Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #150296, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue that resides in the blue-violet spectrum. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment used by Renaissance painters. Today, it is synthetically produced, making it more accessible. This color is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality due to its rich and profound nature. In color psychology, deep blues like #150296 are thought to evoke feelings of calmness, trust, and stability. It is a versatile color that can be used in various applications, from graphic design to fashion, to create a sense of depth and sophistication. Because of its dark nature, it must be carefully used for web design because it may cause readability problems.
The color #150296, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. When used as text against a white background, the contrast ratio is far below the WCAG guidelines for readability, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to discern the content. To improve accessibility, consider using this color sparingly, especially for large graphic elements where precise readability is less critical. When using it for text, pair it with a light color such as #FFFFFF or #EEEEEE to provide sufficient contrast. Implementing accessibility tools such as a contrast checker can help evaluate color combinations. Also avoid using this color for critical information or interactive elements unless the contrast requirements are met. Another way is to use it as a background color, and put white text above it.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3329a6
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast and readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #4d4dff
A brighter, more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention without compromising accessibility.
- #0b014b
A darker shade of blue that can be used to improve contrast when needed
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #150296 can be used as a background color for headers or footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It can also serve as an accent color for buttons or icons, provided that sufficient contrast is maintained with the text or surrounding elements. The color's dark tone evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it suitable for financial or corporate websites. Due to accessibility guidelines, it should never be used in large bodies of text, as it lacks contrast and can be difficult to read.
Fashion
In fashion, #150296 can be incorporated into evening wear or formal attire to add a touch of elegance and mystery. It can be paired with silver or gold accessories for a luxurious look, or contrasted with lighter shades of blue or white for a more casual yet refined style. This deep ultramarine hue is often associated with confidence and sophistication, making it a popular choice for statement pieces and formal ensembles. The color is also popular in cosmetics, particularly for eyeshadow and eyeliner.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be used as an accent color in room decorations. Use it in paintings, sculptures, or furniture to give some depth to a room. Make sure it does not clash with the other colors used in the room. Ultramarine is best used in rooms that receive plenty of natural light.