Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#131888)
The hexadecimal color code #131888 represents a deep shade of ultramarine, a color traditionally associated with royalty, wisdom, and tranquility. In the RGB color model, it consists of 7.45% red, 9.41% green, and 53.33% blue. This composition gives it a strong blue dominance, resulting in its characteristic depth and richness. Ultramarine pigments were historically derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued color in art and decoration. Today, synthetic ultramarine pigments offer a more accessible and consistent alternative. The color #131888 is often used to evoke feelings of trust, stability, and sophistication. Its usage in design can add a touch of elegance and formality.
The hex color #131888, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance means that text rendered in this color against a white background will have extremely poor contrast, failing WCAG guidelines for readability. To improve accessibility, consider using lighter text colors like white or very light grays on top of #131888. Alternatively, use #131888 for large graphical elements where text contrast is not a primary concern. When using #131888 as a background, ensure foreground elements have sufficient contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate color pairings. Also, avoid using this color to convey critical information without providing redundant cues, such as icons or labels, as users with color vision deficiencies may not perceive it accurately. Always test color combinations with accessibility in mind to ensure content is usable by everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability.
A slightly desaturated variant that can be easier on the eyes for extended viewing.
A brighter color that offers more vibrancy and visual appeal, while maintaining a connection to the original ultramarine.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #131888 can be used as a strong accent color for headers, buttons, or navigation bars. Its depth evokes feelings of trust and authority, making it suitable for financial or educational websites. However, use it sparingly due to its low luminance and ensure sufficient contrast with text elements. Consider using it in gradients with lighter blues or purples to create visually appealing backgrounds. Also, this color could be used for UI elements such as progress bars or notification badges that require a sense of importance. For data visualization, reserve it for highlighting key data points.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #131888 can serve as a sophisticated wall color in a study or library, creating a calming yet intellectual atmosphere. Pair it with lighter wood tones and metallic accents for a balanced aesthetic. Use it for statement furniture pieces like sofas or armchairs to add a touch of elegance to a living room. In smaller doses, #131888 can be incorporated through textiles such as cushions, curtains, or rugs to provide depth and visual interest. When using this color in a room, ensure ample lighting to prevent it from feeling too dark or overwhelming.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, the color #131888 can be used for formal wear, such as evening gowns or suits, exuding sophistication and confidence. It can be incorporated as an accent color for accessories like scarves, handbags, or shoes, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. For casual wear, consider using it in knitted sweaters, dark denim, or athletic wear, to provide a relaxed but stylish appearance. It also complements well with neutral tones like beige, gray, or white, allowing the dark color to stand out in the whole appearence.