Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #032E5A, is a deep, rich shade of blue that evokes feelings of sophistication, stability, and depth. It's a color that has been used historically in art, especially in painting, as a replacement for the more expensive ultramarine. The name "Prussian Blue" originates from its accidental discovery in Berlin, Prussia, around the year 1706. Chemically, it is a complex iron cyanide compound. In the RGB color model, #032E5A is composed of 1.18% red, 18.04% green, and 35.29% blue. This makes it a relatively unsaturated color, leaning towards the darker end of the spectrum. The color is often associated with formality, trustworthiness, and intelligence, making it a popular choice in corporate branding and design.
The hex color #032E5A, a deep shade of Prussian Blue, presents distinct accessibility considerations, particularly in web design. Its low lightness value (being a dark color) necessitates careful selection of foreground text and interactive elements to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) against the background. Using lighter colors such as white, yellow, or bright pastel shades for text or interactive elements is crucial. Moreover, relying solely on color to convey information should be avoided. Supplementing color with text labels, icons, or patterns ensures that users with color vision deficiencies can still understand the content. Tools such as contrast checkers can aid in verifying compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #19456b
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #00509d
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements.
- #333333
A neutral dark gray, that can be used as a muted background color or as text color.
Applications
Web Development
In web development, Prussian Blue (#032E5A) can be used as a background color for headers or footers to create a sense of sophistication and professionalism. It can also serve as a primary color for buttons and other interactive elements, provided that the text color is chosen carefully to ensure sufficient contrast. Consider using it for data visualizations, charts, and graphs to represent key data points. Moreover, using #032E5A with lighter colors (like beige or light blues) can give a website a modern and elegant look.
Interior Design
In interior design, Prussian Blue can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms or living rooms as an accent wall color or in smaller doses through accessories like throw pillows or artwork. The color complements natural materials like wood and leather, enhancing the room's overall aesthetic. To avoid the room becoming too dark, it is recommended to balance Prussian Blue with lighter colors and ample lighting. Use it in combination with warm whites or creams to achieve a balanced ambiance.
Fashion
In the world of fashion, Prussian Blue is a versatile color. It can act as a substitute for black for a less harsh, more unique effect. It's particularly suited for formal wear like suits or evening dresses and also works well for accessories like scarves, handbags, and shoes. Prussian Blue pairs nicely with neutral colors such as beige, gray, and white, but it can also be combined with brighter colors like gold, red, or yellow for a bolder statement. The color conveys a sense of elegance and understated luxury.