Chathams Blue
General Information about Chathams Blue
Chathams Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #174E84, is a dark, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. It is a color often associated with trust, intelligence, and efficiency. In the RGB color model, #174E84 consists of 9.02% red, 30.59% green, and 51.76% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 83% cyan, 41% magenta, 0% yellow, and 48% black. This particular shade of blue is named after the Chathams Islands near New Zealand and it is a color often found in corporate branding, website designs, and interior decor where a sense of professionalism and serenity is desired. Chathams Blue is well-suited for backgrounds, accents, and graphical elements.
The color #174E84, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a foreground color on a white or light background. Its relatively low luminance requires careful consideration of color contrast ratios to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #174E84 for text, it's crucial to pair it with a very light color like white or a pale yellow to meet these contrast requirements. If used for interactive elements like buttons or links, hover and focus states should also be designed with sufficient contrast to provide clear visual cues for users navigating with keyboards or other assistive technologies. Furthermore, avoid using this color alone to convey important information; always supplement color with text labels or icons to ensure information is accessible to all users, including those with color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e64fe
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, while still maintaining a professional look.
- #6495ed
A desaturated blue that offers a more subtle and understated appearance, suitable for backgrounds or secondary elements.
- #ADD8E6
This light blue has a better contrast ratio for increased accessibility.
Applications
Website Design
Chathams Blue (#174E84) is a sophisticated and calming color, making it an excellent choice for website headers and navigation bars, particularly for businesses in the technology, finance, or consulting industries. Its depth evokes trust and reliability. It can also be effectively used in data visualizations, such as charts and graphs, to represent key metrics or trends. The color is also suitable for use in the branding of health and wellness products, as its calmness invokes a sense of stability. For web design, avoid using Chathams Blue on large blocks of text, as the low luminance may strain the eyes.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chathams Blue can be incorporated into accent walls, upholstery, or decorative elements in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. It pairs well with neutral tones like beige, gray, or white to create a balanced and harmonious atmosphere. It is a great color for creating a calm and professional office space. In fashion it could be used as an accent color in a scarf or tie.
Graphic Design
In graphic design, Chathams Blue is suitable for creating professional and modern-looking logos, brochures, and marketing materials. It is a versatile color that can be used to convey a sense of sophistication, reliability, and trustworthiness. It can also be used in combination with other colors to create visually appealing designs. It is an alternative to dark blues or black for text for better readability.