Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#180F8B)
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #180F8B, is a deep, rich blue color reminiscent of the pigment derived from lapis lazuli. It is a complex color, lying between blue and violet on the color spectrum. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.41% red, 5.88% green, and 54.51% blue. This composition gives it a strong blue dominance, resulting in its distinctive hue. Ultramarine is known for its historical significance, particularly its use by Renaissance painters, who prized it for its vibrant and lasting color. Today, it is widely used in various applications, including digital design, print media, and the fashion industry, to evoke feelings of depth, sophistication, and creativity. Its unique color properties make it a versatile choice for designers and artists alike.
The color #180F8B, Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. With a dark hue, it offers insufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, making text and interactive elements difficult to perceive for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, this color fails to meet the contrast ratio requirements for normal text (4.5:1) and large text (3:1) against a standard white background. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter background or pairing Ultramarine with a very light color for text and important elements. Employing tools that evaluate color contrast ratios is crucial to ensure compliance with accessibility standards, benefiting all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Proper color selection ensures a more inclusive and user-friendly web experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility.
A neutral gray that pairs well with various colors and offers a safe choice for text and backgrounds due to its balanced luminance.
A vibrant blue color that will make your design more lively.
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, Ultramarine can be used sparingly for accent elements like buttons or highlights to draw attention without overwhelming the user interface. Given its darkness, it's best suited for backgrounds in dark mode designs or as a secondary color in combination with lighter shades to maintain readability and visual balance. Consider using it for decorative elements or graphical accents rather than primary text or crucial interactive components to ensure optimal user experience and accessibility.
High-End Fashion
In the fashion industry, Ultramarine can be utilized to create sophisticated and elegant clothing pieces. It can be incorporated into evening gowns, formal wear, or even as an accent color in accessories like scarves or handbags. The deep blue hue exudes a sense of luxury and refinement, making it suitable for high-end fashion designs. Additionally, it can be paired with contrasting colors like gold or silver to create a visually stunning and memorable look.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can serve as a bold accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a focal point and adding depth to the space. It can also be used in furniture upholstery or decorative elements like cushions and curtains to inject a sense of luxury and sophistication. When using Ultramarine in interior design, it's essential to balance it with lighter colors and ample natural light to prevent the space from feeling too dark or overwhelming.