Nile Blue
General Information
The hexadecimal color #1A4050, also known as Nile Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue-green. It evokes feelings of calmness, sophistication, and stability, making it a popular choice in various design applications. In the RGB color model, #1A4050 is composed of 10.2% red, 25.1% green, and 31.4% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.67, 0.20, 0.00, and 0.69, indicating that it requires a significant amount of cyan to achieve its characteristic hue. This color is often associated with trustworthiness and professionalism, making it suitable for corporate branding and website designs. The subtle nature of Nile Blue makes it a versatile color that can be paired with a wide range of other colors to create various moods and styles.
The hex color #1A4050, also known as Nile Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web development. Its relatively low lightness value means it requires careful attention to contrast ratios, especially when used for text or interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between foreground and background colors is crucial for users with visual impairments. For normal text (size 14pt or 18px), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text (size 18pt or 24px) and graphical objects, a contrast ratio of 3:1 is the minimum. When using #1A4050 as a background, brighter text colors like white or light yellow should be chosen. It's also essential to test the color combination with accessibility evaluation tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and provide a positive user experience for everyone. When used for interactive elements, sufficient size and spacing are also recommended.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5b6b
A slightly lighter shade offers improved visibility, especially for text elements, while retaining a similar cool and calming aesthetic.
- #28363d
A desaturated variant maintains a subtle, understated look, reducing potential eye strain while still providing a sophisticated feel.
- #206080
A brighter, bolder color which is a more saturated shade that will create more contrast with surrounding elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #1A4050 is perfect for creating calm and professional websites. It serves well as a background color for headers or sidebars, providing a sophisticated backdrop for content. It can also be used for call-to-action buttons when paired with contrasting colors like whites or yellows to ensure visibility and usability. Its subtle nature makes it ideal for sites needing a serious but modern look, such as those in finance, consulting, or technology sectors. Furthermore, #1A4050 works well in data visualizations to represent less critical information, avoiding distraction from key trends.
Interior Design
In interior design, Nile Blue is suitable for creating serene and sophisticated environments. It can be used as an accent color in bedrooms or living rooms, promoting a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Consider pairing it with warm neutrals like beige or cream to balance the cool tones. For a more dramatic effect, combine it with metallic accents like gold or copper. This color also lends itself well to bathrooms, creating a spa-like atmosphere. Furthermore, it is a great color to paint the walls of an office as it increases productivity and relaxes the workers.
Fashion
In the world of fashion, #1A4050 works as a sophisticated and calming color, and makes great formal wear like suits. You could use the color for accessories like ties, scarfs, or bags to add a touch of elegance. It works well with neutral color palettes like white, gray, and black. A Nile Blue dress paired with silver jewelry is a timeless look for evening events. Also, it can be used as a base color for casual wear, such as sweaters and jackets, with jeans or chinos.