Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #031295, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive pigments. Today, synthetic ultramarine is readily available, but the name still evokes a sense of luxury and quality. The color is often associated with royalty, spirituality, and depth. In color psychology, blue is generally linked to calmness, trust, and intelligence. Ultramarine, being a darker shade, can also convey a sense of authority and sophistication. It's a versatile color used across various fields, from art and design to branding and fashion, often employed to create a sense of elegance and stability.
The color #031295, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires a very light background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. A dark color like this has a low luminance value, so it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast ratio (at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text) against the background. Without adequate contrast, users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, may struggle to read the content. Designers should carefully consider the color pairings and use tools to test contrast ratios to ensure accessibility. Using color alone to convey information is strongly discouraged; always provide alternative cues, such as text labels or icons, to accommodate all users. For interactive elements like buttons, clear visual cues for focus states are also necessary to enhance usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Development
In web development, ultramarine (#031295) can be used to create a sense of depth and sophistication, often used for navigation bars or headers. Due to its darkness, it's best paired with very light text (white or near-white) to ensure readability and accessibility. It can also serve as an accent color in data visualizations to highlight specific data points. However, it should be used sparingly as a background color for large sections of text due to its low contrast, which can cause eye strain. For interactive elements, ensure sufficient contrast with hover and focus states to provide clear feedback to the user.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can bring a touch of elegance and serenity to a room. It can be used for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories like cushions and throws. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as complementary colors like gold or yellow. The rich hue creates a focal point and adds a sense of drama to the space. Lighter shades of blue can be used for larger surfaces to avoid making the room feel too dark or overwhelming, while ultramarine can be reserved for smaller details to add a pop of color.
Fashion
In fashion, ultramarine can be used to create striking and sophisticated outfits. It's a versatile color that works well for both formal and casual wear. A dress or suit in this color can make a bold statement, while accessories like scarves or handbags can add a pop of color to a more neutral ensemble. It pairs well with other deep colors like black, grey and burgundy as well as contrasting colors such as yellow, orange and red. For a more understated look, combine it with lighter shades of blue or white.