Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hex code #174CBF, is a captivating shade of blue that evokes feelings of tranquility and serenity. It is named after the color of the sky on a clear day and is often associated with calmness, stability, and trust. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.02% red, 29.8% green, and 74.9% blue. This color is widely used in various fields, including web design, graphic design, fashion, and interior decor, due to its pleasing aesthetics and versatile nature. It is often used to create a sense of peace and harmony, making it a popular choice for branding and marketing materials. Additionally, its association with clear skies and open spaces makes it ideal for representing concepts related to freedom and innovation.
The hex color #174CBF, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white is approximately 4.9:1, which meets the WCAG AA standard for normal text but falls short for larger text (18pt or 14pt bold) and user interface components. When used as text against a white background, it's advisable to increase the font size or weight to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Against black, the contrast is significantly better, exceeding WCAG AAA standards. When using this color for interactive elements, consider adding visual cues beyond color alone to support users with color vision deficiencies. Thoughtful application of this color can improve the overall user experience, by balancing aesthetics with inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #5dade2
A lighter shade that maintains the blue tone while improving contrast against white backgrounds, making text more readable.
- #0e2a84
A darker shade suitable for backgrounds, providing a strong contrast for light-colored text and interface elements.
- #778899
This grayish alternative offers a more muted tone, ideal for less prominent UI elements and backgrounds where a subtle blue hue is desired without overpowering the design. Its lower saturation can also improve readability for longer blocks of text.
Applications
Web Design
Cerulean Blue is frequently used in website design to evoke feelings of trust and stability. It's a popular choice for header backgrounds, button colors, and accent elements. The color's association with calmness makes it suitable for websites related to finance, health, and technology, where conveying reliability is crucial. Its use in UI design can guide users through the interface, highlighting important actions and information. To enhance usability, the color is often paired with lighter shades to create visual hierarchy and improve readability, ensuring a positive user experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cerulean Blue can be used to create a calming and serene atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms where relaxation is desired. This color can be incorporated through paint, furniture, or decorative accessories such as cushions and curtains. It pairs well with neutral tones like white and gray, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. When used sparingly, it can add a pop of color to a room without being overwhelming. Furthermore, it is very important to consider the lightning conditions when picking the right hue.
Fashion
Cerulean Blue, a captivating shade reminiscent of clear skies and serene waters, is extensively utilized in fashion to add a touch of tranquility and elegance to various apparel pieces. It can be incorporated into dresses, blouses, scarves, and accessories, providing a calming and refreshing visual impact. This color works particularly well in summer collections, evoking feelings of relaxation and freedom. When combined with neutral tones or metallic accents, Cerulean Blue can create sophisticated and eye-catching ensembles that are appropriate for both casual and formal occasions, making it a versatile choice for fashion designers.