Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #14179F, is a deep, vivid shade of blue. It derives its name from the pigment originally made from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone mined in Afghanistan. Historically, ultramarine pigment was highly prized and expensive, making it a color associated with royalty and religious art. In the RGB color model, #14179F consists of 7.84% red, 8.63% green, and 62.35% blue. This high concentration of blue gives it its characteristic intense hue. In the CMYK color model, it comprises 87.4% cyan, 86.2% magenta, 0% yellow, and 37.6% black. Ultramarine is often used to convey feelings of trust, stability, and authority, making it a popular choice for branding and visual communication.
The color #14179F, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges. Due to its deep, saturated hue, it offers limited contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially causing readability issues for users with visual impairments. When used as text, it's crucial to ensure a high contrast ratio, ideally exceeding 4.5:1, as recommended by WCAG guidelines. Pairing it with white or very light yellow can improve legibility. In user interface design, consider using it sparingly for non-essential elements like decorative accents or backgrounds for large headings. If used for interactive elements like buttons, ensure sufficient size and clear visual cues to aid users with motor impairments. Thorough testing with assistive technologies is recommended to ensure usability for all users. This includes screen readers and keyboard navigation.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A more desaturated blue that is easier on the eyes and less likely to cause eye strain when used extensively.
A neutral color that still conveys the feeling of royalty without having strong saturation
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine can be effectively employed in website headers and footers to create a sense of sophistication and trust. Its depth conveys stability, making it suitable for financial institutions or educational platforms. When combined with a clean, minimalist design, it can enhance the overall user experience by providing a visually appealing and professional aesthetic. Furthermore, it can be used as a background color for call-to-action buttons, drawing attention and encouraging user interaction.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Ultramarine makes a statement of elegance and confidence. It can be incorporated into evening gowns, suits, or even accessories like scarves and handbags. Its rich hue pairs well with metallics like gold or silver, creating a luxurious and eye-catching ensemble. Consider using it as a primary color for a power suit or as an accent color for a cocktail dress, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. The bold color is ideal to give garments a luxurious and powerfull feeling.
Interior Design
For interior design, this hue can add depth and drama to a room. It can be used as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, creating a focal point and adding a sense of tranquility. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray or beige, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Ultramarine can also be incorporated into furniture pieces, such as sofas or armchairs, adding a pop of color and creating a sophisticated and inviting space.