Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #080889, is a deep, rich blue color. It is named after the pigment originally made from lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive stone. This color is characterized by its strong blue hue with a slight violet undertone, giving it a sense of depth and intensity. In the RGB color model, #080889 is composed of 3.14% red, 3.14% green, and 53.73% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 94% cyan, 94% magenta, 0% yellow, and 46% black. Ultramarine is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality. Its historical significance and visual impact make it a popular choice in various fields, from art and design to fashion and branding.
The color #080889, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low lightness value (very dark) means it provides insufficient contrast when used as a foreground color against a white or light-colored background. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is essential for users with visual impairments to distinguish text and other elements. To ensure accessibility, it is strongly advised against using #080889 for text or interactive elements without a much lighter foreground color. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using contrast checking tools is crucial to verifying compliance. Careful consideration should also be given to colorblind users, as the lack of luminance contrast can exacerbate visibility issues for individuals with various forms of color vision deficiency. It's a much better practice to reserve the usage of the color for decorative purposes, or combine it with a suitable contrasting foreground color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine (#080889) can be used as an accent color for headers or graphical elements to provide a touch of depth and sophistication. However, due to its darkness, it should be used sparingly and carefully combined with lighter colors to ensure readability and accessibility. It's particularly effective for creating a sense of luxury or importance. It might be good for themes in webpages related to space, deep sea, or other darker themes where a darker color is necessary. When creating such themes, ensure sufficient contrast by combining it with lighter elements and text.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as a bold wall color in a room with plenty of natural light. It pairs well with neutral furniture and metallic accents, creating a dramatic and sophisticated atmosphere. Alternatively, it can be used as an accent color in decorative pillows, throws, or artwork to add a pop of color to a more neutral space. Because it is a dark color, it can make a room feel smaller, so it is best used in larger rooms or in combination with lighter colors.
Beauty and Makeup
Ultramarine (#080889) can be used in beauty to create bold and dramatic eye looks. It is especially suitable as a base for darker smokey eyes and it could be a good match for fair skin. The color can be enhanced with lighter or metallic colors for an additional effect. Can be applied as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, or even mascara to add a bold and modern touch. It's often seen in special occasion makeup or high-fashion looks.