Catalina Blue
General Information about Catalina Blue
The hex color #132C85, also known as Catalina Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, stability, and trustworthiness. It is a color commonly associated with the ocean and is often used to represent authority and intelligence. In color psychology, deep blues like Catalina Blue can promote a sense of calm and security, making it a popular choice for businesses and organizations looking to project a reliable image. This color is created by combining relatively small amounts of red and green with a larger amount of blue in the RGB color model. In the CMYK color model, used for printing, it consists of a high percentage of cyan, magenta and black, with a small amount of yellow.
The hex color #132C85, also known as Catalina Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning text readability. When used as a background color, it demands careful consideration of the foreground text color. Due to its dark nature, lighter text colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of yellow or green are necessary to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using a color contrast checker is crucial to verify that the chosen text color meets these standards. Avoid pairing #132C85 with other dark colors, as this will render text illegible for many users, especially those with visual impairments. Ensuring adequate contrast enhances the user experience and makes content accessible to a wider audience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #191970
Midnight Blue offers a similar deep blue aesthetic but can provide slightly better contrast when paired with lighter text.
- #000080
Navy Blue is another close alternative that maintains a classic and sophisticated look, often used in professional and formal contexts.
- #003153
Prussian Blue is a dark, strong blue that conveys a sense of depth and can be an alternative if a slight variation of #132C85 is desired.
Applications
Web Design
Catalina Blue can serve as a striking background for website headers or footers, particularly for businesses aiming to convey trust and reliability. Its depth makes it suitable for the main color of a website, contrasting well with white or light-colored text and graphics. It is also often used as the primary color for web elements such as buttons and links.
Interior Design
In interior design, Catalina Blue can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral colors such as beige, gray, and white, and can also be combined with metallic accents like gold or silver for a luxurious feel. It is also suitable for upholstery of accent furniture pieces like chairs and sofas.
Fashion
In fashion, Catalina Blue is often used in formal wear such as suits, dresses, and evening gowns. Its deep, rich color makes it a popular choice for creating a sense of elegance and sophistication. It can be paired with neutral accessories like black shoes and handbags, or with bolder colors like gold or silver jewelry for a more dramatic look. Catalina Blue is often seen in business and formal wear.