Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #180B90, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and rich shade of blue that evokes feelings of serenity, depth, and sophistication. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its strong saturation and relative darkness. In the RGB color model, #180B90 is composed of 9.41% red, 4.31% green, and 56.47% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.83, 0.92, 0.00, 0.44, which indicate its composition in terms of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. Ultramarine has historical significance, as it was originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and highly prized pigments used by Renaissance artists. The name 'ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its origin from stones imported into Europe from distant lands. Today, it is synthetically produced, making it more accessible and affordable.
The color #180B90, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning text readability. Its dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against lighter backgrounds, which can make text difficult to read for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with very light text colors, such as white or very light shades of yellow or green, to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. For instance, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Avoid using #180B90 for interactive elements or important information without careful consideration of color contrast. Providing alternative color schemes or allowing users to customize colors can also enhance accessibility. Using contrast checking tools during development is essential to verify that color combinations meet accessibility requirements.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine (#180B90) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sense of sophistication and depth. It pairs well with lighter accent colors for buttons and calls-to-action, providing a balanced visual experience. In branding, it can represent trust, stability, and knowledge. When implementing, consider the overall aesthetic and ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements to maintain readability and accessibility. This color can also be used for backgrounds in data visualization to add depth to charts and graphs, making them visually appealing while maintaining clarity. Consider using it with a secondary analogous color to create an interesting and engaging visual impact.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine (#180B90) can be used as an accent color in a room to create a sense of depth and luxury. It works well in spaces where you want to evoke feelings of calmness and sophistication, such as bedrooms or studies. Consider using it on accent walls or in decorative elements like cushions and throws. Pair it with lighter neutral colors to balance the intensity and create a harmonious environment. Ultramarine can also be used in combination with metallic accents like gold or silver to enhance its luxurious appeal. Proper lighting is essential to bring out the richness of the color and prevent the room from feeling too dark.
Beauty
In the beauty industry, the hex color #180B90 can be used to emphasize the beauty of the eyes. Eyeshadows, eyeliners and mascara can use the dark ultramarine color to set highlights and create a contrast with brighter colors. It is also suitable for nail polishes, which are suitable for evening events due to their elegance and expressiveness. Lipsticks are less suitable because they can make the lips look visually smaller.