Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, represented by the hex code #012F56, is a dark shade of blue with historical significance. It was first synthesized in the early 18th century and quickly gained popularity due to its vibrant color and relative lightfastness. Chemically, it's a complex iron cyanide compound. The color is often associated with nobility, intellect, and formality. In art, Prussian Blue was widely used by painters for landscapes, portraits, and historical scenes. Its deep and rich tone allows for creating depth and shadows. It is a popular pigment in paints, inks, and dyes. The hue lies in the cyan-blue spectral region. Different color models, such as RGB and CMYK, are other ways to represent the colour.
The hex color #012F56, a deep shade of Prussian Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value results in poor contrast against typical light backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to discern text or important UI elements. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to pair this color with light backgrounds that provide a sufficient contrast ratio, ideally exceeding the WCAG AA minimum threshold of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Utilizing tools like contrast checkers can help ensure compliance. Furthermore, avoid using this color for critical information or interactive elements without clear visual cues and labels, as color blindness can further impede usability. Designers should consider alternative color palettes or provide options for users to customize the color scheme to meet their individual needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #214f76
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a professional feel.
- #33516b
A desaturated blue that provides a more muted and accessible option for text and backgrounds.
- #000080
Dark navy blue creates a sophisticated and easily readable appearence, while being close to the origin color.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Prussian Blue, with its depth and sophistication, is well-suited for backgrounds in website designs, especially for corporate or educational sites. It provides a sense of stability and trustworthiness, making it ideal for conveying important information. Its dark hue works best with light-colored text and minimal design elements to avoid overwhelming the user. Ensure sufficient contrast to maintain readability and accessibility. The color evokes feelings of loyalty, trust, confidence, intellect, security and faith.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Prussian Blue can be used to create elegant and timeless pieces. From dresses to suits, this color exudes a sense of refinement and can be paired with both neutral and bold accents. It's often used in formal wear and professional attire, adding a touch of sophistication. To enhance its impact, consider fabrics with a subtle sheen or texture. Additionally, Prussian Blue makes a great choice for casualwear and accessories.
Interior Design
Prussian Blue can be a wonderful paint color option for creating a cozy, yet luxurious atmosphere in the living room. Consider using it as an accent wall to add depth and sophistication to the space. Pair it with warm, neutral tones like beige or cream to balance the coolness of the blue. Use it for furniture upholstery, decorative pillows, or throws to introduce a touch of elegance. This colour inspires feelings of reliability, comfort and peace.