Prussian Blue

General Information about Prussian Blue

Prussian Blue, represented by the hex code #053158, is a deep, dark shade of blue with a rich history. It was originally created in the early 18th century as a pigment and quickly gained popularity due to its stability and affordability. Chemically, it is a complex iron cyanide compound. The color is known for its intense, saturated tone and its ability to create a sense of depth and sophistication. In color psychology, Prussian Blue is often associated with trustworthiness, authority, intelligence, and stability. It is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of calmness and serenity. It is less vibrant than royal blue, offering a more muted and refined aesthetic, often associated with tradition and sophistication. This shade is also known for its excellent lightfastness, meaning it resists fading over time, making it a valuable pigment in various applications.

The hex color #053158, a deep shade of Prussian Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its very low luminance results in poor contrast against standard light backgrounds like white or yellow. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability, particularly for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, this color should ideally be paired with very light hues such as #FFFFFF or #FFFFE0. When used as a background, foreground elements should be of high luminance. If this color is used for decorative purposes, consider adding a visible border to distinguish it from the background. Avoid using this color for essential visual elements like links or form fields without careful consideration of contrast ratios and alternative cues.

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Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Design

  Prussian Blue, with its deep and sophisticated tone, lends itself beautifully to website headers and footers, providing a sense of stability and professionalism. Its calming nature makes it suitable for websites in finance, law, or technology where trust and reliability are paramount. It should be used with complementary light colors such as creams or light grays to achieve visual balance. The color also works well in dark mode interfaces, providing an elegant and modern look.

• Corporate Branding

  Prussian Blue is frequently used in branding for companies wishing to project sophistication, trustworthiness, and stability. It's prevalent in industries such as finance, banking, and technology. Logos, business cards, and other marketing materials in this hue evoke a sense of reliability and professionalism. When paired with silver or gold accents, it elevates the brand image and communicates quality and prestige. The color is especially effective when a conservative, yet confident message is desired.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, Prussian Blue can be used to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. It is often used as an accent color in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices, adding depth and elegance. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white, as well as natural materials such as wood and stone. Prussian Blue can also be used for statement walls or furniture pieces, creating a focal point in the room. Its calming effect makes it suitable for spaces intended for relaxation and contemplation.

Complementary color

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