Nile Blue
General Information about Nile Blue
The hex color #113355, often referred to as Nile Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue with a subtle elegance. It is composed of 6.67% red, 20% green, and 33.33% blue. In the RGB color space, it represents a relatively low intensity across all channels, resulting in its subdued appearance. Nile Blue can evoke feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication, making it a popular choice for various design applications. It belongs to the broader family of blue hues, known for their association with trust, reliability, and peace. This particular shade is often favored for its understated nature, providing a versatile backdrop for other design elements. Due to its darker nature, it is often paired with lighter colors to create contrast and visual interest. The hex code provides a precise and standardized way to represent this color across different platforms and devices, ensuring consistency in its appearance.
The hex color #113355, also known as Nile Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to select foreground text colors that offer sufficient contrast to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Lighter hues of yellow, orange, or even very light grays would be advisable choices for text on a #113355 background. Testing with accessibility tools is highly recommended to confirm compliance. The color should not be used as the sole indicator of important information such as links or error messages. Consider using alternative indicators in addition to color, such as underlines for links or descriptive icons for errors, to improve accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #224466
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved contrast with darker text, while maintaining a similar aesthetic appeal.
- #004488
A more saturated blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention without overpowering the design.
- #335577
A muted gray-blue tone that provides a sophisticated and neutral background option.
Applications
Web Design
Nile Blue (#113355) can be employed as a sophisticated background color in website designs, particularly for sites aiming for a professional or corporate aesthetic. Its depth and subtlety can lend an air of trustworthiness and stability. It pairs well with lighter text and complementary accent colors to create a visually appealing and accessible user interface. In web design, it can be used for headers, footers, or sidebars to define sections of the page, ensuring a consistent and organized layout. Furthermore, it's a suitable choice for data visualizations, where its calming effect can help users focus on the information being presented.
Interior Design
In interior design, Nile Blue (#113355) can be utilized to create a calming and serene atmosphere. It is suitable for bedrooms, studies, or living rooms where a relaxed and sophisticated ambiance is desired. Consider pairing it with warm neutrals like beige or cream to balance the cool tones of the blue. This color can also be incorporated through textiles, such as curtains or throw pillows, or as an accent wall color to add depth and visual interest to the space. The overall effect is a space that feels both refined and inviting, perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Fashion
In the realm of fashion, Nile Blue (#113355) can serve as an elegant and versatile color choice. It can be used for dresses, suits, or accessories, conveying a sense of sophistication and understated style. This color is particularly flattering when paired with metallic accents like silver or gold, which enhance its richness. Nile Blue can also be incorporated into casual wear, such as jeans or sweaters, providing a more refined alternative to traditional denim. This color exudes confidence and refinement, making it suitable for both professional and social settings.