Downriver
General Information
The hex color #081D57, often referred to as "Downriver," is a deep, dark shade of blue with a subtle hint of green. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its calming and serene qualities. In the RGB color model, #081D57 is composed of 3.14% red, 11.37% green, and 34.12% blue. This color is often associated with feelings of stability, trust, and depth. It's commonly used in designs that aim to evoke a sense of professionalism and reliability. The color is also a good choice for websites, which try to appear serious and calm. Furthermore, blue shades often represent the ocean and are associated with peace and relaxation.
The color #081D57, also known as Downriver, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its low lightness value results in a poor contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds, potentially making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. To enhance accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with lighter shades for text or interactive elements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards. Utilizing tools to check color contrast is essential when incorporating #081D57 into designs to ensure readability and usability for all users. Consideration should also be given to users with color blindness, and testing with color blindness simulators can further refine design choices.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #29467f
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds.
- #455a64
A desaturated blue that can be used as a background color without overwhelming other elements.
- #1e3a8a
This color works well as alternative when a dark shade is needed, while providing better contrast than the original
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #081D57 can be used for headers or navigation bars to create a sophisticated and professional look. It works well as a background color when paired with lighter text to ensure readability. This color can evoke feelings of trust and stability, making it suitable for websites in the finance, technology, or education sectors. Its depth also makes it a good choice for accent elements or call-to-action buttons, especially when combined with complementary colors to draw attention. However, it's important to use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user interface.
Interior Design
In interior design, #081D57 can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white. It can also be used in furniture upholstery or decorative accessories like cushions and curtains. The dark blue hue can add depth to a space, making it feel more cozy and inviting. However, it's important to balance it with lighter elements to prevent the room from feeling too dark or enclosed. Consider using metallic accents like gold or silver to add a touch of luxury.
Fashion
In fashion, #081D57 works as a formal, neutral and grounding color. It can be used as the color for a blazer and combines well with light blue or yellow. It is a color with a serious and trustworthy impression. Thus, it could be used for business attire, while remaining open and approachable. Combining the color with other dark shades will cause a melancholic, severe, and distrustful impression. Therefore, the color should be used with light colors to be perceived correctly.