International Klein Blue
About International Klein Blue
International Klein Blue, also known as IKB, is a deep blue hue first mixed by the French artist Yves Klein. The color's remarkable intensity and purity are derived from its specific formulation, which involves suspending ultramarine pigment in a synthetic resin. Klein registered this color under patent in 1957 to preserve its uniqueness, and it has since become a recognizable tone in art and design. The color evokes feelings of boundlessness, depth, and the sublime. Its striking impact stems from its high saturation and near-absence of other hues, making it visually arresting. In RGB color space, #0514AF is composed of 2% red, 8% green and 69% blue, while in the CMYK color space, it consists of 97% cyan, 88% magenta, 0% yellow and 31% black.
The color #0514AF, also known as International Klein Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used as text or interactive elements against a white or light background. Its low luminance value results in very poor contrast, failing to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for sufficient color contrast ratios. This can make content difficult or impossible to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To improve accessibility, consider using #0514AF sparingly for purely decorative purposes or pair it with much lighter colors like yellows, light greens, or even whites to create adequate contrast. Text using #0514AF should ideally be avoided unless large font sizes are used and paired with very light backgrounds. Always test color combinations with accessibility checkers to ensure compliance with WCAG guidelines and provide a better user experience for everyone. Consider using alternative blues with higher luminance for improved contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast while retaining a similar visual feel.
A more saturated blue that can provide better visibility and a more vibrant look.
A darker blue that can be used to create a more formal or serious tone, while still providing enough contrast with white.
Applications
Web Design Accents
International Klein Blue, with its intense and captivating hue, can be employed in web design to create visually striking accents and calls to action. However, due to its accessibility concerns, its usage as background for text should be limited. Consider it as a branding color to create unique logos and identity. When paired with lighter colors, this can create unique and memorable webpages. Its intense blue tone can also be applied as a highlight color in a website to draw attention to the important parts. It's better to use this color for decorative elements and UI elements.
High Fashion and Accessories
In the realm of fashion, #0514AF presents a bold and unforgettable statement. This iconic blue can be applied as the primary color for eye-catching dresses and evening wear, drawing attention and exuding confidence. Use as an accent color for accessories like scarves, bags, or shoes to create a vibrant and stylish contrast in a subdued outfit. Also, this can serve as a unique color option in athletic wear. Be aware of color associations, but feel free to apply this in creative and avant-garde fashion designs to create a lasting visual impression.
Interior Design Accents
When it comes to Interior design, the #0514AF hex color allows you to add bold accents. The color's intensity can be used for furniture pieces to create focal point. You can also use it for artwork. To avoid overwhelming the space, the intensity of this hex color should be balanced out by neutral colors. This results in a balanced look that combines vibrance with tranquility. In rooms with natural light, this color looks exceptionally good.