Madison
General Information about #032B60
The hex color #032B60, often referred to as "Madison," is a deep, dark shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its calming and stable characteristics. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 1.18% red, 16.86% green, and 37.65% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 97% cyan, 55% magenta, 0% yellow, and 62% black. This color evokes feelings of trust, loyalty, and authority, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional settings. Its depth and richness also lend it a sense of sophistication and elegance. Due to its low lightness value, it is generally used as an accent color or in combination with lighter shades to provide contrast and visual balance.
The hex color #032B60, also known as Madison, presents certain accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using a color like #032B60 necessitates careful selection of foreground colors to meet these standards. A lighter shade of yellow or a very pale gray would be suitable options. Tools are available online to check the contrast ratio between two colors, which can help developers ensure their designs are accessible to users with visual impairments. Moreover, avoid using this color for elements that need to be easily discernible, such as interactive buttons, without proper contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2c538e
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #a9b7c2
A neutral gray that complements the original color and offers improved contrast for text.
- #fdd835
A vibrant accent color to highlight interactive elements while ensuring accessibility.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #032B60 can be used for header backgrounds or navigation bars to create a professional and serious tone. It pairs well with clean, minimalist designs, providing a strong contrast when used sparingly. However, care should be taken to use light-colored text or elements on top of it to ensure readability and accessibility. Consider using it for borders, dividers, or subtle accents to add depth without overwhelming the user interface. In data visualizations, it can represent one end of a sequential color scale, indicating lower values or less significant data points.
Interior Design
In interior design, #032B60 can be used as an accent wall color in a study or home office to create a calming and focused environment. It works well with lighter wood tones and metallic accents like gold or brass. When used in fabrics or upholstery, it can add a touch of sophistication to furniture pieces. Consider using it in combination with other blues and grays to create a cohesive and stylish color palette. However, avoid using it excessively in small spaces, as it can make the room feel smaller and darker.
Beauty and Fashion
In the beauty industry, #032B60 can be used as an eye shadow color for creating a smoky eye look or as a deep blue eyeliner. It can also be incorporated into nail polish colors for a sophisticated and elegant appearance. The color can be used in branding and packaging for cosmetic products, especially those targeting a mature or professional audience, to convey a sense of luxury and refinement. This color is often found in evening wear collections, providing a deep, rich tone for dresses and accessories.