Chathams Blue
General Information about Chathams Blue
The color #164785, also known as Chathams Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and professionalism. It belongs to the blue color family and has a relatively low saturation, making it a versatile choice for various design applications. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 8.63% red, 27.84% green, and 52.16% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 83.4% cyan, 46.6% magenta, 0% yellow, and 47.8% black. This color is often associated with trust, security, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and websites. Its subdued nature allows it to be paired effectively with a wide range of other colors, from neutrals to brighter, more vibrant hues.
The hex color #164785, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. When used as a background color, sufficient contrast is crucial to ensure readability of text. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text against the background. This specific shade of blue may require very light text (approaching white) to meet these standards. When used for interactive elements such as buttons or links, additional visual cues such as underlines or borders are essential to help users identify these elements easily. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure compliance and optimal user experience. It's a deep, muted blue, so pairing it with brighter, contrasting colors can help elements stand out and improve usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast with dark text, making it more accessible for users with visual impairments.
- #4169e1
A more saturated blue that can be used to draw attention to specific elements on a webpage or in a design.
- #000020
A very dark alternative, almost black, suitable for text.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Chathams Blue can be used for headers, footers, or sidebars to create a calming and professional feel. Its depth makes it suitable as a background color for sections where you want to highlight content, such as testimonials or featured articles. When combined with lighter accent colors, it can evoke a sense of trust and stability, making it ideal for corporate websites or financial institutions. However, ensure that the text color contrasts sufficiently to maintain readability and accessibility for all users.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chathams Blue can be used to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. It pairs well with neutral colors like beige, gray, and white, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Consider using it as an accent color for walls, upholstery, or decorative accessories to add depth and visual interest to a space. This color can also be effective in creating a nautical or coastal theme, especially when combined with elements like rope, seashells, and driftwood.
Fashion
In fashion, Chathams Blue can be used for creating classic and timeless looks. It works well for garments like dresses, suits, and outerwear, and can be paired with neutral colors like black, white, and gray, as well as complementary colors like coral or gold. Accessorize with metallic jewelry or leather accents to add a touch of sophistication. This color is suitable for both casual and formal occasions, depending on the fabric and style of the garment.