Ultramarine
About Ultramarine
Ultramarine is a deep blue color, originally derived from the pigment made by grinding lapis lazuli stone. The name comes from the Latin "ultramarinus", literally meaning "beyond the sea", as the pigment was imported into Europe from Asia. It is a rich, vibrant, and intense color that has been highly valued throughout history, particularly in art. Nowadays, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, offering the same beautiful hue at a more accessible price. This color is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality due to its historical significance and striking appearance.
The color #0F168C, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Due to its deep, saturated hue and low luminance, it may not provide sufficient contrast when used as text against a white or light-colored background. This can make it difficult for users with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness, to read the text effectively. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with lighter shades to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Additionally, avoid using this color as the sole means of conveying information, as users with color blindness may not be able to distinguish it.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible for users with visual impairments.
A more muted blue that can be used as a background color with white or light-colored text for improved readability.
Royal Blue offers great saturation but also enough lightness to provide more balance.
Applications
Web and App Design
Ultramarine, with its rich and deep blue hue, can serve as a captivating accent color for websites, especially in areas intended to grab attention such as call-to-action buttons or highlighted sections. When designing mobile applications, it can be utilized to establish a sophisticated and trustworthy atmosphere, particularly within finance or corporate-themed apps. However, caution should be exercised when using it as a primary background color for extensive text blocks due to potential readability issues. It's most effective when incorporated thoughtfully in moderation to enhance the overall user experience.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, Ultramarine shines as a bold and sophisticated color choice, lending an air of elegance and refinement to garments and accessories alike. It can be artfully incorporated into evening wear, formal attire, and statement pieces, commanding attention and exuding confidence. This striking hue is particularly well-suited for luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk, and satin, where its depth and richness are amplified to create a truly mesmerizing visual impact. Whether as a focal point or a complementary accent, Ultramarine adds a touch of opulence and allure to any ensemble.
Interior Design
Ultramarine lends itself beautifully to interior design as an accent color. Think decorative pillows, vases, or even a feature wall to add a pop of color to a neutral space. It works well with cooler tones like grays and whites or can create a vibrant contrast with warmer colors like golds and oranges. Be mindful of the room's lighting, as Ultramarine can make a space feel darker.