Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #080B93, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich blue hue that falls under the blue color family. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 4.31% green, and 57.65% blue. Its hexadecimal representation, #080B93, indicates its precise color composition. Ultramarine is often associated with qualities such as depth, stability, and confidence. Historically, ultramarine pigment was derived from the gemstone lapis lazuli, making it a highly prized and expensive color. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, retaining the color's characteristic depth and intensity. It is a popular color choice in art, design, and various other applications due to its striking and impactful appearance.
The hex color #080B93, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark hue. When used as a background color, it necessitates extremely light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet Level AA compliance. Ultramarine's darkness makes it difficult to achieve these ratios with darker shades of text. Therefore, it is crucial to pair it with colors like white or very light yellow to ensure that individuals with visual impairments can easily perceive the content. Careful consideration of color contrast is essential for inclusive design, ensuring that websites and applications are usable by everyone, regardless of their visual abilities. It is recommended to use color contrast checkers to validate the accessibility of color combinations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic but provides better contrast for text and other elements, improving readability and accessibility.
A desaturated blue that offers a more muted and subtle appearance, suitable for backgrounds or elements where a less intense color is desired.
A vibrant color that is still in the blue hue, but a bit lighter. This provides a good alternative that does not demand extremely light text for accessibility.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used as a background color for headers or call-to-action buttons to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, it's crucial to pair it with very light text to ensure readability. For instance, using white text on an Ultramarine background can create a visually appealing contrast. Furthermore, Ultramarine can be used for icons or visual elements to draw attention to specific sections of a webpage. It is a good color to create focus and a sense of importance.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color for walls or furniture to add a touch of elegance and drama to a room. It works well in spaces where a calming yet sophisticated atmosphere is desired, such as bedrooms or studies. Pairing it with lighter neutrals, like beige or light gray, can balance its intensity and prevent the room from feeling too dark. This color creates a more intimate and luxurious atmosphere.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine can be used in clothing and accessories to create a bold and eye-catching statement. It's suitable for evening wear or statement pieces that add a touch of sophistication to an outfit. Combining it with metallics, such as gold or silver, can enhance its luxurious appeal. Also it is suitable for formal wear where a touch of elegance is needed.