Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #1910A4, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated blue with historical significance. Derived from the Latin 'ultramarinus', meaning 'beyond the sea', it was originally made from ground lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive mineral imported from Afghanistan. This precious pigment was highly prized by Renaissance artists, who reserved it for the most important figures in their paintings, such as the Virgin Mary. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, making this beautiful color accessible for various applications. Its intense hue evokes feelings of depth, tranquility, and sophistication, making it a popular choice in art, design, and fashion.
The hex color #1910A4, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used for text. Its dark nature results in low contrast against standard white backgrounds, potentially causing readability issues for individuals with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring content is accessible to a wider audience. For text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine may not meet these requirements against light backgrounds, necessitating the use of lighter text colors, such as white or yellow, to achieve adequate contrast. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, it's important to provide clear visual cues, such as borders or other styling changes, to indicate the element's state and improve usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color and still offers reasonable contrast.
A lighter hue that looks great on websites and also gives the text a better readability.
Applications
Branding and Web Design
Ultramarine, with its rich and deep hue, evokes feelings of sophistication and luxury, making it a popular choice for branding in high-end industries. Its association with royalty and exclusivity makes it ideal for companies aiming to project an image of prestige. In web design, it can be used to create a sense of depth and intrigue, guiding the user's eye and enhancing the overall visual experience. Moreover, Ultramarine can be used in combination with lighter tints to create a harmonic and balanced design.
Fashion and Apparel
Ultramarine is a timeless color in the fashion industry, often seen in elegant evening wear and sophisticated business attire. Its ability to complement various skin tones makes it a versatile choice for designers. Ultramarine can also be used in smaller doses as an accent color in accessories such as scarves, handbags, or jewelry to add a touch of understated glamour to any outfit. Also in the interiour design this color is widely used.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can serve as a bold accent wall color, creating a focal point in a room. It pairs well with neutral tones like gray, white, and beige, creating a balanced and sophisticated atmosphere. Ultramarine can also be used in furniture upholstery or decorative accents such as pillows and throws to add a touch of elegance and depth to a space. This color can also be combined with golden or silver accents.