Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #0d0890, is a deep and intense blue color. It is reminiscent of the pigment derived from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone, which was highly valued for its vibrant hue in historical art. This shade of blue evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication, making it a popular choice in various design applications. In color psychology, blue is often associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It is a cool and calming color that can create a sense of peace and order. However, in excess, it can also evoke feelings of sadness or coldness. The color's intensity suggests it can be used to draw attention or suggest importance.
The hex color #0d0890, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low lightness value (very dark) means it requires very light text (white or near-white) to achieve sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #0d0890 as a background color necessitates careful selection of foreground colors to meet these standards. Furthermore, colorblind users may perceive this color differently, so it's essential to ensure that information conveyed by this color is also available through other visual cues, like text labels or icons. Consider providing high-contrast themes or allowing users to customize colors to improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366cc
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast for text while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #4682b4
A slightly desaturated blue that is easier on the eyes and works well with a wider range of foreground colors.
- #6495ed
A lighter shade of blue, which ensures better readability when used for text or UI elements.
Applications
Web Design Accent Color
Ultramarine (#0d0890) can serve as an accent color to evoke feelings of depth and sophistication. It is particularly effective in minimalist designs or themes centered around conveying trust and security. Given its bold nature, use it sparingly to highlight call-to-action buttons or essential navigational elements to add prominence without overwhelming the user interface.
Cosmetics and Beauty
In the realm of beauty, ultramarine shades are a popular choice for eyeshadows and eyeliners, offering a dramatic pop of color. This deep blue works well in creating intense, smoky eye looks or as a striking liner for special occasions. When using such a strong color, balancing the rest of the makeup with neutral tones can help to prevent the overall look from becoming too overpowering.
Interior Design Accent Wall
As a wall paint color, Ultramarine can bring a bold and dramatic feel to interior spaces. Best suited for accent walls in bedrooms or living rooms, it brings sophistication and depth to any room. Pairing it with lighter, neutral colors such as white or cream can prevent the room from feeling too dark. Consider using in rooms with ample natural light to allow the hue to shine.