Chathams Blue
General Information about Chathams Blue (#174E81)
The hexadecimal color code #174E81 represents a dark shade of blue, often referred to as Chathams Blue. It is composed of 9.02% red, 30.59% green, and 50.59% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 23 red, 78 green, and 129 blue. The color is frequently associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. It is often used in corporate branding and web design to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. The CMYK representation of #174E81 is 82% cyan, 40% magenta, 0% yellow, and 49% black. This means that to reproduce this color in print, you would need a high concentration of cyan and magenta. The hue angle of #174E81 is 212.4 degrees, its saturation is 70.8%, and its lightness is 35.1%. This color belongs to the cool color family, making it suitable for designs that require a calming or soothing effect. Due to its depth, it is often used with lighter complementary colors to create contrast and visual interest.
The color #174E81, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low lightness value means it may not provide sufficient contrast against white backgrounds, potentially making text or interactive elements difficult for users with visual impairments to discern. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability. When using this color for text, a light-colored background should be avoided. Instead, consider pairing it with very light yellows, oranges, or greens to provide adequate contrast. Ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. For graphical elements and user interface components, a contrast ratio of 3:1 is required. Tools like contrast checkers can assist in verifying compliance with these guidelines, ensuring your designs are accessible to a broader audience, including those with low vision or color blindness. When #174E81 is used for interactive elements, provide additional visual cues, such as underlines or icons, to ensure usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Chathams Blue, #174E81, can be effectively used in website headers and navigation bars to create a professional and trustworthy feel. Its deep blue hue can instill confidence and reliability in visitors, making it suitable for businesses in finance, technology, or healthcare. When used in navigation, ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain accessibility. This color also works well for call-to-action buttons, drawing attention without being overly aggressive. The use of #174E81 can extend to background accents, subtle borders, and dividers, adding depth and structure to the overall design. Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user, and always test its effectiveness on different screen sizes and devices. The color can be used in graphs and data visualizations to represent key metrics, and should be accompanied with a descriptive label for users with visual impairments. The color can be used as a background color for quotes or testimonials to add depth to the site.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chathams Blue #174E81 can be used as an accent color to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, providing a sense of tranquility and focus. It can be incorporated through painted walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories like cushions and throws. When using this color in a room, consider pairing it with neutral tones like beige, gray, or white to balance the depth of the blue. Natural materials such as wood and linen can complement the color, adding warmth and texture to the space. The color can be used on a feature wall to draw focus to a specific area, such as a fireplace or bookshelf. For furniture, a blue sofa or armchair can serve as a statement piece, anchoring the room's design. Accessories like vases, lamps, and artwork can incorporate smaller touches of the color, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. The color can also be used in a bathroom to create a relaxing and spa-like atmosphere.
Branding
Chathams Blue, #174E81, can be employed in creating elegant and professional branding materials for corporate clients. It is suitable for creating logos, business cards, letterheads, and marketing collateral. The color evokes a sense of trust, stability, and sophistication, making it appropriate for businesses in finance, law, or consulting. The use of this color can create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. Use the color on business cards along with white to create a simple, yet effective business card. When using it for a logo, ensure that the logo is legible and scalable across different media. The color can be paired with complementary or analogous colors to create visual interest. For presentations, the color can be used as a background for slides to maintain a consistent brand image. Brochures and flyers can incorporate the color to highlight key information and attract attention.