Chathams Blue
General Information about Chathams Blue
The hexadecimal color #185183, also known as Chathams Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It is composed of 9.41% red, 31.76% green, and 51.37% blue. In the RGB color space, it is defined as RGB(24, 81, 131). In the CMYK color space, it is composed of 81.68% cyan, 38.17% magenta, 0% yellow, and 48.63% black. This color evokes feelings of calmness, trust, and stability. It is often associated with professionalism, intelligence, and authority. Chathams Blue is frequently used in corporate branding and web design to convey a sense of reliability and expertise. Its subdued nature makes it versatile, allowing it to be paired with a variety of other colors to create different moods and visual effects.
The color #185183, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges due to its relatively dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires light-colored text (white or very light shades of yellow or gray) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA standards. For AAA standards, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. Testing with accessibility tools is crucial to verify that the chosen text color meets these contrast requirements. It's advisable to avoid using this color for small text or essential interactive elements unless paired with very high contrast text. In situations where contrast is difficult to achieve, consider using a lighter tint of Chathams Blue or a completely different color to ensure inclusivity for users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2874a6
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the blue tone while offering improved contrast against darker text.
- #e0e0e0
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color with good contrast for both dark and light text.
- #add8e6
A light blue alternative that offers a softer and more accessible background option.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Chathams Blue can be used for headers, navigation bars, or as an accent color to create a sense of professionalism and trust. It's particularly effective in the financial, technology, or corporate sectors where conveying stability and reliability is important. However, careful consideration must be given to the text color used in conjunction with this background to ensure readability and accessibility for all users. Using it for large titles or graphic elements can add sophistication.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chathams Blue can be applied to walls in offices or studies to promote a calming and focused environment. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige. It can also be used in furniture upholstery or accent pieces to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Consider the lighting in the room to ensure the dark blue doesn't make the space feel too small or dark. It is also a good option for nautical themed rooms or bathrooms.
Graphic Design
In graphic design, Chathams Blue can be used in logos, brochures, and marketing materials to convey a sense of professionalism, stability, and trustworthiness. It works well in industries such as finance, technology, and insurance. Its dark hue commands attention, and in combination with white text it makes a very sober and professional impression. Its dark, yet calming effect is very suitable for corporate designs.