Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1A0E94, is a deep, rich shade of blue. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and highly prized pigments. In modern color theory, it is categorized as a cool color, often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. The color's intensity and depth can evoke a sense of sophistication and luxury. It is a versatile color used in various applications, from art and design to fashion and technology. Understanding its properties and associations allows for effective use in creating visually appealing and meaningful designs.
The color #1A0E94, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges due to its dark hue. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, ideally a white or near-white shade. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA standards. This color might not be suitable for extensive blocks of text as it can cause eye strain. For interactive elements like buttons, ensure that hover and active states also provide sufficient contrast. When incorporating this color into a website or application, careful consideration of its impact on users with visual impairments is crucial, and thorough testing with accessibility tools is recommended to identify and address any potential issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against both light and dark text, making it more versatile for different design elements.
- #808080
A neutral gray that provides a safer option for backgrounds and text, ensuring readability and accessibility for a wider range of users.
- #007bff
A vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color, drawing attention without compromising readability when paired with appropriate text colors.
Applications
Web Design Accent
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, is excellent for creating a luxurious and sophisticated feel in web design. It can be used for headers, navigation bars, or as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements. In user interfaces, it can represent stability and trust, making it suitable for financial applications or security-related websites. However, it's essential to balance it with lighter elements to prevent the design from becoming too heavy or overwhelming.
Fashion Statement
In fashion, Ultramarine can be used as a bold statement color. It's often seen in evening wear or as an accent color in accessories. It pairs well with neutral tones like beige, gray, and white, or it can be combined with other jewel tones for a more dramatic look. As a deep, saturated color, it can add elegance and sophistication to any outfit, making it a versatile choice for both formal and casual wear.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms or living rooms as an accent wall or in decorative elements like pillows and throws. Paired with lighter colors such as cream or white, it can create a balanced and inviting space. It also complements natural materials like wood and stone, adding a touch of luxury to the room.