Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1705AE, is a deep, intense shade of blue, reminiscent of the precious pigment derived from lapis lazuli. Historically, ultramarine was highly valued and expensive, making it a symbol of luxury and prestige in art and design. Its name, derived from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' reflects its origin from pigments imported into Europe from Asia. In color psychology, ultramarine often evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and trustworthiness. Its use in modern applications ranges from web design to fashion, offering a touch of elegance and sophistication. The color's rich hue provides a strong visual impact, making it suitable for creating focal points and adding depth to various designs. This distinctive blue continues to be a favorite choice for its timeless appeal and versatile application.
The color #1705AE, a deep ultramarine, presents accessibility challenges primarily due to its low luminance. When used as a background, sufficient contrast with text or foreground elements is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text, and 3:1 for large text, according to WCAG guidelines. White or very light colors generally work well as foreground text on this background. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that hover, focus, and active states have clearly distinguishable visual cues to aid navigation for users with cognitive disabilities. Additionally, avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning; supplement with text labels or icons. Proper color contrast testing tools should be employed during design to ensure compliance with accessibility standards, fostering an inclusive user experience. It's important to remember that even slight adjustments to the color can drastically impact its accessibility profile.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine (#1705AE) adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to website designs. Its deep, rich hue creates a sense of depth and can be effectively used for headers, footers, or as an accent color to highlight important elements. This color is suitable for websites aiming for a modern, elegant, or professional aesthetic. This color works beautifully when paired with white or light gray, creating a visually appealing contrast. Consider using it for call-to-action buttons to draw attention, or as a background for testimonial sections to enhance their perceived value. In branding, it conveys reliability and trust.
Fashion Design
This striking shade can be utilized to evoke feelings of elegance and mystery. Ultramarine (#1705AE) is perfect for designing formal wear or evening gowns, adding a dramatic and luxurious touch. It works exceptionally well with silver or gold accents, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Furthermore, this shade can be used in everyday wear such as blouses, dresses and accessories, to give an outfit a touch of sophistication and glamour, especially in silk or satin textures. Incorporating this color into fashion designs ensures a statement of unique style.
Interior Design
Ultramarine (#1705AE) brings a sense of depth and tranquility to interior spaces. It is well-suited for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a focal point that adds visual interest. In home decor, this color can be used in decorative elements such as throw pillows, curtains, and rugs to introduce pops of color and create a cohesive look. Furthermore, ultramarine complements neutral tones like beige, gray, and white, making it easy to integrate into various design styles. This color adds sophistication to spaces.