Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #011397, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and saturated shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its rich and intense hue. In the RGB color model, #011397 is composed of 0.4% red, 7.5% green, and 59.2% blue. Its CMYK equivalent is approximately 99% cyan, 85% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. Ultramarine's historical significance stems from the pigment derived from lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive gemstone, making it a prized color among artists. Today, synthetic versions provide more accessible and consistent alternatives. Its depth and vibrancy make it suitable for various applications, from digital design to traditional art, although care should be taken to ensure accessibility and readability when using it in web contexts.
The color #011397, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance value of 0.006 means that text rendered in this color against a white background, or vice versa, will have extremely poor contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio is far below the minimum recommended 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This can cause readability issues, especially for users with visual impairments. Web developers should avoid using this color for text or important graphical elements without careful consideration of contrast. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter color for the background or foreground, or employing a color contrast analyzer to ensure sufficient contrast. Alternatives might include lighter shades of blue or completely different color palettes that offer better contrast ratios. Proper use of ARIA attributes can also aid screen readers in conveying information effectively, although this does not address the visual contrast problem. Testing with assistive technologies is crucial.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability.
- #808080
A neutral gray that offers good contrast with most text colors, ensuring accessibility.
- #6a7989
A desaturated blue that is less intense, providing a more subtle and accessible background color.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #011397 can be used as a background for headers or footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, due to its dark nature, it should always be paired with very light or white text to ensure readability and accessibility. It could also be implemented as a subtle accent color in interactive elements such as buttons or links, but with a focus on providing clear visual cues upon hover or focus states. When creating data visualizations, use this color sparingly for elements that do not require fine detail, to avoid overwhelming the user.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine (#011397) can be employed as an accent wall color in a well-lit room to add a touch of drama and elegance. When used in textiles like cushions or throws, it introduces a pop of color against neutral backgrounds. Given its depth, balance it with lighter hues like creams, grays, or even yellows to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed. The color works best in areas where a calming and sophisticated atmosphere is desired, such as bedrooms or studies. Metallic accents like gold or silver can enhance its luxurious feel.
Fashion Accent
Ultramarine can add sophistication and depth to fashion designs, particularly for evening wear or formal attire. It can be used in rich fabrics like velvet or silk to enhance its luxurious feel, or as an accent color in accessories such as scarves or handbags. This hue pairs well with neutrals like black, gray, and white, as well as metallic tones like gold and silver. It could be a base color for a bold suit or a subtle trim on a dress.