Navy Blue
General Information about Navy Blue
The hex color #010386, commonly known as Navy Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority. It is composed of 0.4% red, 1.2% green, and 52.5% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (1, 3, 134). This color is often associated with corporate branding, financial institutions, and government agencies due to its serious and professional appearance. In color psychology, navy blue is believed to promote a sense of calmness and security, making it a popular choice for creating a reassuring and trustworthy image. Its low saturation and dark luminance contribute to its subtle yet impactful presence.
The hex color #010386, a very dark navy blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used as a foreground color on a white or light background. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability. The contrast ratio of #010386 against white is quite low, failing to meet the minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, it's imperative to pair this color with a very light color to ensure readability for users, including those with visual impairments. If #010386 is used as a background color, a light foreground color such as white or a pale yellow should be selected. Consider using contrast checking tools to verify compliance with accessibility standards and explore lighter tints or shades of the navy blue to improve contrast while maintaining the desired aesthetic.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly lighter shade of navy blue offers improved contrast while retaining the depth and richness of the original color, making it a safer choice for text.
- #333333
A very dark gray provides better contrast than pure navy blue while maintaining a similar level of sophistication and seriousness, ideal for professional designs.
- #4169e1
This alternative, which is a lighter shade of blue, offers improved contrast making it a safer choice for web design.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #010386 can be used for website headers, navigation bars, and as an accent color to convey trust, stability, and professionalism. It's also suitable for creating a sophisticated look in the background of a website, particularly for financial or corporate websites. To maintain web accessibility, it should be paired with very light text colors and used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user. Additionally, it can be applied in the design of interactive elements, such as buttons and form fields, where a subtle, understated elegance is desired.
Fashion and Beauty
In the fashion industry, #010386 can be used to design elegant and classic clothing pieces, such as evening gowns, suits, and formal wear. Its deep, dark hue evokes a sense of sophistication and can be paired with lighter colors such as cream or gold for a luxurious effect. Additionally, it can be used in accessories, such as handbags, shoes, and scarves, to add a touch of understated elegance to an outfit. In cosmetics, it can be used to create dramatic eye looks, such as navy blue eyeliner or eyeshadow.
Interior Design
For interior design, #010386 can be used as an accent wall color or in furniture upholstery to add a touch of sophistication and depth to a room. It works particularly well in studies, libraries, or bedrooms, where a calming and relaxing atmosphere is desired. It should be complemented with lighter colors, such as white or beige, to create a balanced and harmonious space. Additionally, it can be used in decorative elements, such as cushions, curtains, and rugs, to add a subtle touch of elegance to a room.