Midnight blue is slightly lighter and more accessible than Prussian blue.
Applications
Corporate Website Header
In web design, Prussian Blue can be used for navigation bars or headers to create a professional and trustworthy feel. Its depth provides a sense of stability. It can be paired with lighter accent colors like gold or light gray for a balanced visual appeal. Ensure that the text used on this background meets accessibility standards for contrast. It's best suited for sites aiming for a corporate, academic, or sophisticated audience. Prussian blue can also be used for creating contrast with brighter accent colors. Be mindful of the user experience, because too much blue can make a web design feel cold and uninviting, which can be counteracted by the careful use of complementary colors.
Accent Wall Color
In interior design, Prussian Blue can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms. It creates a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. The color works well with natural wood tones and metallic accents like brass or copper. To prevent the room from feeling too dark, balance it with lighter furniture and textiles. Use the color to create a statement by painting furniture. As an accent color, it can also be used for smaller decorative objects.
Nail Polish Color
Prussian blue nail polish is a timeless choice that can be used for both casual and formal occasions. It complements a variety of skin tones and outfits. For a subtle and elegant look, wear it alone. For a more dramatic effect, pair it with gold or silver accents. With the use of glitter nail polish, you can add more complexity to the result, while avoiding the serious tones of the dark blue color.