Cerulean
General Information
Cerulean, represented by the hex code #00A1E6, is a vibrant and engaging shade of blue. It is often associated with the sky and sea, evoking feelings of calmness, serenity, and openness. In color psychology, blue is often linked to trust, stability, and intelligence. Cerulean strikes a balance between boldness and approachability, making it a popular choice for branding and design. It belongs to the cyan hue family, being a light and vivid shade. The color is widely used in various sectors, from technology to healthcare, to evoke positive associations. Cerulean's versatility stems from its ability to pair well with a wide range of colors, allowing designers and artists to integrate it seamlessly into diverse projects.
The hex color #00A1E6, also known as Cerulean, presents some accessibility considerations for web developers. Its lightness value necessitates careful pairing with text and other UI elements. When used as a background, it's crucial to ensure that the text placed on top has sufficient contrast to meet WCAG guidelines for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Testing with accessibility tools is essential to verify compliance. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, it's important to provide clear visual cues for hover, focus, and active states to ensure usability for all users, including those with visual impairments. Consider using a darker shade or a complementary color for these states.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #0077b3
A slightly darker shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic but provides better contrast against white text.
- #66c2ff
A lighter shade that can be used for backgrounds or accents, offering a softer feel.
- #00bfff
A vibrant alternative that provides more visual impact, suitable for highlighting key elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Cerulean can serve as a primary brand color, imparting a sense of trustworthiness and innovation. It is particularly effective for tech companies, financial institutions, or educational platforms. As a background color, it should be paired with high-contrast text. As an accent color, it can be used to highlight calls to action, navigation elements, or important information. Its calming effect makes it suitable for websites focused on wellness or mindfulness.
Beauty and Fashion
Within the beauty industry, Cerulean can be utilized in branding for skincare or cosmetic products emphasizing purity and hydration. The color can be used for packaging, product photography, and marketing materials to evoke a sense of freshness and cleanliness. It also lends itself well to products that highlight the connection to nature or the ocean. In fashion, cerulean can be used as an accent color or for clothing, often associated with creativity, sophistication and inspiration.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cerulean can be used to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, or home offices. It can be paired with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige to create a balanced and serene space. The color can also be used as an accent color in furniture, textiles, or artwork to add a touch of vibrancy. Furthermore, it complements natural materials like wood and stone.