Blue Whale
General Information about #00304D
The hex color #00304D, commonly referred to as Blue Whale, is a dark, desaturated blue hue. It falls within the cyan-blue color range on the color wheel. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0% red, 18.8% green, and 30.2% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 100% cyan, 37% magenta, 0% yellow, and 69.8% black. This color conveys a sense of depth, stability, and professionalism, making it suitable for various applications in design and branding. Its subdued nature allows it to be versatile and easily paired with other colors to create different moods and effects. The name 'Blue Whale' evokes a sense of the ocean depths, hinting at the color's calming and mysterious qualities. Blue Whale is often associated with trust and reliability.
The hex color #00304D, also known as Blue Whale, presents specific accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its low luminance value of approximately 4.5% means that it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. 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) to meet Level AA compliance. For Level AAA, the contrast ratios should be even higher (7:1 and 4.5:1 respectively). Using #00304D for important textual information without considering these contrast ratios can lead to a poor user experience, particularly for individuals with visual impairments or color blindness. When designing with #00304D, careful consideration must be given to the color of the foreground elements to ensure they meet accessibility standards. Tools like contrast checkers can be used to verify compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Headers/Footers
In web design, #00304D can be effectively used for website headers or footers to create a sophisticated and professional look. It works best when paired with a contrasting light color for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and usability. Avoid using it as a background color for large blocks of text, as the low luminance can cause eye strain. It's an excellent choice for creating a visually appealing and modern website aesthetic, especially for businesses or organizations that want to convey a sense of trust and reliability.
Interior Accent Wall
In interior design, #00304D can be used as an accent wall color in a room with neutral tones to add depth and visual interest. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. To balance the darkness of the color, consider pairing it with lighter furniture and décor elements such as cream-colored sofas, white lamps, or light wood accents. This can create a cozy and inviting space. The color can also work well for furniture upholstery.
Elegant Fashion
In fashion, #00304D can serve as a base color for a sophisticated and elegant outfit. It works well for dresses, suits, or outerwear. Pair it with accessories in complementary colors like gold or mustard yellow to create a visually striking contrast. This color is especially suitable for evening wear or professional attire, conveying a sense of confidence and style. It's a good choice for those who prefer understated elegance over bold and flashy colors. A scarf or tie can add a touch of elegance.