Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #1A11A3, is a deep blue color with a rich history and significant presence in art, design, and various cultural contexts. Derived from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' it originally referred to the pigment made from lapis lazuli, a precious stone sourced from Afghanistan. This pigment was highly valued during the Renaissance and used by renowned artists for its intense and vibrant hue. Today, synthetic alternatives provide more accessible forms of this color, retaining its striking visual appeal. Ultramarine is often associated with qualities such as depth, intelligence, and sophistication, making it a popular choice in branding, web design, and fashion. Its unique ability to evoke both calmness and intensity contributes to its versatile application across different fields.
The hex color #1A11A3, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text against a white background, the contrast ratio is quite low, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to read comfortably. To improve accessibility, it's advisable to pair this color with lighter hues for backgrounds or borders. For instance, using a shade of yellow or light gray can enhance readability significantly. Additionally, employing larger font sizes and bold text can mitigate the low contrast issues. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend specific contrast ratios for different levels of compliance, and careful consideration should be given to these guidelines when incorporating Ultramarine into web designs. Ensuring sufficient contrast not only benefits users with disabilities but also improves the overall user experience for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine can be used in website headers and footers to create a sense of sophistication and depth. It pairs well with minimalist designs, adding a touch of elegance without overpowering the overall aesthetic. Furthermore, the color can be incorporated into interactive elements such as buttons and links to draw attention and guide user navigation. In branding, Ultramarine conveys a message of reliability and innovation, making it suitable for tech companies, educational institutions, and businesses aiming to project a modern and trustworthy image. It can also be used as an accent color in data visualizations to highlight key insights and trends, especially when combined with lighter complementary colors.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine adds a pop of color and can be used for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms to create a calming yet bold atmosphere. It works exceptionally well with neutral tones like gray, white, and beige, balancing the intensity of the color. Furniture pieces such as sofas, chairs, or decorative items like vases and cushions can also incorporate Ultramarine to bring visual interest to a space. This color is also suitable for art studios or creative spaces where inspiration and creativity are encouraged.
Beauty
Ultramarine evokes feelings of depth and sophistication. It is a good choice for eye shadow in beauty applications to create an elegant and mysterious look. It can also be used for nail polish to add a touch of color to formal outfints.