Blue Whale
General Information about #0A2C42
The hex color #0A2C42, often referred to as Blue Whale, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It belongs to the family of dark blues and can evoke feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, #0A2C42 is composed of 3.92% red, 17.25% green, and 25.88% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.85, 0.34, 0.00, 0.74, indicating a high proportion of cyan. This color is commonly used in designs where a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness is desired. Due to its dark nature, it's often paired with lighter hues to create contrast and visual interest. Its hexadecimal representation makes it easy to use in digital design, web development, and graphic design software, providing a consistent color reference across different platforms and applications. The color is often associated with the deep ocean, hence the name 'Blue Whale', and is a good choice when those kinds of moods or associations are desired.
The hex color #0A2C42, also known as Blue Whale, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its dark hue means that it requires a very light foreground color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Using #0A2C42 for text on a white background, or vice versa, would likely fail these contrast tests. Therefore, when using this color, it's crucial to pair it with a very light color such as white (#FFFFFF) or a light gray to ensure that individuals with visual impairments can easily read the content. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility standards. Furthermore, avoid using #0A2C42 for crucial UI elements without careful consideration of its impact on usability for all users, including those with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #0A2C42 can be used for website headers or footers to create a sophisticated and professional look. It pairs well with lighter text and can serve as a grounding element for the overall design. Because of its dark nature one can use this to make a dark mode version of a page or application.
Interior Design
In interior design, this color can be used for accent walls or furniture to add depth and richness to a room. It complements natural wood tones and metallic accents, creating a luxurious ambiance. However, it should be balanced with lighter colors to prevent the space from feeling too dark or enclosed.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, #0A2C42 can be incorporated into clothing designs for a touch of elegance and sophistication. It works well for evening wear or formal attire and can be paired with silver or gold accessories. Because of its nature it can be used as a darker background with brighter colors.