Chathams Blue
General Information
Chathams Blue, identified by the hex code #145184, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trustworthiness. In color psychology, blues are frequently linked to intellect, communication, and efficiency. The color's relative darkness gives it a sense of depth and seriousness, making it suitable for designs aiming to convey professionalism or authority. The RGB values for Chathams Blue are R:20, G:81, B:132, indicating a strong blue component with subdued red and green influences. Its CMYK values, crucial for printing, are C:85, M:39, Y:0, K:48, which means it requires a significant amount of cyan and black ink to reproduce accurately. This color is named after the Chatham Islands.
The color #145184, also known as Chathams Blue, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its relatively dark hue means it needs careful consideration when used as a text or background color. To ensure readability, it's crucial to use it with a light-colored text on a dark background, or vice versa. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text, and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to comply with WCAG guidelines. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure sufficient contrast for hover and focus states as well. Avoid pairing it with other dark or muted colors without careful testing, as this can lead to poor visibility for users, especially those with visual impairments. Tools like contrast checkers can be invaluable in evaluating color combinations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design and UI
In web design, Chathams Blue can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or sidebars, providing a sense of depth and calmness. It's particularly effective in layouts aiming for a professional or corporate feel. Consider pairing it with clean, minimalist typography in white or light gray to create a visually appealing contrast. In UI design, this color can be used for secondary buttons or progress bars, adding a touch of elegance without overwhelming the user interface. The subtle nature of the color makes it suitable for charts and graphs, enhancing data presentation without being distracting.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Chathams Blue evokes a sense of classic style and understated sophistication. It works exceptionally well in tailored pieces like suits, blazers, and dresses, offering a versatile alternative to traditional navy. This color can also be incorporated into accessories such as scarves, ties, and handbags to add a touch of refined elegance to any ensemble. The calming and trustworthy nature of the hue is also ideal for workwear or professional settings. Consider combining it with neutral tones like cream, gray, or white for a polished and timeless look.
Interior Design
For interior design, Chathams Blue brings a sense of tranquility and sophistication to any space. It can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a calming atmosphere. The color works beautifully with natural wood tones and metallic accents, adding warmth and visual interest. Consider using it in upholstery for sofas or armchairs to introduce a subtle pop of color. In bathrooms, Chathams Blue can evoke a spa-like feeling when paired with light-colored tiles and soft lighting. It can be used effectively in a room that you'd like to feel calm.