Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #180CA8, is a deep blue pigment derived from the mineral lapis lazuli. Its name comes from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as it was originally imported to Europe from Asia. This color is highly valued for its rich, intense hue and has been used in art and decoration for centuries. In color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, often associated with feelings of tranquility, depth, and stability. In modern applications, ultramarine is used in web design, graphic design, and various artistic mediums. Its perceived psychological effects include promoting feelings of calmness and focus, making it suitable for environments where concentration is required. However, using #180CA8 requires careful consideration due to its low lightness value, which can pose accessibility challenges if not properly addressed.
The color #180CA8, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low lightness value (around 6%) means it offers very poor contrast against white text. This fails WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for both normal and large text sizes. To improve accessibility, consider using lighter text colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays. However, even with white text, careful consideration of text size and weight is crucial. A thicker font weight can somewhat improve readability. A better approach would be to use #180CA8 for larger graphical elements or as a background color with much lighter foreground elements. Avoid using it for essential text or interactive elements without sufficient contrast to ensure users can perceive the information. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure compliance with WCAG guidelines and to cater to users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine (#180CA8) can serve as a striking background color for website headers or footers, especially for tech companies or educational institutions. Its depth evokes a sense of authority and stability, instilling trust in users. The color should be complemented with white or very light text for readability. It can also be used as a secondary color in charts and graphs to represent important data points, drawing attention to key information. The application should use lighter shades for interactive elements to ensure accessibility and user-friendliness. Using #180CA8 sparingly and thoughtfully can enhance a website's visual appeal and user experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be used as an accent color in small doses to add a touch of sophistication and depth. Consider using it for throw pillows, artwork, or a feature wall in a living room or bedroom. Pair it with neutral colors like gray or beige to prevent it from overwhelming the space. The color can also be incorporated into the design of a home office to promote concentration and focus. Use it on desk accessories or a small area rug to create a calming and productive environment. Always balance the use of #180CA8 with lighter colors to maintain a sense of airiness and avoid making the room feel too dark or heavy.
Marketing materials
Ultramarine is perfect to create bold and attractive marketing materials that demand attention. Utilize ultramarine as the prominent brand color in advertising efforts, logo design, or social media campaigns to project credibility and inspire confidence. Use #180CA8 to emphasize key points and draw viewers in, be it brochures, posters or digital advertisements. Combine this striking colour scheme with easy to read fonts and high quality graphics to create a memorable brand image and ensure effective communication.