Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #101788, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment, especially during the Renaissance. The name 'ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' referring to its origin from overseas sources. In the RGB color model, #101788 consists of 6.27% red, 8.63% green, and 53.33% blue. It is a cool color that evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. In modern usage, ultramarine is used in various applications, from digital design to printing and painting. Its rich and saturated tone makes it an excellent choice for creating visual interest and depth.
The color #101788, a deep ultramarine, presents accessibility challenges due to its low luminance value. When used as a background color, it requires a very light text color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, ideally exceeding the WCAG recommended contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using a darker text color on this background would make it difficult for users, especially those with visual impairments, to perceive the content. Designers should carefully test color combinations using accessibility evaluation tools to ensure compliance. This color is best suited for decorative elements or as an accent color where legibility is not critical. Consider using it sparingly or pairing it with lighter shades to improve overall accessibility. Furthermore, avoid using this color for interactive elements without proper contrast as this will make the website unusable for many users. Using a lighter color, such as white, is recommended for text. The lightness of the text will help to ensure that the text is legible.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #282fa3
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast when paired with darker text.
- #a7b5ef
A pastel blue alternative that provides a softer look while maintaining good readability.
- #e0e0e0
A neutral gray that works well as a background color and provides excellent contrast with most text colors.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, ultramarine (#101788) can be used for creating a sophisticated and trustworthy aesthetic, particularly for financial or technological websites. It can serve as a background for headings or call-to-action buttons, creating a sense of depth and importance. However, due to its darkness, it should be paired with light-colored text to ensure readability and accessibility. As a part of a website's color scheme, it needs to be balanced with more neutral or lighter colors to maintain a visually appealing design.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be used as an accent color in a room to add a touch of sophistication and luxury. It can be incorporated through wall paint, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories like vases and artwork. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, creating a balanced and harmonious space. Because of its depth, ultramarine can make a room feel cozier and more intimate, especially when used in smaller spaces or rooms with ample natural light.
Fashion
In fashion, ultramarine can be used in clothing and accessories to add a pop of color and sophistication. It can be used as a primary color for dresses, suits, or outerwear, or as an accent color for scarves, handbags, or shoes. Ultramarine pairs well with neutral colors like black, white, and gray, as well as other bold colors like red and yellow, creating a statement-making outfit. Because of its depth and richness, ultramarine is often associated with luxury and elegance.