Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal code #140BA9, is a deep blue color with a rich history rooted in pigment production. Originally derived from the rare and precious mineral lapis lazuli, ultramarine was highly valued and reserved for use in important religious and artistic works during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, making it more accessible for various applications. This color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and authority. In color psychology, blue is often associated with trust, loyalty, and wisdom. Ultramarine, in particular, possesses a regal and sophisticated quality, making it a popular choice for branding and design projects seeking to convey a sense of reliability and elegance. Its intense saturation and strong visual impact also make it suitable for creating focal points and adding depth to visual compositions.
The color #140ba9, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its dark hue results in low contrast against lighter backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text or distinguish interface elements. To ensure inclusivity, it's crucial to use this color sparingly and pair it with sufficiently light colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. For text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, consider providing alternative color schemes or allowing users to customize the color settings to accommodate individual needs. When using #140ba9 for interactive elements, ensure that hover, focus, and active states are clearly distinguishable, offering visual cues beyond color alone. Remember to test the color combination with accessibility tools to identify and address potential usability issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability and accessibility for users with visual impairments.
A softer blue tone that maintains the essence of blue while offering improved visual harmony and reducing eye strain when used extensively in designs.
This color offers a brighter alternative while retaining the blue hue, ensuring better visibility and user engagement in interactive elements.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Ultramarine, with its rich and deep blue tone, serves as an excellent choice for crafting a sophisticated and trustworthy brand identity. Its association with depth, stability, and confidence makes it suitable for financial institutions and technology firms aiming to project a reliable and professional image. In website design, this color can be applied to highlight key sections, such as headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons, effectively capturing user attention. When employed in logos, Ultramarine provides a memorable and distinguished look, further enhancing brand recognition and conveying a sense of authority and assurance to customers.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can be employed to create a calming and sophisticated ambiance. A single accent wall painted in this shade can introduce depth and visual interest to a room, working particularly well in living rooms or bedrooms. Pair it with neutral hues like gray, white, or beige to maintain a balanced and serene atmosphere. Textiles such as cushions, curtains, or rugs in Ultramarine can provide pops of color, adding an element of luxury and elegance to the space. Metallic accents, such as gold or silver, can further enhance the richness of the color scheme, creating a harmonious and visually appealing environment.
Fashion Design
Ultramarine's intense blue hue makes it a striking choice for fashion applications. It can be used to create bold statement pieces, such as dresses, suits, or outerwear, that command attention and exude confidence. In smaller doses, Ultramarine can be incorporated into accessories like scarves, handbags, or shoes to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. This color works well with a variety of skin tones and can be paired with complementary colors like yellow or orange to create a vibrant and eye-catching look. Whether used for high-fashion runways or everyday wear, Ultramarine brings a sense of elegance and refinement to the world of fashion.