Ultramarine
About Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1A0D8E, is a deep, rich blue color often associated with royalty, sophistication, and depth. The name 'Ultramarine' originates from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as it was originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, imported from Afghanistan by sea. In color theory, Ultramarine conveys a sense of stability, trust, and authority, making it a popular choice for branding and design elements aiming to project these qualities. Its high chroma and dark value make it visually striking, and it can evoke feelings of calmness and serenity. The RGB values for Ultramarine are R:26, G:13, B:142, indicating a strong dominance of blue with minimal red and green components. When printing, the CMYK values are C:82, M:91, Y:0, K:44. Its use in digital interfaces should be considered carefully due to accessibility concerns related to contrast.
The color #1A0D8E (Ultramarine) presents some accessibility challenges due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. It's crucial to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance. Using this color for small text or intricate graphical details against a dark background can lead to poor visibility and a negative user experience. Designers should consider users with visual impairments who may struggle to distinguish elements with low contrast. Providing alternative high-contrast themes or allowing users to adjust color settings can greatly improve accessibility for everyone. Proper use of ARIA attributes and semantic HTML can also aid assistive technologies in interpreting content effectively.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine can be used sparingly as an accent color to highlight key elements like buttons or links. It can also be used as a background color for headers or footers, but ensure sufficient contrast with the text. Its depth makes it suitable for creating a sophisticated or trustworthy feel. Ultramarine can contribute to a website's visual hierarchy when used to subtly distinguish sections or call-to-action areas. In data visualization, it can represent a specific category or highlight important trends. For branding, consider how it aligns with the desired brand personality.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. Complementary colors like gold or yellow can be used in accessories to provide a striking contrast. Ultramarine-colored fabrics can be used for upholstery or curtains to add a touch of elegance to a space. The color is excellent for studies, libraries and any room where a concentrated and calm atmosphere is wanted. Consider the lighting of the room since the colour is quite dark.
Fashion Statement
Ultramarine brings a bold, statement-making quality to fashion. Imagine a velvet Ultramarine dress that exudes luxury, or a sharply tailored Ultramarine blazer that conveys confidence. Smaller accents of the colour work wonders to create memorable and distinct style such as shoes, jewelery, bags, etc. The use of Ultramarine can also make accessories stand out to draw attetion to certain parts of the user's outfit.