Nile Blue
General Information about Nile Blue
The hexadecimal color #183B53, commonly known as Nile Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue with a subtle, calming effect. It belongs to the family of blue colors and is often associated with tranquility, depth, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.41% red, 23.14% green, and 32.55% blue. The CMYK representation is 71% cyan, 29% magenta, 0% yellow, and 67% black. This color is frequently used in graphic design, web design, and interior decor to evoke a sense of stability and professionalism. Its subtle nature allows it to be paired with a wide range of other colors, making it a versatile choice for various applications. The origin of the name refers to the Nile river in Egypt, refering to the deep water and creating the calm and depth.
The hex color #183B53, also known as Nile Blue, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its dark hue results in a relatively high contrast ratio against white text, which is generally beneficial for readability. However, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when pairing it with other colors, particularly lighter shades. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with WCAG guidelines, aiming for a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When used as a background color, be mindful of the text color chosen; light text colors such as white or light yellow work best. Avoid pairing it with very dark or similarly saturated colors to maintain legibility for users with visual impairments. Moreover, always consider providing alternative styling options for users who may need to customize color schemes to suit their individual needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #284b63
A slightly lighter shade of blue, offering a similar aesthetic with potentially improved readability in certain contexts.
- #385b73
A desaturated blue, providing a more muted and subtle alternative while retaining the calming properties of blue.
- #082b43
This darker blue offers a high contrast and keeps the calm feeling of the color
Applications
Web Design for Finance and Technology
Nile Blue (#183B53) evokes a sense of tranquility and sophistication, making it well-suited for websites and applications in the finance or technology sectors. Its calming effect can inspire trust and reliability. In website design, it can serve as a primary color for backgrounds or accents, paired with complementary colors like beige or light gray. For mobile apps, it can create a professional and clean user interface. The color works very well with light elements.
Interior Design for Serene Spaces
In interior design, Nile Blue (#183B53) can be used to create a serene and calming atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and linen, as well as metallic accents like gold or silver. Walls painted in this color can create a sophisticated backdrop for artwork or furniture. Consider using it in spaces where relaxation and introspection are desired, as it promotes a sense of peace and mindfulness. It also works well as an accent color in pillows, blankets or decorations.
Fashion and Formal Wear
Nile Blue (#183B53) is a classic choice for formal wear, bringing an elegant and composed aesthetic. It works great for suits, dresses or elegant accessoires like scarfs. The color works as an alternative for the classical black and can be combined with white, silver or gold. It is a perfect color for evening events or business meetings and suits well for silk, linen or wool.