Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #0A1791, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and saturated shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it's composed of 3.92% red, 8.63% green, and 56.86% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 93% cyan, 85% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. This color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication, often associated with trust and authority. Ultramarine has historical significance, derived from the pigment made from ground lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued color in art. In modern times, it is used extensively in digital design, fashion, and branding to convey a sense of professionalism and elegance.
The color #0A1791, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.009 fails to meet WCAG standards for contrast ratios in text and non-text elements against a white background. Specifically, for normal text (AA level), a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 is required, while for large text, a ratio of 3:1 is necessary. This color falls far short, making text illegible for many users, particularly those with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair this dark blue with very light colors, such as white or pale yellow, to ensure sufficient contrast. Alternatively, consider using this color sparingly for purely decorative elements where readability is not critical. Tools like contrast checkers can help assess and improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #0A1791 can be used as a background color for sections where a sense of depth and sophistication is desired. However, it should be paired with light-colored text to ensure readability. It could also be used for interactive elements like buttons and links, but with careful consideration of hover and active states to maintain accessibility. Because of its nature it could be used for themes related to the night sky, ocean depth, or corporate professionalism.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, this deep ultramarine can be used for creating elegant and classic clothing items. It's suitable for evening wear, formal attire, and accessories where a touch of sophistication is desired. Its depth allows it to be a flattering color choice for many skin tones, especially when used in structured garments like dresses or jackets. The color evokes feelings of calmness, confidence, and understated luxury.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine (#0A1791) can be used as an accent color to add depth and richness to a space. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or decorative elements to create a sophisticated and calming ambiance. It's often paired with lighter neutrals like white, gray, or beige to balance the intensity of the blue. It can also be used in smaller doses, such as in artwork or throw pillows, to add a pop of color without overwhelming the room.