Blue Whale
General Information about #052A4A
The hexadecimal color code #052A4A represents a very dark shade of blue. It is composed of 2% red, 16.5% green, and 29% blue. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it is equivalent to (5, 42, 74). In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color model, it is composed of 93% cyan, 43% magenta, 0% yellow, and 71% black. This indicates a strong presence of cyan and magenta, contributing to its blue hue. The color has a hue angle of 210.3 degrees, a saturation of 87.8%, and a lightness of 15.7%. It is often associated with depth, stability, and professionalism. Given its low lightness, it is crucial to consider accessibility when using it in designs, particularly for text and interactive elements.
The hex color #052a4a, often referred to as Blue Whale, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its extremely low lightness value (very dark blue) means that it requires a very light foreground color to achieve sufficient contrast for readability, ideally a white or near-white color. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This dark hue struggles to meet these guidelines with most colors, making it unsuitable for primary text unless paired thoughtfully. When used for interactive elements, such as buttons or links, developers must ensure that the color difference between the normal state and the hover/focus state is also sufficient to provide a clear visual cue for users with visual impairments. Overreliance on such a dark color can also negatively impact users with photosensitivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e4a7a
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast options while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A neutral gray that can be easier to pair with other colors for better readability.
- #0f52ba
A brighter blue alternative that still brings the deep sea feeling and offers better readability due to better light value.
Applications
Corporate Website Background
This deep, muted blue evokes a sense of calm and depth, making it an excellent choice for website backgrounds in sectors such as finance or consulting. Its professional feel is well-suited to companies wishing to convey trust and stability, but designers should remember to balance this dark hue with light, contrasting text and graphic elements to ensure optimal readability and visual clarity. The color is especially good for dark mode designs in order to reduce the overall light emittance. A lighter shade of blue in combination can highlight the deep color in a good way.
Elegant Fashion Design
In fashion, #052a4a can be used as a base color for elegant evening wear or sophisticated business attire. This dark color works best in combination with lighter shades to make the garment not too dark. The hex color gives a serious feeling and can be used for scarfs as well. Accessorize with silver or gold to add richness and depth to an outfit featuring this unique color.
Modern Interior Accents
This deep blue hue can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in interior design. It can be used as an accent wall color in a bedroom or study, paired with lighter neutrals such as greys or creams to balance the darkness and create a serene environment. The hex color is also suitable for furniture and gives a modern accent in combination with wooden elements. The color is best suitable for a dark, modern design.