Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

Ultramarine, identified by the hexadecimal color code #080CA0, is a deep and rich shade of blue. Its name originates from the Latin 'ultramarinus', meaning 'beyond the sea', as it was originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, which was imported from Asia. In the RGB color model, #080CA0 consists of 3.14% red, 4.71% green, and 62.75% blue. This composition gives it a strong blue dominance. The color evokes feelings of calmness, depth, and sophistication. Historically, ultramarine was highly prized by artists for its vibrant and lasting pigment. Today, synthetic versions are readily available, making it more accessible. The color's unique depth and intensity make it a popular choice in various design applications.

The hex color #080CA0, Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value creates insufficient contrast against typical light-colored backgrounds, making text or interactive elements difficult to perceive. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. To improve accessibility, consider pairing Ultramarine with much lighter shades like white or very pale yellow to achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Alternatively, using Ultramarine sparingly for purely decorative elements where legibility is not critical can mitigate accessibility concerns. Providing alternative color schemes that offer better contrast is also a good practice to cater to a wider range of users and their visual needs. Ensure interactive elements using this color have clear visual cues beyond color to convey their state.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design Backgrounds

  Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #080CA0, is often favored in web design for creating a sense of depth, stability, and sophistication. It's particularly effective for backgrounds in headers or footers, lending a professional touch to a website's overall aesthetic. When combined with lighter accent colors, it can highlight key elements, drawing the user's attention strategically. Furthermore, Ultramarine's perceived reliability makes it ideal for financial or corporate websites aiming to project trustworthiness and competence. However, care should be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain optimal accessibility and readability for all users, regardless of visual abilities.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, the use of Ultramarine (#080CA0) can invoke feelings of tranquility and sophistication. It works exceptionally well as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a focal point without overwhelming the space. When paired with neutral tones like gray, beige, or white, it can add a pop of color that enhances the overall ambiance. Moreover, Ultramarine can be integrated through furniture pieces like sofas or armchairs to bring a sense of elegance and depth to the room. The color's ability to absorb light makes it best suited for rooms with ample natural lighting or well-positioned artificial light sources to prevent the space from feeling too dark or enclosed.

• Fashion and Apparel

  In the fashion industry, Ultramarine (#080CA0) can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to clothing designs. It works exceptionally well for evening gowns, formal wear, and statement pieces, lending an air of regality to the overall look. Accessorizing with Ultramarine, through scarves, jewelry, or handbags, can elevate an outfit, adding a pop of color without being overly flashy. The color is versatile and complements a range of skin tones, making it a popular choice for designers seeking to create timeless and stylish collections. When paired with contrasting colors like gold or silver, it can create a striking and memorable impact.

Complementary color

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