Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, represented by the hex code #073254, is a deep, dark shade of blue with a subtle hint of green. It is named after the pigment produced in the 18th century, originally used in Prussian military uniforms. The color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. In color psychology, dark blues are often associated with trust, authority, and intelligence. It is considered a cool color, making it suitable for designs that aim to convey a sense of calmness and reliability. The color is composed of 2.7% red, 20% green, and 32.9% blue. Its RGB values are 7, 50, and 84 respectively. The color is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and seriousness.
The hex color #073254, also known as Prussian Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Due to its dark nature, it requires very light foreground colors to achieve sufficient contrast for readability. When using this color for text, ensure that the text color has a high luminance value. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text, as specified by WCAG guidelines. In user interface design, avoid using this color as the sole indicator for interactive elements. Supplement it with other visual cues, such as underlines or icons, to ensure that users with visual impairments can identify interactive components. Thoroughly test color combinations with accessibility evaluation tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and provide an inclusive experience for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #191970
Midnight Blue offers a similar dark and sophisticated feel but with a slightly lighter tone, potentially improving contrast in some applications.
- #002147
Oxford Blue provides a near-black alternative that maintains the depth of Prussian Blue while potentially offering better readability against lighter backgrounds.
- #082567
Dark Sapphire can evoke a similiar sophisticated and elegant mood as Prussian Blue, while its increased brightness can improve the text contrast.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Prussian Blue can be used for creating a sophisticated and professional look. It's suitable for backgrounds of headers or footers, navigation menus, or as an accent color in data visualizations. Because of its dark nature, it should always be paired with very light colors to ensure readability. It's often found in corporate websites, educational platforms, and financial dashboards where a sense of authority and stability is desired. It can also be used for interactive graphs and data representation. Consider using it for hover states and focus rings, but be mindful of the accessibility when defining the color palette.
Fashion and Interiour Design
Prussian Blue is a favorite in the fashion industry for creating elegant and formal attire. It is used for evening gowns, suits, and accessories. Its depth and richness make it a popular choice for creating a sense of luxury and sophistication. It can be paired with metallic accents, such as gold or silver, to enhance its appeal. It can also be found in casual wear, outerwear, and sportswear, adding a touch of class and sophistication to any style. In interiour design it is used to create a calm and serene atmosphere, especially in bedrooms and living rooms.
Data Visualization
In the realm of data visualization, Prussian Blue can serve as an excellent color choice for backgrounds or accent elements that call attention to key findings within datasets. The deep hue can also be used for lines or bars to highlight the critical data points and to create a clean and visually compelling design. When used carefully, Prussian Blue may help your audience to easily understand your data and derive actionables insights from it.