International Klein Blue
About International Klein Blue
International Klein Blue, often abbreviated as IKB, is a deep blue hue first mixed by the French artist Yves Klein. IKB's visual impact comes from its heavy reliance on ultramarine and Yves Klein's artistic intention to detach color from any representational function. The synthesis of IKB was made in collaboration with French paint supplier Edouard Adam, who provided the artist with a medium to suspend the pigment, allowing it to maintain its qualities when applied. Klein registered this color as a trademark in 1957, although the trademark only applies to the paint formulation, not the color itself. Due to it's depth, the color has a high luminance which makes the color special.
The color #0922C1, a deep, saturated blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its low luminance results in poor contrast against typical backgrounds like white, making text difficult to read for users, especially those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring content is perceivable. Using #0922C1 for text or important interactive elements against a light background would likely fail accessibility tests. To improve accessibility, consider using lighter shades of blue or pairing it with much lighter colors for sufficient contrast. Also avoid using this color alone to convey important information, use supporting text labels or icons to ensure everyone can understand the content.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent Color
This particular shade of blue can be utilized as an accent color to draw attention to specific design elements. It might be used for buttons, links, or highlights to guide users and provide a sense of elegance. However, it should be used sparingly, avoiding large blocks of text or background that could hinder the visual experience. In logo design, a deep blue like this can convey reliability and stability, making it suitable for brands looking to project these qualities. This can evoke creativity or luxury, especially when combined with gold or silver accents.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, International Klein Blue can serve as a bold accent color for walls or furniture, creating a striking visual statement in a living room, bedroom, or studio. The usage as wallpaper can also provide depth and contrast in a room. When combining with neutral shades like white, gray, or beige, this color helps make the room vibrant. Metallic accents such as gold, silver, or copper can be used to add to this, and plants to contrast the blue with a natural color.
Fashion
This color can be applied to clothes as the primary color or as an accent color for logos, text and patterns. International Klein Blue conveys a feeling of stability, reliability and trust, making it suitable for business and casual wear. This is especially effective when using accesoiries such as jewelry, bags, or scarves. When printing logos, consider that the blue is very dark, which could cause problems on dark clothes.