Matisse
General Information about #185F9C
#185F9C, also known as Matisse, is a deep, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of serenity, stability, and trustworthiness. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its moderate saturation and medium lightness. This hex color is often associated with professionalism, reliability, and calmness, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and web design. The color can convey a sense of sophistication and intelligence. In color psychology, blue is often linked to trust, security, and authority. Due to the nature of the color being a darker tone, the color is often matched with brighter accent colors. When used effectively, #185F9C can create a visually appealing and memorable brand identity.
The color #185F9C, also known as Matisse, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text. Its relatively low lightness value (compared to pure white) means it needs careful pairing with contrasting colors to ensure readability. For text, a light color like white (#FFFFFF) or a very light gray would be appropriate choices for foreground text against a #185F9C background. Using online contrast checkers, the contrast ratio of #185F9C with black is around 3.6:1, which does not meet WCAG AA standards for normal text (4.5:1). Therefore, using a larger font size, or a bolder font weight may help to increase contrast. For interactive elements, such as buttons or links, careful consideration should be taken, especially for hover and focus states, to ensure they are clearly distinguishable. Additionally, be mindful of users with color vision deficiencies. Simulating how the color appears to individuals with different types of color blindness can help avoid accessibility issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #185F9C can be used as a primary color for headers and navigation bars to establish a professional and trustworthy feel. It pairs well with neutral colors like white and light gray to create a clean and modern aesthetic. When used for call-to-action buttons, it can inspire confidence and encourage user engagement. It is important to be mindful of sufficient color contrast ratio in web design in order to meet the required accessibility standards. The color can also be combined with softer blues or greens to evoke a sense of calm and reliability, making it suitable for industries like finance or healthcare. The usage of this color can also be extended to create stunning background images.
Interior Design
In interior design, #185F9C can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It complements natural wood tones and metallic accents beautifully. The color is able to be used in furniture such as sofas and chairs, or other design elements such as curtains or paintings. It can be combined with warmer colors like beige or gold to add warmth and balance to the space. Additionally, #185F9C can be incorporated into decorative accessories such as cushions, throws, or vases to add a pop of color without overwhelming the space.
Fashion
In fashion, #185F9C works well as a base color for formal wear, like suits or dresses. It also works well as a complementary color. It can be paired with neutral colors like white or gray for a classic and refined look, or with brighter colors like yellow or orange for a bold and eye-catching statement. Accessories like scarves, ties, or handbags in #185F9C can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. The color is suitable for both men's and women's wear and can be used in various textures and fabrics.