Biscay
General Information about Biscay (#123570)
The hexadecimal color #123570, commonly referred to as Biscay, is a deep, muted shade of blue with a significant presence of purple undertones. It belongs to the cool color family and evokes feelings of tranquility, sophistication, and depth. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 7.1% red, 21.2% green, and 43.9% blue. This specific combination results in a color that is both calming and mysterious, reminiscent of the deep sea or a twilight sky. Biscay is often associated with trust, stability, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional websites. Its subdued nature allows it to pair well with a variety of other colors, from neutrals like gray and beige to bolder shades like gold and crimson.
The hex color #123570, also known as Biscay, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or close to it) to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. For users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, inadequate contrast can make content difficult or impossible to read. Therefore, it is crucial to check the contrast ratio using online tools and consider providing alternative high-contrast themes or allowing users to customize colors to ensure an inclusive user experience. Avoid pairing #123570 with dark or similarly toned colors, as this will invariably lead to poor readability. Careful consideration of font size and weight can also partially mitigate contrast issues, but are not a substitute for sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #345995
A slightly lighter blue can offer improved contrast and readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic feel.
- #465b71
A desaturated blue can be a more neutral alternative, offering better compatibility with various text colors.
- #333333
A dark gray is always a safe and accessible option, specially for texts
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Biscay (#123570) can be used sparingly as an accent color to highlight key elements like buttons or navigation bars. Due to its dark nature, it's best used with light text and ample white space to ensure readability and visual appeal. It can also be employed as a background for hero sections to create a sense of depth and sophistication, provided that the overlying content is highly contrasting. Consider it for data visualization, where different shades of blue represent varying data ranges, making it visually intuitive for the user. However, ensure the colors are distinguishable for users with color vision deficiencies.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Biscay can be incorporated into elegant and formal wear. Think of evening gowns, men's suits, or sophisticated accessories like scarves and handbags. When combined with complementary colors like gold or silver, it can create a luxurious and timeless look. It can also serve as a base color for patterned fabrics, providing a rich backdrop for floral or geometric designs. When using Biscay in fashion, consider the fabric's texture and how it interacts with the color, as different materials can subtly alter the hue and vibrancy.
Interior Design Accent
Biscay is an ideal color for creating an accent wall in a living room or bedroom. Its depth and richness can create a dramatic focal point, especially when paired with lighter, neutral colors on the remaining walls. Consider using it in a home office to evoke a sense of calm and focus, promoting productivity. Additionally, Biscay can be used in bathroom designs to create a spa-like atmosphere, complementing natural stone or ceramic tiles. When using Biscay in interior design, ensure the room has sufficient natural light to prevent it from feeling too dark or enclosed.