Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#1814A0)
The color #1814A0, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its rich, almost royal appearance. In the RGB color model, #1814A0 is composed of 9.41% red, 7.84% green, and 62.75% blue. Its CMYK values are 85% cyan, 88% magenta, 0% yellow, and 37% black. Ultramarine has a long history of being associated with royalty and luxury. This is because traditionally, the pigment was derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, making it expensive and rare. Today, synthetic versions are widely available, but the name 'Ultramarine' still carries a sense of prestige and depth. Its hex code is universally recognized across various design and development platforms.
The hex color #1814A0, also known as Ultramarine, presents accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its dark hue results in low contrast against light backgrounds, making text and other elements difficult to read. To ensure inclusivity, it's crucial to pair this color with significantly lighter shades, such as white or very pale yellows, to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Additionally, avoid using #1814A0 as the sole indicator for important information, like links or interactive elements. Supplement with clear visual cues such as underlines or icons to improve usability for all users. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance and ensure a positive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #1814A0 can be used sparingly as an accent color for headers, buttons, or navigational elements. However, due to its dark nature, it's essential to ensure sufficient contrast with the surrounding background and text. When used for text, a light color such as white or a pale yellow should be chosen for readability. Consider its use in charts and graphs to represent data points, but always provide alternative visual cues for users with color blindness. As a background color, it's best suited for small sections or elements, rather than entire pages, to avoid overwhelming the user.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Ultramarine is often incorporated into evening wear, accessories, or as a bold statement color. Its deep, rich tone evokes feelings of sophistication and luxury. It can be paired with metallic accents such as gold or silver for an elegant look or combined with brighter hues like fuchsia or turquoise for a more playful and vibrant ensemble. When designing with Ultramarine, consider the fabric's texture and finish, as this can significantly impact the color's perceived depth and intensity. The use of color can be seen in many parts of the fashion design.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used to create a calming yet sophisticated ambiance. It works well in bedrooms, studies, or living rooms as an accent wall color, upholstery choice, or decorative accessory. When using Ultramarine, it's important to balance its intensity with lighter neutrals or complementary colors such as yellow or orange to prevent the space from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Incorporating natural light and reflective surfaces can also help to enhance the color's depth and create a more inviting atmosphere.