Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#190596)
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #190596, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It derives its name from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as it was originally made from lapis lazuli imported from Asia. In the RGB color model, #190596 consists of 9.8% red, 2.0% green, and 58.8% blue. This particular shade of blue evokes feelings of calmness, sophistication, and depth. Historically, ultramarine was highly valued and expensive due to the rarity of lapis lazuli, making it a color often associated with royalty and religious figures in paintings. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, making it accessible for various applications across art, design, and fashion.
The hex color #190596, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its low luminance value means it offers insufficient contrast when paired with lighter colors, potentially making text or interactive elements difficult for users with visual impairments to discern. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text against its background. #190596 often falls short of these recommendations when used with common background colors like white or light gray. To improve accessibility, consider using it sparingly, primarily for decorative purposes or branding elements, and always ensure adequate contrast with text and interactive elements by pairing it with very light or even white foreground colors. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate compliance and identify necessary adjustments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter, more accessible blue that still captures some of the essence of Ultramarine.
A darker blue, suitable for backgrounds when paired with light text, providing better contrast.
A vibrant blue that offers a modern and energetic feel, useful for highlighting interactive elements with accessibility.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine (#190596) can be used as an accent color to highlight specific sections or elements on a webpage, such as headers, buttons, or links. However, due to its dark nature, it's crucial to pair it with contrasting colors, such as white or light yellow, to ensure readability and accessibility. It can also be used subtly in website branding, logos, or background patterns to create a sense of depth and sophistication. For data visualizations, use this color with caution, and rather use it as a contrast to lighter data categories.
Fashion Statement
In fashion, Ultramarine can be incorporated into clothing designs as a bold and eye-catching color. It can be used in statement pieces like dresses, jackets, or accessories to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Ultramarine also works well when paired with neutral colors, such as black, white, or gray, to create a balanced and stylish look. This color can be used in a formal or casual manner, as it is very versatile and can be styled in various ways to fit different occasions.
Interiour Design
Within interior design, Ultramarine is suitable for creating a dramatic and luxurious ambiance in interior spaces, especially when used as an accent color to contrast with lighter neutrals. Consider using it as a wall color in a study or home library to enhance the perception of depth and sophistication. Alternatively, Ultramarine is ideal for furniture upholstery or decorative pieces in living areas or bedrooms, providing a royal or regal flair to the space. When incorporating the color, make sure to have ample lighting to avoid casting a dark shadow effect.