Ultramarine
About Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #070098, is a deep, vibrant blue color historically derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli. The name itself means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its origin as a pigment imported to Europe from distant lands. It is a color associated with royalty, spirituality, and the sea. In the RGB color model, #070098 is composed of 2.75% red, 0% green, and 59.61% blue. This high concentration of blue gives it its characteristic deep hue. In the CMYK model, it consists of 97% cyan, 100% magenta, 0% yellow, and 39% black. Ultramarine is a popular color in art, design, and fashion, appreciated for its rich, saturated tone and timeless appeal. Its unique quality makes it a favored choice among artists and designers.
The color #070098, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value means text rendered in this color on a white background, or vice-versa, will likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. This can make content difficult or impossible to read for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter tint of this color or pairing it with a much lighter color for text. Testing with accessibility tools is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast. Also, avoid using this color alone to convey important information, as colorblind users may not be able to distinguish it. Adding text labels or icons is essential for inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine, with its profound depth, lends itself beautifully to website headers and footers, creating a sophisticated and immersive user experience. Its intensity can be harnessed to draw attention to key call-to-action buttons, guiding users through the site's functionality. When thoughtfully incorporated as an accent color, ultramarine adds a touch of elegance and professionalism to a website's overall aesthetic, enriching the visual journey for every visitor. However, ensure sufficient contrast with text to maintain readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine serves as a striking accent color. Imagine a living room with neutral walls punctuated by ultramarine throw pillows, artwork, or a statement chair. It can also be used in smaller doses in bathrooms or bedrooms to add a touch of luxury and sophistication. Be mindful of balancing it with lighter colors to avoid overwhelming the space. Ultramarine can create a sense of calm and depth, perfect for creating a relaxing environment.
Fashion
Ultramarine is a bold and versatile color in the fashion world. It can be used in statement pieces such as dresses, coats, or accessories like scarves and handbags to add a pop of color to an outfit. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, black, and gray, as well as complementary colors like yellow and orange. Ultramarine can evoke feelings of confidence and sophistication, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal wear. Its rich pigment also ensures longevity within fabrics, creating a long-lasting effect.