Ultramarine
General Information about #1A1088 (Ultramarine)
The hex color #1A1088, often referred to as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich shade of blue that falls within the blue-violet spectrum. It is composed of 10.2% red, 6.3% green, and 53.3% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (26, 16, 136). Ultramarine's name originates from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as it was originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, imported from distant lands. Historically, it was highly valued and used in Renaissance paintings as a symbol of luxury and royalty. Today, it's synthetically produced, making it more accessible. This color evokes feelings of trust, wisdom, and stability, making it suitable for various design applications. However, due to its darkness, careful consideration is needed when used in web design to ensure accessibility.
The hex color #1A1088, also known as Ultramarine, presents specific accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Due to its dark hue, it necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for all users, including those with visual impairments. A light text color, such as white or a very pale yellow, should be used against this background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast. Insufficient contrast can lead to eye strain and make content inaccessible to a significant portion of the audience. Therefore, designers should use contrast checking tools to verify compliance. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements without clear visual cues, as its darkness might obscure them. For graphical elements, providing alternative text descriptions is crucial for screen reader users. When employed thoughtfully with accessibility in mind, Ultramarine can add depth and sophistication to designs while remaining inclusive.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast for text and other elements, making it more accessible.
- #4682b4
A more neutral blue that is less intense and can be used as a background color or for accents.
- #0000ff
A vibrant blue that provides a good alternative for interactive elements with sufficient contrast.
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine (#1A1088) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. When paired with lighter text, it ensures readability while maintaining a professional appearance. It can also be used for button backgrounds, especially when aiming for a subtle yet noticeable call to action. In data visualization, this color can represent a specific category or data set, particularly when dealing with complex information that needs to be presented clearly. Consider its use in branding for companies that want to convey trust, intelligence, and stability. However, it's crucial to use it sparingly and balance it with lighter colors to avoid overwhelming the user.
Fashion and Beauty
In the fashion industry, Ultramarine can be used as a bold accent color in clothing designs, accessories, or footwear. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. This hue can be incorporated into evening wear, formal suits, or even casual wear to create a statement look. It's also suitable for handbags, scarves, and hats. In beauty, ultramarine can be seen in eye shadows, eyeliners, and nail polishes. It's often used to create dramatic eye makeup looks or as a statement nail color. However, use it sparingly, as excessive use can be overpowering.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can be utilized as an accent wall color to create a focal point in a room. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies, adding a touch of sophistication and depth. It can also be used for furniture upholstery, cushions, or rugs. This color pairs well with neutral wall colors like white, gray, or beige, and can be complemented with metallic accents like gold or silver. To create a sense of balance, introduce lighter shades like light blue or lavender. It is important to consider lighting as darker shades can make a room feel smaller. Overall, this is a color that is suited to those with a love for cool hues that can add sophistication to any room.