Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

The color #0F1189, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It falls within the blue color family, characterized by its strong presence and association with qualities such as depth, stability, and trust. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone Lapis Lazuli, making it a highly prized pigment for artists throughout the ages. Today, it is synthetically produced, retaining its vibrant and captivating hue. In color psychology, Ultramarine is often linked to intelligence, confidence, and authority. Its commanding nature makes it a popular choice in corporate branding, where it is used to convey professionalism and reliability. In digital design, Ultramarine can add a touch of sophistication, but care must be taken to ensure adequate contrast and readability against backgrounds.

The color #0F1189, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against typical light backgrounds like white or light gray. This can make text or other visual elements using this color difficult to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to use a sufficiently light color for text or interactive elements placed on an Ultramarine background. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text, and 3:1 for large text, to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. It's often best to pair Ultramarine with very light yellows, whites, or even pale blues to achieve adequate contrast and readability. Consider also using larger font sizes or bold text to improve legibility against this dark color.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design

  Ultramarine, with its deep and rich tone, is often employed in website headers and footers to establish a sense of sophistication and professionalism. Its intensity can effectively draw the user's eye, highlighting important navigational elements or calls to action. In branding, Ultramarine can convey trustworthiness and authority, making it suitable for financial institutions or organizations emphasizing security. However, due to its darkness, it is best used sparingly, perhaps as an accent color, to avoid overwhelming the design or causing readability issues. When used as a background, pairing it with contrasting text colors, such as white or yellow, is essential for optimal user experience.

• Interior Design

  Ultramarine's association with depth and serenity makes it a popular choice in interior design, particularly in spaces intended for relaxation or contemplation. It works well as an accent wall color in bedrooms or studies, creating a calming atmosphere. Additionally, Ultramarine can be used in upholstery or decorative accessories to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room. When incorporating Ultramarine into an interior, it's crucial to balance its intensity with lighter, warmer tones to prevent the space from feeling too cold or enclosed. Natural light also plays a vital role in enhancing the beauty of this color.

• Graphic Design

  Ultramarine's deep, enigmatic quality makes it a valuable color for creating mysterious and eye-catching designs, such as packaging or promotional material. Ultramarine can be used to create a bold and attractive appearance when combined with contrasting colors like gold or white, resulting in a striking and appealing appearance. In the fashion industry, Ultramarine is a popular choice for evening wear, adding an element of elegance and sophistication. This versatile color can be used for both solid colors and patterned designs, making it a timeless classic.

Complementary color

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