Chathams Blue
General Information
The hex color #174A84, also known as Chathams Blue, is a dark, slightly desaturated shade of blue. It falls within the blue color family and is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. In the RGB color model, #174A84 is composed of 9.02% red, 29.02% green, and 51.76% blue. Its CMYK representation is 83% cyan, 44% magenta, 0% yellow, and 48% black. This color is commonly used in corporate branding, web design, and interior design to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. It can also be found in various natural settings, such as deep ocean waters or twilight skies. Chathams Blue received its name from the Chatham Islands, near New Zealand.
The hex color #174A84, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web design. Its relative luminance is low, meaning it may not provide sufficient contrast when used as text against a white background or other light colors. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. When using #174A84, it's important to pair it with a significantly lighter color to meet these guidelines. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate the color combination's compliance. Additionally, avoid using this color alone to convey important information, as colorblind users might not be able to distinguish it. Always provide alternative cues like text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Chathams Blue can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or navigation bars, particularly for websites aiming to project trustworthiness or professionalism. It pairs well with lighter text colors like white or off-white to ensure readability. When incorporated into charts and graphs, this color can effectively represent data points without overwhelming the viewer. Furthermore, consider using it for interactive elements like buttons or links, providing a subtle yet distinct visual cue for user interaction. The color can also be used for dividing lines or separators within a webpage layout to create visual hierarchy.
Interior Design
In interior design, #174A84 can be employed to create a calming and serene atmosphere. It works particularly well in bedrooms or studies, where a sense of tranquility is desired. Consider using it as an accent wall color, complemented by lighter shades of gray or beige for the remaining walls. This color can also be incorporated through furniture upholstery, such as sofas or armchairs, adding a touch of elegance to the space. Accessorize with metallic elements like gold or silver to enhance the color's richness and depth. The color works well in combination with natural wood textures.
Fashion
In fashion, this shade of blue lends an air of sophistication and formality. It's appropriate for formal wear, business attire, and evening events. In combination with silk or velvet it will give a sense of luxury and high quality. Accessorize with gold or silver jewelry and consider complementary colors to give a stylish impression. In combination with other colours like yellow or white this colour can be used in less formal occasions.