Venice Blue
General Information about Venice Blue
The color #105A8B, also known as Venice Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of serenity, stability, and professionalism. It belongs to the cyan-blue color family and has relatively low saturation, making it suitable for various applications where a subtle yet sophisticated touch is desired. This color is commonly associated with trust, reliability, and competence, making it a popular choice for corporate branding, technology interfaces, and calming environments. In color psychology, blue is often linked to intellect, communication, and efficiency. Venice Blue's subdued nature distinguishes it from brighter blues, providing a more understated and refined aesthetic. Its hexadecimal value is composed of 6.3% red, 35.3% green, and 54.5% blue.
The hex color #105A8B, also known as Venice Blue, presents some accessibility challenges primarily due to its relatively low luminance. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires careful consideration of the background color to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Pairing Venice Blue with light colors such as #FFFFFF (white) or #F0F0F0 (light gray) can help achieve an acceptable contrast ratio. Using online contrast checkers is advisable to verify compliance. Additionally, avoid using this color for essential UI elements without proper contrast, as it may cause usability issues for users with visual impairments. Consider implementing text shadows or outlines to improve readability when using Venice Blue on complex backgrounds.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #297bbd
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast against darker backgrounds.
- #083454
A darker shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic but can provide better contrast when used as a background color.
- #4f6a7b
A desaturated blue with similar hues, which makes it slightly easier for people with visual impairment to distinguish.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Venice Blue can serve as an accent color for headers, buttons, and navigational elements, especially in themes related to technology, corporate branding, or serene environments. Its calming yet professional tone can create a sense of trust and stability. However, it's essential to use it sparingly and balance it with neutral colors to avoid overwhelming the user. Ensure that interactive elements have sufficient contrast for readability and usability. Venice Blue works effectively in combination with complementary colors like shades of orange or yellow for call-to-action buttons.
Interior Design
In interior design, Venice Blue can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or decorative accents in bedrooms, living rooms, or offices. When paired with natural materials like wood or stone, it evokes a sense of tranquility and elegance. Complementary colors such as warm grays or beige can soften the coolness of the blue, creating a balanced and inviting space. It's particularly effective in coastal-themed designs, reinforcing a connection with the sea and sky.
Fashion
In fashion, Venice Blue can be used to create a professional, yet relaxed appearance in corporate or casual wear. It can be used as a base color for suits and shirts, or as a secondary color for accessories such as scarfs and ties. It pairs well with warmer colors to create a balance and more interesting appeal.