Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #0D0A8E, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 5.1% red, 3.92% green, and 55.69% blue. This composition gives it a strong blue dominance, resulting in its distinctive and vibrant appearance. Ultramarine historically derives its name from the pigment originally made from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone. This color is often associated with depth, stability, and intelligence. In color psychology, blue is frequently linked to feelings of trust, peace, and order. Its deep hue makes it suitable for various design applications where a sense of sophistication and reliability is desired. Ultramarine is a color that has stood the test of time, appreciated both for its aesthetic qualities and the rich history behind its creation.
The color #0D0A8E, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents specific accessibility considerations for web design. Its low lightness value (approximately 4%) means it provides insufficient contrast when used as text against a standard white background. This can lead to readability issues, particularly for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with much lighter shades. Using a color contrast checker is highly recommended to verify that the contrast ratio meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, aiming for a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, providing alternative cues, such as icons or text labels, can further improve usability for all users, especially those who may have difficulty distinguishing between colors. Considering the background color and font size are also crucial when assessing accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2926ab
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still retains the richness of ultramarine but offers better contrast against light backgrounds.
- #464382
A more muted, grayish-blue alternative that provides a sophisticated and calming feel, suitable for backgrounds or accents.
- #1e19f0
A bright vivid blue that creates an energetic and fresh aesthetic.
Applications
Website Headers and Navigation
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, lends itself beautifully to website headers and navigation bars, especially for sites aiming for a sophisticated or professional look. Its intensity can draw the user's eye, making key elements stand out. However, due to its darkness, it's best used with light-colored text for readability. In branding, it can convey trust, stability, and intelligence. For instance, a financial institution or a tech company might use ultramarine to project an image of reliability and expertise. When incorporating it, consider using it strategically to highlight important areas and create a sense of depth in your overall design.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #0D0A8E can be used as an accent color in rooms to create a sense of drama and sophistication. A single ultramarine wall can serve as a focal point, especially when paired with neutral colors like gray or beige. It is a great color to create a calm atmosphere within a bedroom. It can also be used in smaller doses, such as in throw pillows or artwork, to add pops of color to a room. Furthermore, ultramarine is a great choice to create contrast in brightly lit rooms. Overall, it is a great choice to elevate the style of any room.
Presentation Graphics
Ultramarine is a great choice for creating unique, professional and bold graphics for presentations. It works great as a background, creating an atmosphere of professionalism and trust. The brightness allows for a good level of readability when using white fonts. In combination with other bright color accents, the ultramarine gives an extra kick to the visuals.