Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, represented by the hex code #063357, is a deep and rich shade of blue that has a long history, dating back to the 18th century. It was one of the first synthetically produced pigments and quickly gained popularity among artists due to its stability and vibrant hue. Chemically, Prussian Blue is an iron hexacyanoferrate. The color is often associated with royalty, military uniforms, and classic artwork. Its deep tone can evoke feelings of stability, trust, and sophistication. It is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of applications from digital design to physical products. In color theory, Prussian Blue sits between blue and cyan on the color wheel, making it a cool color that can be used to create contrast and depth in designs.
The hex color #063357, also known as Prussian Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially regarding color contrast. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires a very light background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, designers and developers should carefully evaluate color combinations to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if a particular color pairing provides adequate contrast. Consider using this color sparingly for text elements or pairing it with very light shades to enhance accessibility. Furthermore, avoid using #063357 as the sole indicator of important information, as colorblind users might not be able to distinguish it.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e5678
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast against white backgrounds.
- #f0f0f0
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to complement Prussian Blue without creating harsh contrast.
- #4682b4
A lighter blue with higher luminosity, providing better readability against dark backgrounds.
Applications
Corporate Website Theme
Prussian Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere in websites or applications. Its deep, rich tone evokes feelings of trust and stability. Suitable for finance, technology and other professional services, the color can be applied in the logo, or the general website theming. It can be combined with different shades of grey to further enhance the calming aspect of the color, while retaining a level of professionalism.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Prussian Blue can be employed to create a focal point in a room, such as an accent wall or furniture piece. Its depth and complexity make it a suitable choice for spaces where a sense of serenity and sophistication is desired. The color is also a good choice in rooms where rest and relaxation is of high importance, such as bedrooms, and livingrooms.
Fashion Accent Color
Prussian Blue is often found in formal wear or classic fashion pieces. It conveys a sense of elegance and refinement. It can be used in suits, dresses, or accessories to add a touch of sophistication to an outfit. Combining the color with brighter colors such as Yellow or Orange is possible, but should be used with care to not destroy the calming and professional aesthetic.