Blue Whale
General Information about #052A40
The hex color #052A40, also known as 'Blue Whale', is a deep, dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of calmness, depth, and sophistication. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its association with tranquility and stability. In the RGB color model, #052A40 is composed of 2% red, 16.5% green, and 25.1% blue. Its CMYK values are 80% cyan, 35% magenta, 0% yellow, and 75% black. This color is often used in designs aiming to convey trust, professionalism, or a sense of security. Its low brightness makes it suitable for backgrounds or accents, requiring careful consideration of contrast with other elements to maintain readability and visual appeal. The name 'Blue Whale' aptly reflects its deep, oceanic hue.
The hex color #052A40, a deep, dark blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text against a background. This dark blue will likely fail these tests with many common text colors, demanding careful selection of foreground elements. Designers should use contrast checking tools to verify compliance. Furthermore, relying solely on color to convey information is discouraged. Incorporating supplementary cues such as text labels or icons is crucial to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. Therefore, while #052A40 can add sophistication, its use requires diligent attention to accessibility best practices to avoid excluding users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #d3d3d3
A neutral gray that pairs well with darker blues and provides a safer option for text backgrounds.
- #008080
A vibrant teal that can be used as an accent color to provide contrast and visual interest.
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
In web design, #052A40 can be effectively employed for website headers or footers to establish a sense of sophistication and professionalism. Its deep hue creates a calming effect and can serve as a visual anchor for the overall design. Consider pairing it with lighter text colors such as white or off-white to ensure readability and accessibility. Furthermore, utilizing this color for interactive elements such as buttons or links requires careful attention to hover states and active states to maintain clear visual cues for user interaction. This color is also effective for data visualization.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, #052A40 can be used as an accent wall color to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. Its deep, calming tone promotes relaxation and can be complemented with lighter-colored furniture and decor. Consider incorporating metallic accents such as gold or silver to add a touch of luxury and sophistication. The color works especially well when offset with bright whites and warmer toned wooden furniture, like oak.
Fashion Accent Color
In fashion, #052A40 can be used to add a touch of mystery and sophistication. This color can be incorporated as a dress color, perhaps using silk, velvet, or other reflective material to add more dimension. This color can also be used as an accent or complementary color. For example, gold or silver accessories can add contrast and visual interest to outfits featuring this deep blue.