Cerulean

General Information about Cerulean

Cerulean, represented by the hex code #0099E6, is a vibrant and captivating shade of blue that evokes a sense of calmness and clarity. It belongs to the cyan-blue family, positioned between azure and sky blue on the color spectrum. The name 'Cerulean' originates from the Latin word 'caeruleus,' meaning 'dark blue' or 'sky-blue,' which perfectly captures the essence of this color. In color psychology, Cerulean is often associated with serenity, peace, and inspiration. It is believed to promote feelings of tranquility and mental clarity, making it a popular choice for designs aiming to create a soothing and inviting atmosphere. Its association with the sky and ocean further enhances its connection to nature and open spaces. In art, Cerulean is often used to depict skies, water, and other natural elements, adding depth and vibrancy to landscapes and seascapes.

The hex color #0099E6, also known as Cerulean, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white (#FFFFFF) is approximately 2.3:1, which is below the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommended minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This means that using #0099E6 for text on a white background may be difficult for users with visual impairments to read. For improved accessibility, consider using darker shades of blue or pairing it with a lighter color that provides sufficient contrast. When using this color for interactive elements, ensure that there are other visual cues besides color to indicate state changes, such as hover or focus. Providing alternative text descriptions for images and ensuring that all content is keyboard accessible will further enhance the usability of designs incorporating #0099E6.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design

  Cerulean (#0099E6) is a versatile color that finds use in web design for creating a sense of trustworthiness and stability. It's often used in the headers and footers of corporate websites to convey professionalism. Furthermore, it can be employed as a primary color in user interfaces to guide the user's eye, especially in call-to-action buttons and navigation menus. Its association with the sky and sea can also make it effective in environmental or travel-related websites to evoke feelings of tranquility and adventure. Balancing it with neutral colors such as white or light gray allows the Cerulean to stand out without being overwhelming, resulting in a clean and modern aesthetic.

• Fashion

  In the realm of fashion, Cerulean (#0099E6) offers a refreshing touch, lending itself well to both casual and formal attire. As a bright, cheerful color, it's well-suited for summer dresses, swimwear, and accessories. Its vibrancy makes it an excellent choice for accent pieces like scarves, bags, or shoes, adding a pop of color to neutral outfits. Furthermore, Cerulean can be incorporated into activewear to evoke energy and movement. When paired with complementary colors like coral or yellow, it creates a striking visual impact, while combining it with navy or gray offers a more subdued and sophisticated look, suitable for business casual environments.

• Interior Design

  Cerulean (#0099E6) provides a calming and inviting aura in interior design, making it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms. It can be used as an accent wall to add a splash of color to a neutral space or as the primary color for textiles such as curtains, cushions, and rugs. When paired with white or light wood tones, it evokes a sense of airiness and cleanliness, making the room feel more spacious. In contrast, when combined with darker wood tones or metallic accents, it creates a more sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. Its association with water also makes it a natural choice for bathroom designs, promoting a sense of relaxation and serenity.

Complementary color

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