International Klein Blue

About International Klein Blue

The hex color #0429ab, often recognized as International Klein Blue (IKB), is a deep and vibrant shade of blue renowned for its unique saturation and matte finish. It was developed by the French artist Yves Klein in collaboration with a Parisian paint dealer, Edouard Adam, specifically for Klein's monochrome paintings. IKB is achieved through a synthetic ultramarine pigment suspended in a resin binder, which maintains the color's brilliance and intensity. The color's distinctiveness lies in its ability to evoke a sense of depth and boundlessness. Due to its high level of saturation, it can create a bold visual impact and a striking chromatic experience, which may evoke different emotions and ideas by observers. The color is also known under the name PB29 and is a pigment that is commonly used in painting.

The hex color #0429ab, also known as International Klein Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its dark nature results in low contrast when paired with standard light-colored text, such as white or light gray. This can make content difficult to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability. When using #0429ab as a background or text color, careful consideration must be given to the foreground or background color, respectively, to meet these contrast requirements. Tools like contrast checkers can help assess the contrast ratio and determine if adjustments are needed. Employing lighter shades of complementary colors or strategic use of borders and outlines can improve accessibility without sacrificing the desired aesthetic.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• User Interface Accents

  International Klein Blue, with its profound depth and intensity, can serve as a striking accent color in user interfaces. It can be used for buttons, links, or interactive elements to draw the user's attention and enhance the visual appeal of the website. However, it's crucial to use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user. In website design, it is very important to take care of the accessibility of the website for all potential users. Therefore, a good contrast ratio is necessary, so all people can use the website without any restrictions. Therefore, this color should be used in a limited manner only.

• Interior Design Accents

  In interior design, #0429ab can be used to create a bold and dramatic statement. It is well-suited for accent walls, furniture pieces, or decorative accessories. Consider pairing it with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige to balance its intensity and create a sophisticated ambiance. This dark blue works well in combination with colors such as gold or other shining materials, such as chrome. This results in a luxurious feeling within the interior design and is applicable for both private and commercial use. In addition, to that it is very important to have balanced lighting, so that dark colors do not have a negative impact on the atmosphere of a specific room.

• Fashion Statement Pieces

  International Klein Blue makes a bold statement in fashion, especially when used for statement pieces or accessories. It can be applied to dresses, blazers, handbags, or scarves to add a touch of sophistication and artistry to an outfit. It is a fantastic color to be used for unique designs, because it's easily linked to art. This color is especially suitable for creating stand-out pieces, because it draws attention to the wearer. It can be combined with various materials such as silk or cotton and goes well with golden jewelry.

Complementary color

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