Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#140B8F)
The hex color #140B8F, also known as Ultramarine, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, stability, and trust. It belongs to the blue color family and has a relatively low luminance, making it appear quite dark to the human eye. In the RGB color model, it consists of 7.84% red, 4.31% green, and 56.08% blue. The color is often associated with royalty, intellect, and sophistication. In color psychology, dark blues are often used to represent reliability, security, and responsibility. Ultramarine's historical significance stems from its use in fine art, where it was a highly prized pigment derived from lapis lazuli. Its synthetic versions made it more widely accessible.
The color #140B8F, a deep ultramarine, presents considerable accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its low luminance makes it difficult to read when used as text against a white background. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet Level AA compliance. This dark blue typically falls far short of these ratios, necessitating careful consideration. To improve accessibility, pair it with very light colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or bright yellow (#FFFF00) to achieve sufficient contrast. Alternatively, use it sparingly for decorative elements or backgrounds where readability is less critical. Providing alternative high-contrast themes is also a good practice.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #140B8F can be utilized to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It is suitable for header backgrounds, call-to-action buttons, or graphic elements where a sense of trust and stability is desired. When using this color, ensure that text and interactive elements layered on top have sufficient contrast to meet accessibility standards. Complementary colors like yellows or oranges can be used to create visually appealing contrasts and highlight important information. It’s crucial to maintain a balance to avoid overwhelming users with excessive darkness.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can serve as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative items. It pairs well with neutral tones like gray, beige, or white, adding a touch of elegance and depth to the space. This color is often used in bedrooms or living rooms to create a relaxing and serene environment. Combining ultramarine with metallic accents like gold or silver can elevate the overall aesthetic and add a sense of luxury. Furthermore, consider the lighting in the room, as darker shades tend to absorb light, so ensure adequate illumination to prevent the space from feeling too dim.
Fashion
Ultramarine, symbolized by the hex color code #140B8F, embodies a rich and deep shade reminiscent of the sea and sky. Within the fashion industry, it is an opulent choice for evening wear, formal attire, and accessories, conveying sophistication and grace. Ultramarine can be seamlessly integrated into textiles such as velvet, silk, and satin, adding depth and extravagance to garments. Its remarkable adaptability enables designers to pair it with complementary hues like gold or silver for a lavish aesthetic, or with contrasting tones such as coral or yellow for a bold statement.