Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1407AD, is a deep blue pigment originally derived from the mineral lapis lazuli. Its name comes from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as lapis lazuli had to be imported from distant lands. Historically, it was highly prized and expensive, making it a color reserved for royalty and religious figures in paintings. Today, synthetic Ultramarine is widely available, offering the same vibrant hue at a much lower cost. In the RGB color model, #1407AD is composed of 7.84% red, 2.75% green, and 67.84% blue. This color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. It is commonly associated with trust, intelligence, and confidence, making it a popular choice for branding and design.
The color #1407AD, Ultramarine, presents several accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. When used as text, it necessitates a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, particularly for users with visual impairments. Following WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine often falls short of these ratios against many common background colors. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, sufficient visual cues beyond color alone should be provided, such as underlines or icons, to assist users who may have difficulty distinguishing it from the background. Careful consideration of color blindness is crucial. Tools for simulating color blindness can help assess how the color is perceived by individuals with different types of color vision deficiencies. Highlighting or changing the hue upon interaction can also improve the user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used as a secondary color for headings or accents, provided it's paired with a light background to ensure readability. It's suitable for websites related to technology, education, or finance, where a sense of trust and stability is desired. The color can also be used in charts and graphs to represent data, especially when differentiating between multiple categories. However, it should be used sparingly for interactive elements due to accessibility concerns. Use it to highlight certain details in your projects to let it stand out.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color in clothing or accessories. A scarf, a hat, or a pair of gloves in this beautiful deep blue can add a vibrant touch to an outfit. It pairs well with neutral colors such as white, gray, or black. The color is also suitable for evening wear, creating a sophisticated and elegant look. Ultramarine nail polish or eyeshadow can be a bold statement, especially when combined with a more neutral makeup palette. In conclusion, it's great for many different areas.
Interior Design
Ultramarine, with its deep and rich hue, can be a striking choice in interior design. While using it for entire walls might be overwhelming, it works beautifully as an accent color. Consider painting a single wall in Ultramarine to create a focal point in a living room or bedroom. It's also an excellent option for upholstery, such as a velvet sofa or armchair, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the space. Decorative elements like throw pillows, curtains, or rugs in Ultramarine can introduce pops of color to a neutral room, creating visual interest and depth. When using Ultramarine, balance is key.