Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#080F90)
The color #080F90, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep blue hue with strong associations to royalty and sophistication. Ultramarine has a rich history, originally derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli. In art, it has been highly valued for its brilliance and permanence. Today, the color is synthetically produced but retains its air of luxury and depth. Ultramarine is often used to evoke feelings of tranquility, wisdom, and stability. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its calming and intellectual properties. Its hex code #080F90 indicates a composition of red, green and blue light.
The hex color #080F90, a deep ultramarine, presents accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value of 2.3 makes it difficult to read text rendered in this color against a dark background. According to WCAG guidelines, it fails against AAA and AA standards for normal text. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter text color like white or a very pale yellow. Alternatively, using #080F90 for large text (headings, etc.) can be acceptable, but contrast should still be carefully evaluated. Avoid using this color for critical interactive elements without sufficient contrast. Thoughtful design choices, like layering effects or using a contrasting border, can enhance visibility, but testing with users with visual impairments is crucial to ensure inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine (#080F90) can be used as a background color in web design to create a sense of depth and sophistication. Due to its darkness, it pairs well with lighter text colors like white or yellow for headings and navigation menus. It can also be used as an accent color to highlight key elements on a page. When incorporated thoughtfully, it evokes trust and stability, which is ideal for sites in the financial or educational sector.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be applied to walls in study rooms or home libraries to stimulate concentration and provide a calming effect. Use it sparingly as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to add a touch of drama. Combine it with neutral colors like gray or beige for a balanced and sophisticated look. The color works well for upholstery and decorative accents.
Beauty and Cosmetics
Ultramarine can be used to create eye makeup looks, such as a bold eyeshadow color to create a smokey eye effect or as an eyeliner for a pop of color. Nail polish in ultramarine is a statement choice for a unique and striking look. It is suitable for individuals with cooler skin tones and creates an exciting yet serious look that can be used in more formal settings.