Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #030495, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich blue hue that sits firmly within the blue color family. It is characterized by its strong saturation and relatively low brightness. The name "Ultramarine" originates from the Latin "ultramarinus," meaning "beyond the sea," as the pigment was originally derived from lapis lazuli, a gemstone sourced from distant lands, primarily Afghanistan. Historically, ultramarine was one of the most expensive and prized pigments, often reserved for use in religious paintings and other high-value artwork. Nowadays the colour is created synthetically. The chemical composition gives a great richness to the colour and is thus used in design, art and many other forms of expressions.
The color #030495, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 2% means text or interactive elements rendered in this color require extremely high contrast against the background to be legible. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #030495 as a primary text color is strongly discouraged unless paired with a very light background, such as white or a very pale yellow. Even then, careful testing with users is essential to ensure readability. As a background color, #030495 can work better, but foreground elements must still be carefully chosen for sufficient contrast. For enhanced accessibility, consider using a lighter shade of blue or implementing a contrast checker tool during the design process to validate color choices.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Corporate Website Design
In web design, #030495 can be used to create a sophisticated and trustworthy feel, especially for financial or corporate websites. As a background color for headers or sidebars, it can provide a strong visual anchor. However, it should be paired with lighter text colors such as white or a pale yellow to ensure readability. Consider using it sparingly for accents and highlights rather than as the primary color for large blocks of text, and test the contrast ratios to ensure accessibility for all users. The color evokes feelings of stability and professionalism. Therefore it is a good choice for professional websites.
High Fashion Design
In fashion, ultramarine #030495 can be used in evening wear or formal attire to create a striking and elegant look. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver. The color can also be incorporated into accessories such as scarves or handbags to add a pop of color to a more neutral outfit. Ultramarine evokes a sense of luxury and sophistication, making it a popular choice for designers who want to create timeless and classic pieces. When choosing the colour, be aware that fabrics can subtly change the appearance of the colour. Thus, always check the color with the fabrics used before using it for production.
Interior Design
Ultramarine (#030495) can be used in interior design to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well as an accent wall color or can be incorporated into furniture and decor items such as throw pillows, rugs, or artwork. Paired with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige, ultramarine can add depth and visual interest to a room. It can also be combined with warm metallic tones like gold or copper for a luxurious and elegant feel. Be careful with light conditions in the room, as a dark room can make the colour feel too dark.