Blue Whale
General Information About #08304B
The hexadecimal color #08304B, often referred to as "Blue Whale," is a deep, dark shade of blue with a significant presence of cyan. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0.03 red, 0.19 green, and 0.29 blue. In the CMYK color model, commonly used for printing, it is composed of 91% cyan, 35% magenta, 0% yellow, and 71% black. This combination gives the color its depth and richness. It evokes feelings of tranquility and sophistication, reminiscent of the deep ocean or a starlit night. This color belongs to the dark blue color group and has a very low saturation. It is a color that is often connected to night and underwater worlds. Therefore it could be used to generate such an atmosphere.
The color #08304B, a deep, muted blue reminiscent of the depths of the ocean, presents considerable accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios, particularly when used for text or interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) against its background. Given the darkness of #08304B, pairing it with light hues such as whites (#FFFFFF) or light yellows (#FFFFE0) is crucial to ensure readability and usability for individuals with visual impairments. Using online contrast checkers can assist in verifying compliance with accessibility standards. Also avoid using this color as the sole indicator of interactive elements, supplementing it with other visual cues like underlines or icons is advisable to cater to users with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e4a7b
A slightly lighter blue that maintains a similar feel but offers better contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #36454f
A desaturated grey-blue alternative that can provide a more neutral and subtle base for designs.
- #4682b4
A vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color in combination with #08304B to add visual interest.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, #08304B can be used for website headers, footers, or sidebars to establish a sophisticated and professional aesthetic. Its dark hue makes it suitable as a background color for displaying light-colored text or icons. To improve visual interest, consider pairing it with contrasting accent colors, such as light yellows or oranges. However, thorough testing is necessary to ensure the color combination maintains the website's accessibility and usability. Its calming and subdued nature is appropriate for websites that need to appear reliable and trustworthy. It's often incorporated in financial, government, and educational institutions to communicate stability. Remember to test on various devices to maintain quality and brand consistency across the web.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, #08304B can be incorporated as an accent wall color in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices to create a calming and sophisticated ambiance. This color works well in spaces where relaxation and focus are desired, such as reading nooks or meditation areas. It pairs harmoniously with natural wood tones, metallic accents (such as brass or gold), and soft textiles (like linen or velvet) to create an inviting and luxurious atmosphere. Consider using it in rooms with plenty of natural light to offset the darkness of the color. This color can also be used in furniture, like a velvet chair, or to create a contrasting element.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, #08304B can be used for elegant evening wear or professional business attire. Garments in this color convey a sense of sophistication and authority, making them suitable for formal occasions or corporate settings. This color can be paired with neutral accessories, such as silver or pearl jewelry, to create a timeless and understated look. In casual wear, it can be incorporated in accessories, like scarves, or used in patterns. Also think about sporty designs, like a jacket, in order to appear modern. The color is a very good alternative for black, because it looks softer, but appears also very stylish.