Cerulean
General Information about Cerulean
Cerulean, represented by the hexadecimal color code #00A2D6, is a vibrant and evocative shade of blue. It is named after cerulean pigment, a copper-based pigment discovered in the late 18th century. Cerulean is often associated with the sky and the ocean, conveying feelings of tranquility, peace, and openness. In color psychology, blue is often linked to trust, stability, and wisdom, making cerulean a popular choice for branding and design where these qualities are desired. Its specific hue lies between cyan and a more traditional blue, giving it a unique and refreshing character. Cerulean is widely used in various fields, from art and fashion to web design and interior decoration.
The hex color #00A2D6, also known as Cerulean, presents some accessibility considerations for web developers. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with the foreground text to meet WCAG guidelines. A light text color like white (#FFFFFF) generally works well, providing a contrast ratio that meets accessibility standards for both normal and large text. However, careful testing with accessibility tools is recommended to confirm compliance, especially for users with low vision or color blindness. Avoid pairing it with very dark or similarly toned colors for text, as this can make content difficult to read. Additionally, consider providing alternative styling options for users who may have difficulty perceiving the intended color contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #34b7eb
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the essence of cerulean while offering improved contrast with darker text.
- #5dade2
A more muted, desaturated version of cerulean that can be easier on the eyes for extended viewing.
- #0077a3
A darker shade that can provide better contrast as a text color on a light background.
Applications
Educational Platform UI
Cerulean's calming and inviting nature makes it ideal for designing user interfaces for educational platforms. It can be used for background elements, icons, and interactive components, creating a visually appealing and engaging learning environment. The color promotes a sense of trust and reliability, encouraging users to explore and interact with the content. Consider using it sparingly in combination with neutral colors to avoid overwhelming the user experience.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, cerulean can be used as an accent color in clothing design or as a dominant color for swimwear and casual wear. Its association with the ocean and sky evokes feelings of freedom and relaxation. Cerulean accessories, such as scarves or jewelry, can add a pop of color to a neutral outfit. When designing fashion collections, pair cerulean with complementary colors like coral or peach for a vibrant and eye-catching look.
Travel Website Design
Cerulean is a great choice for websites and applications focusing on travel and tourism. Its association with the sky and ocean creates a sense of wanderlust and adventure. Use it in backgrounds, headers, and calls to action to entice users to explore destinations and book trips. Incorporate imagery of blue skies and turquoise waters to further enhance the visual appeal and reinforce the travel theme. Ensure that the color palette is balanced and accessible to provide a seamless user experience.