Cerulean
General Information about Cerulean
The color #009ED6, commonly known as Cerulean, is a vibrant and captivating shade of blue. It is composed of 0% red, 61.9% green, and 83.9% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to R:0, G:158, B:214. The hex code #009ED6 is frequently used in digital design and web development to represent this particular hue. Cerulean's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from creating eye-catching website interfaces to adding a pop of color to graphic designs. Its calming yet energetic presence evokes feelings of tranquility and creativity, making it a popular choice among designers and artists. The color is often associated with clarity, trustworthiness, and open communication. It belongs to the cyan family, and it is best used as a secondary color.
The hex color #009ED6, also known as Cerulean, presents some accessibility considerations. With a relatively low luminance, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when used as text or a primary UI element against a background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When pairing #009ED6 with a background, tools like contrast checkers can help determine compliance. Light backgrounds like whites, very light greys, or pale yellows can provide adequate contrast. It is advisable to avoid using this color on dark backgrounds, particularly for text, as it may render the content illegible for users with low vision or color blindness. Incorporating visual cues beyond color, such as underlines or icons, can further improve accessibility for all users. Also, consider the context of the color. A large block element such as the background color of a banner will allow for better readability than smaller elements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #5bc0de
A slightly lighter shade offers improved contrast on various backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic appeal.
- #0077b3
A darker shade provides a stronger visual presence and ensures better readability, especially for text elements.
- #808080
Using a grey scale is good for those that are color blind.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #009ED6 is excellent for highlighting interactive elements like buttons and links, drawing user attention and enhancing the overall user experience. Because it is considered part of the 'blue' family, it is considered to provide a calm feeling. It can also be used for infographics, to help present data in a visually appealing manner. When used with data, it is often used for elements that are interactive. This color also pairs well with muted backgrounds to highlight important sections of a web page.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cerulean can be incorporated as an accent color in furniture, decor, or wall art to add a touch of vibrancy and sophistication to a room. Given its blue hue, it works well in areas like living rooms and bedrooms to inspire a feeling of calm and peace. It can also work well in rooms that are designed to promote creativity. If the room is designed for concentration, consider using a more muted color instead.
Fashion
In fashion, this color can be used to make a statement. Consider using this color for accessories, active wear, or even swimwear. A dress using this color will help capture the attention of others, due to it's brightness. However, for business or conservative events, it might be best to use a more muted color. This color would be more suitable for casual events, outdoor activities or other events with lots of energy.