Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #100C8C is a deep, rich shade of blue known as Ultramarine. It resides in the blue color spectrum and is characterized by its strong, intense pigmentation. Ultramarine has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient times when it was derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. This origin made it one of the most expensive and highly prized pigments, often reserved for use in religious art and royal commissions. Today, synthetic versions of ultramarine are readily available, making it more accessible for various applications. In the RGB color model, #100C8C is composed of 6.3% red, 4.7% green, and 54.9% blue. It carries an air of sophistication and depth, often associated with qualities such as intellect, stability, and confidence.
The color #100C8C, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, especially in web design. When used as a background color, it demands careful consideration of foreground text color. Due to its low lightness value, text needs to have a high contrast ratio to be legible for users with visual impairments. A light color like white or a very bright yellow would be suitable choices to ensure compliance with WCAG guidelines. Conversely, using darker text colors can make the content unreadable for many users. It is crucial to test color combinations with accessibility evaluation tools to ensure sufficient contrast. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements without clear visual cues to avoid accessibility issues for color blind users. The color should be used thoughtfully to create inclusive designs. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is highly recommended.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A slightly lighter blue, closer to a royal blue, can offer a similar feel while improving readability.
- #4682b4
A desaturated blue can provide a more muted and accessible background option.
- #000080
Navy blue serves as a reliable alternative for professional and clean designs, while ensuring better readability.
Applications
Interior Design Accent
Ultramarine (#100C8C) offers a sophisticated and calming presence in interior design. It works exceptionally well as an accent color in bedrooms or studies, promoting relaxation and focus. Consider pairing it with neutral tones like gray or beige to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. For a bolder look, incorporate metallic accents such as gold or silver to enhance its richness. This color is suitable for upholstery, wall art, and decorative accessories, adding depth and character to the living space. When using it in larger doses, ensure ample natural light to prevent the room from feeling too dark.
Fashion Statement Color
In the realm of fashion, ultramarine (#100C8C) lends a touch of elegance and mystery. It is a versatile shade that complements a range of skin tones and styles. Use it for statement pieces such as dresses, blazers, or accessories like scarves and handbags. Pair it with contrasting colors like orange or yellow for a vibrant and eye-catching ensemble, or with neutral shades like white or black for a more classic and refined appearance. Its depth and richness make it perfect for evening wear and formal occasions, adding a sense of sophistication to any outfit. It's also a great choice for athletic wear, adding boldness and style.
User Interface Elements
Ultramarine (#100C8C) can be used as a secondary color in user interfaces to highlight important aspects of a design. It is suitable for buttons, links, and navigational elements to draw attention without overwhelming the user. Complement the color with white, off-white or light gray backgrounds to ensure readability. Moreover, the color is useful for data visualization in the form of diagrams and charts, for a distinctive representation of certain variables. Also, the color should not be the primary color, but rather an accent color.