Chathams Blue
General Information
The color #175381, commonly known as Chathams Blue, is a deep, cool-toned blue that falls within the range of navy blues. It has a subtle sophistication and evokes feelings of trust, stability, and calmness. In the RGB color model, #175381 is composed of 9.02% red, 32.55% green, and 50.59% blue. Its CMYK values are 82.2, 35.1, 0.0, 49.4. This color is often associated with professionalism and reliability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and design. Due to its darker nature, Chathams Blue works best when paired with lighter colors to create contrast and enhance readability. Its hexadecimal triplet is 175381, and it belongs to the larger family of blue hues often used to convey serenity and intellect.
The hex color #175381, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a text color against a white background. Its relatively low luminance value means that the contrast ratio might not meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, specifically the AA level which requires a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with a very light background, or conversely, use it as a background color with very light text. Tools are readily available online to check contrast ratios and ensure compliance. Consider increasing the font size or using a bolder font weight to improve legibility. When using this color for interactive elements, providing clear visual cues for hover, focus, and active states is essential to enhance usability for all users, especially those with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Chathams Blue can serve as an excellent color for headers, navigation bars, or background accents. Its professional and calming nature makes it suitable for corporate websites, educational platforms, or any site aiming to convey trust and stability. To maximize its effectiveness, pair it with complementary colors like light grays or yellows to create visual interest and improve readability. As a background, use lighter text to ensure contrast. In user interface design, it can be used for buttons, icons, and other interactive elements to create a cohesive and visually appealing experience for the user. Make sure the color isn't the only visual way to inform a user.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chathams Blue evokes a sense of tranquility and sophistication. It's often used in bedrooms or living rooms to create a calming atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral tones like beige and gray, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. This color can be applied to walls, furniture, or decorative accents to add depth and visual interest to a space. Accents like copper or brass can be used to create visual interest. Consider incorporating textiles with varying textures to enhance the overall ambiance of the room. It can also be used in bathrooms to give the user a spa experience.
Fashion
In fashion, Chathams Blue offers a versatile and timeless option for clothing and accessories. It can be used for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, as well as casual wear like jeans or sweaters. This color complements a wide range of skin tones and can be paired with various colors, from bright accents like coral and yellow to neutral tones like white and black. It's a popular choice for outerwear, such as coats and jackets, and can also be used for accessories like scarves, handbags, and shoes. The color is typically used in formal wear, such as business meetings.