Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#150FA5)
The hex color #150FA5, known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated blue hue. In the RGB color model, it consists of 8.24% red, 5.88% green, and 64.71% blue. This color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. Historically, ultramarine pigment was derived from lapis lazuli, making it a precious and expensive color used by artists. The name 'ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' referring to the fact that the pigment was imported into Europe from overseas. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, making this color accessible for various applications. Its prominent blue component gives it a calming and trustworthy feel, often associated with authority and intelligence.
The hex color #150fa5, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value of approximately 4% means it needs to be paired with very light text to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast. Using white text (like #FFFFFF) on this background would likely pass most contrast ratio tests. However, caution is advised when using this color for essential UI elements such as buttons or links. Ensure that the color contrast ratio is at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). It's essential to test the color combination with accessibility tools to ensure compliance and provide a usable experience for users with visual impairments. Insufficient contrast can make content difficult or impossible to read, negatively impacting user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, like #150FA5, can provide a regal and sophisticated touch to website designs, particularly in headers, footers, and navigation menus. Its depth evokes feelings of trust and security, making it suitable for financial or legal websites. However, due to its darkness, it works best as an accent color paired with lighter backgrounds and text to ensure readability and accessibility. For instance, a website for a luxury brand could use #150FA5 for its logo and navigation bar, combined with a cream or white background for the main content.
Fashion Design
This color projects power and confidence, fitting for a sophisticated professional wardrobe. It can be used for suits or dresses, especially when aiming for a serious or formal look. Consider pairing it with lighter neutral colors like beige or gray to balance the boldness. The color also works well for accessories, like ties or scarves, to add a touch of elegance to an outfit. Remember that the depth of the color requires careful matching with skin tone and overall style.
Interior Design
Ultramarine is ideal for creating depth and visual interest in interior spaces. Use #150FA5 for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative elements like vases and artwork. The richness of the color adds a sense of luxury and tranquility. It complements well with metallic accents like gold or silver, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Combining it with lighter hues such as cream, white, or light gray helps to prevent the space from feeling too dark or heavy, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.