Arapawa
General Information about #040B6D
The hex color #040B6D, also known as Arapawa, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth and sophistication. It is composed of 1.57% red, 4.31% green, and 42.75% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 4 red, 11 green, and 109 blue. The CMYK representation is 96% cyan, 90% magenta, 0% yellow, and 57% black. Its primary attribute is its low luminance, making it a challenging color for accessibility when used as a foreground color against light backgrounds. This color is often associated with the night and mystery. The color name Arapawa is derived from a place in New Zealand. This color is rarely used in modern web design due to its limited contrast.
The hex color #040B6D, known as Arapawa, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value results in poor contrast against light backgrounds, making text and other elements difficult to read. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is essential for ensuring that web content is perceivable. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Arapawa fails to meet these criteria when paired with standard white or light gray backgrounds. Therefore, when using this color, it is crucial to select very light foreground colors to ensure readability. Careful consideration of color combinations is necessary to prevent excluding users who rely on adequate contrast for navigation and content comprehension. Tools like contrast checkers can help assess and improve the accessibility of color pairings.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue can offer better readability against white backgrounds.
A more vibrant blue can draw attention while still providing decent contrast.
This shade provides a slightly better contrast ratio for readability and is a bit more vibrant than the initial Arapawa
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, Arapawa can be effectively used for background accents, particularly in dark-themed websites or applications. Due to its depth, it works well to create a sense of sophistication and can highlight key elements without being overly distracting. However, it should be paired with very light text colors to maintain readability and ensure accessibility. Consider using it sparingly to draw attention to specific sections or interactive elements, avoiding overuse to prevent a visually heavy or overwhelming user experience. This color is very suitable for user interfaces that require the users full attention, like banking apps or dashboards.
Interior Design Accents
In the realm of interior design, Arapawa can serve as a bold accent color in a room, perhaps on a feature wall or in decorative elements like cushions and throws. Its richness pairs well with lighter, neutral tones such as creams and grays, creating a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic. This color can bring a sense of depth and tranquility to a space, particularly in areas intended for relaxation or contemplation. Consider complementing it with metallic accents like gold or brass for a luxurious feel. Furthermore this color can be used in combination with plants, to create a natural and harmonic feeling.
Fashion and Apparel
Arapawa can be incorporated into clothing or accessories to add a touch of elegance and depth to an outfit. It works especially well in evening wear or formal attire, where its dark hue can be both striking and understated. When used in clothing, consider pairing it with lighter colors or metallic accents to prevent the outfit from appearing too dark or somber. In accessories, such as scarves or handbags, Arapawa can serve as a versatile neutral that complements a variety of color palettes. Therefore the user can wear an outfit with a lot of different colors, and combine it with Arapawa accessories.