Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#170A8E)
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #170A8E, is a deep and intense shade of blue, historically derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. This pigment, prized for its brilliance and permanence, has been used in art and decoration for centuries. In the RGB color model, #170A8E is composed of 9.02% red, 3.92% green, and 55.69% blue. This combination results in a color with a strong blue dominance, evoking feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. Its relatively low saturation and high blue component distinguish it from brighter, more vibrant blues. Ultramarine's historical significance and unique color properties make it a popular choice in various creative applications, including art, design, and fashion.
The hex color #170A8E, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text applications. Its low luminance value of 0.01 necessitates careful pairing with background colors to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. This dark shade requires very light foreground colors like white or pale yellow to meet these criteria. Using darker backgrounds or colors with similar luminance values will render text illegible for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Careful consideration of color pairings and luminance contrast is crucial for ensuring an inclusive and accessible user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine, with its rich, deep tone, lends itself well to creating sophisticated website designs. It can be used for headers, footers, and other design elements to evoke a sense of elegance and professionalism. Its depth makes it especially suitable for websites aiming to convey trust, stability, and high quality. Careful use of contrasting colors is essential to ensure readability and accessibility, making it important to balance aesthetic appeal with user experience considerations. Web designers can leverage its unique properties to create a memorable and impactful online presence.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, ultramarine serves as a versatile and eye-catching color, particularly in evening wear and statement pieces. Its regal and sophisticated nature makes it a popular choice for dresses, suits, and accessories. When paired with metallics like gold or silver, ultramarine elevates the overall aesthetic, adding a touch of luxury and opulence. It can also be harmoniously combined with neutral colors like black, white, or gray to create a balanced and elegant ensemble, suitable for various occasions and personal styles. Designers often utilize ultramarine to create a bold and memorable visual impact.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be used to add a touch of drama and sophistication to a room. It works well as an accent color, in elements such as cushions, curtains, or artwork. A deep ultramarine wall can create a focal point in a living room or bedroom, adding a sense of depth and luxury. It is essential to balance the use of such a bold color with lighter hues to avoid overwhelming the space. Metallic or wooden details enhance the richness of ultramarine, creating a harmonious blend of colors and textures within a modern design.