Midnight Blue
General Information about Midnight Blue
Midnight Blue, represented by the hexadecimal code #07356D, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of calmness, sophistication, and depth. It is often associated with trustworthiness, intelligence, and authority, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional settings. The color is composed of 2.7% red, 21.6% green, and 42.7% blue. In the RGB color space, it is a tertiary color. Because of its low luminance, Midnight Blue is best used with light-colored text or accents to ensure readability and visual contrast. This hue draws inspiration from the deep, dark blue of the night sky and possesses a unique ability to add a touch of elegance and mystery to any design.
The color #07356D, a deep midnight blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. When used as a background color, sufficient contrast with text is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to comply with WCAG guidelines. White or very light shades of yellow or green would serve as appropriate text colors. Avoid pairing this dark blue with other dark colors, as the resulting low contrast can render content illegible. Consider providing alternative color schemes to allow users to customize the display based on their individual needs and preferences. Testing with accessibility tools and user feedback is highly recommended to ensure optimal usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2c69a7
A lighter shade of blue that still evokes a sense of calm and sophistication, while providing better contrast against both light and dark text.
- #333333
A dark grey that offers a neutral background, allowing for a variety of text colors to be easily readable.
- #1e4d8a
A slightly brighter, warmer tone that provides better visual separation while retaining a professional appearance.
Applications
Corporate Website Design
In web design, Midnight Blue is frequently employed to create a sense of sophistication and trust, often used in the headers or footers of websites for financial institutions or corporate entities. Its deep hue provides a calming effect, guiding the user experience without being overly distracting. When used in combination with clean, minimalist design, the color can help establish brand identity and convey professionalism, while its low luminance requires carefully selected text colors to ensure readability and overall accessibility.
Interior Design - Wall Color
In interior design, this color provides elegance and depth, often employed to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere in living rooms and bedrooms. When applied to walls, it serves as a calming backdrop for brighter furniture and artwork. Complementary accents in gold, silver, or lighter shades of blue and white can enhance the room's aesthetic, balancing the darkness of Midnight Blue with luminosity and visual interest. The color also helps make a room appear larger and more welcoming.
Fashion - Formal Wear
In fashion, Midnight Blue is a versatile alternative to black, offering a softer yet equally elegant appearance for formal wear, such as suits, dresses, and evening gowns. It can be paired with a variety of colors, from neutral tones to vibrant hues, allowing for diverse styling options. It's the go-to color to evoke a sense of sophistication and calm without being as severe as black. Gold or silver jewelry can add a touch of glamour, while colored accessories can provide pops of personality.