Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #080E93, known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue, often associated with royalty, sophistication, and depth. It's a color that evokes feelings of calmness, trust, and stability. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it an expensive and highly valued pigment, particularly during the Renaissance. The name itself, "ultramarine," literally means "beyond the sea," reflecting its origin from pigments imported into Europe from Asia. In color theory, Ultramarine sits between blue and violet on the color wheel, and is considered a cool color. Its hex code is #080E93, which translates to 8 red, 14 green, and 147 blue in the RGB color model. It finds application in various fields, ranging from art and design to web development and branding, often utilized to convey a sense of reliability and elegance.
The color #080E93, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly regarding contrast. When used as text against a white background, it falls far short of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio. This means that users with visual impairments may struggle to read text rendered in this color. Similarly, using white text on an Ultramarine background can also pose readability issues. To improve accessibility, consider pairing Ultramarine with much lighter colors like white, yellow or very light greens for text or interactive elements. For backgrounds, opt for significantly darker shades, or adjust the Ultramarine itself to be substantially lighter or darker. Large text benefits, as the contrast requirement for large text is lower. When using the color in datavisualizations make sure to use it in combination with other visually different colors to support users with color vision deficiency. It is important to test color combinations with accessibility evaluation tools to ensure compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
Ultramarine can serve as an accent color in website designs, particularly for headers, buttons, or call-to-action elements. Its deep and rich tone can add a touch of sophistication and visual interest without overwhelming the overall design. However, due to its accessibility limitations, it should be used judiciously and always paired with appropriate contrasting colors for text and interactive components. For instance, consider using it as a background for white or light yellow text to ensure readability. Alternatively, it can be effectively incorporated into graphical elements, such as icons or illustrations, to enhance the visual appeal of the site without compromising accessibility standards.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used to create a bold and dramatic statement. It works well as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, adding a touch of luxury and depth to the space. When using Ultramarine in interiors, it's important to balance it with lighter colors and natural materials to prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming. For example, pairing it with white trim, light wood furniture, and plenty of natural light can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. It can also be incorporated through textiles, such as throw pillows, rugs, or curtains, to add pops of color and visual interest.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Ultramarine is often used in evening wear or formal attire to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication. It's a popular color for dresses, suits, and accessories, and can be paired with metallic accents like gold or silver for a glamorous look. Ultramarine accessories, such as scarves, handbags, or jewelry, can add a pop of color to a more neutral outfit, making it a versatile choice for adding visual interest. Its rich and vibrant hue makes it a popular choice for making a bold fashion statement, especially in formal settings.