Nile Blue
General Information about Nile Blue
Nile Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #163E4A, is a dark, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. It's often associated with calmness and trustworthiness, making it a popular choice for branding and design projects where these qualities are desired. In the RGB color model, #163E4A is composed of 8.63% red, 24.31% green, and 29.02% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.70, 0.16, 0.00, 0.71. From a historical perspective, Nile Blue references the color of the Nile River, although in reality the river's color varies based on environmental conditions. The perception of the color may also vary depending on the medium it is used in and the lighting conditions of the surrounding environment. When used effectively, Nile Blue can provide a sense of understated elegance and professional appeal, particularly when paired with complementary colors or used as an accent color against lighter backgrounds.
The color #163E4A, also known as Nile Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against standard light backgrounds (like white), potentially making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Nile Blue often falls short of these recommendations when paired with light backgrounds, necessitating careful consideration. To improve accessibility, web developers should use Nile Blue sparingly for text or pair it with a sufficiently light color (e.g. white or very light grey) or use a dark color for the background to ensure a compliant contrast ratio. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine appropriate color pairings. Additionally, consider providing alternative color themes or allowing users to customize the color scheme to meet their individual needs and preferences. While Nile Blue can be effective for visual elements such as borders or decorative accents, its use should be approached cautiously with text to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5984
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark grey which provides a high contrast ratio and is often used in User Interfaces.
- #205072
A shade of teal that offers a balance between blue and green, providing a calming feel while being more visible.
Applications
Web Design
Nile Blue (#163E4A) can serve as a sophisticated background color for website headers or footers, especially for sites aiming for a professional or corporate aesthetic. Its depth evokes trust and stability. It is also suitable for button backgrounds, provided the text color is a contrasting light color like white or a pale yellow. In data visualization, Nile Blue could represent a specific category or range of values, especially in charts or graphs where a subtle yet distinguishable color is needed. Furthermore, it can be employed as the color of horizontal rules or dividers to create visual separation on a webpage without being too intrusive. The key is to balance its use with lighter elements to ensure the overall design remains airy and uncluttered.
Interior Design
In interior design, Nile Blue (#163E4A) works well as an accent color for walls in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It can also be used for upholstery on furniture, such as sofas or armchairs, adding a touch of elegance to the space. Furthermore, Nile Blue can be incorporated into decorative elements like cushions, curtains, or rugs to complement other neutral tones in the room. Its use in bathrooms, particularly for tiling or painting, can create a spa-like environment. When pairing Nile Blue with other colors, consider using complementary or analogous colors to achieve a harmonious and balanced interior design.
Fashion
In fashion, Nile Blue (#163E4A) can be used to manufacture elegant and discreet evening gowns, providing a touch of color without being too flashy. Furthermore, Nile Blue can be used for accessories such as scarves, handbags, and belts, adding a subtle pop of color to an outfit. The dark shade of Nile Blue is also ideal for suits and other form-fitting office wear. Nile Blue can also be incorporated into footwear, such as heels and boots, to complement other clothing items. When pairing Nile Blue with other colors, consider using complementary or analogous colors to achieve a harmonious and balanced design.