Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
The hex color #083155, commonly known as Prussian Blue, is a deep and rich shade of blue with historical significance. It was one of the first modern synthetic pigments, discovered accidentally in the early 18th century. Prussian Blue quickly became a popular color for artists, particularly for painting skies and landscapes. It's chemical name is Ferric ferrocyanide. This pigment is also used in dyes. Prussian Blue is characterized by its intense color and good lightfastness. In the RGB color model, #083155 is composed of 3.14% red, 19.22% green, and 33.33% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 90.6% cyan, 41.2% magenta, 0% yellow, and 66.7% black.
The hex color #083155, a deep shade of Prussian Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for text-based content. Its very low luminance value (darkness) necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios against background colors. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive text and other essential elements clearly. A light background is absolutely essential; avoid pairing this color with other dark shades. Large text requires a contrast ratio of at least 3:1, while regular text needs 4.5:1. Using online contrast checkers can help ensure compliance. Furthermore, rely not solely on color to convey information. Always provide redundant cues like labels or icons. Screen reader users cannot perceive color, thus clear and concise semantic HTML is important.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e4d73
A slightly lighter blue that maintains a similar aesthetic but offers improved contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #36454f
A desaturated blue that provides a more neutral and subtle alternative while still evoking a sense of calm and professionalism.
- #000814
A darker, near black alternative color to ensure great readability on light backgrounds
Applications
Website Design
Prussian Blue, with its depth and sophistication, lends itself beautifully to website headers and footers, creating a strong and memorable first and last impression. The dark color evokes trust and reliability. It's also effective for call-to-action buttons when paired with a contrasting highlight color. The color is suitable for financial services and other companies where trust is important. Avoid using the color for large text sections due to readability issues and accessibility concerns.
Interior Design
In interior design, #083155 can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. This deep blue pairs well with neutral tones like gray and beige, as well as natural materials like wood and linen. It can also be used in smaller doses for upholstery or decorative accessories, such as throw pillows or lampshades. The color is a great choice to bring depth to any room.
Fashion
Prussian Blue is a sophisticated color choice for formal wear and professional attire. It can be used for suits, dresses, or blouses to project an image of confidence and competence. When used in fashion, Prussian Blue can be paired with metallic accessories for a touch of glamour, or with contrasting colors like mustard yellow or burgundy for a bolder statement. This color has some noble vibes.