Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #050C96, is a deep, rich blue color historically derived from the mineral lapis lazuli. It is renowned for its intense and vibrant hue, making it a popular choice across various creative fields. In color theory, Ultramarine is considered a cool color, often associated with depth, stability, and sophistication. Its unique spectral composition means it absorbs most wavelengths of light while reflecting blue, contributing to its distinct appearance. The color has been used for centuries in art, particularly in paintings, and continues to be a favored color in modern design applications, including web design, fashion, and interior decoration. The RGB values for Ultramarine are R:5, G:12, B:150, demonstrating a strong dominance of blue.
The color #050C96, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against common background colors like white. Text rendered in this color on a white background would likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. To improve accessibility, consider pairing #050C96 with much lighter colors for text or interactive elements. Alternatively, using #050C96 as a background color necessitates very light text colors. Careful consideration of color contrast is paramount to ensure that content is perceivable and usable by all individuals, regardless of their visual abilities. Tools for checking color contrast ratios are widely available and should be used during the design process to validate accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine can be used sparingly as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements, such as buttons or links. It works best on larger elements because smaller elements can be difficult to read. Consider using it for heading backgrounds with a lighter contrasting text color.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Ultramarine can be incorporated into evening wear or formal attire to evoke a sense of sophistication and elegance. It can be used for dresses, suits, or accessories like scarves and ties. Because it is a dark color, it should be paired with lighter colors to improve the overall visibility of the outfit.
Interior Design Accent Wall
In interior design, ultramarine can be used as a bold accent color to create a sophisticated and dramatic effect. This color is best used on walls in rooms with a lot of natural light or with ample artificial light. Using ultramarine for furniture or decor is also effective in adding a splash of intense color to a room. For example, you can use ultramarine on a sofa with bright pillows or artwork to add personality to a space.