Bay of Many
General Information about #1A4381
The hex color #1A4381, often referred to as "Bay of Many", is a dark, muted shade of blue with a touch of green. It is comprised of 10.2% red, 26.3% green, and 50.6% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as (26, 67, 129). This color falls into the range of cool colors and tends to evoke feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. Its relative darkness makes it suitable for backgrounds or elements where a sense of depth and seriousness is desired. The name "Bay of Many" suggests a connection to nature, particularly the ocean, further reinforcing its calming and serene qualities. It is a versatile color that can be used in various design applications, from web design to interior decor, with careful consideration of its surrounding colors to achieve the desired effect.
The hex color #1A4381, also known as Bay of Many, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires careful selection of foreground text colors to ensure readability. A light text color, such as white (#FFFFFF) or a very pale yellow, is generally recommended to provide sufficient contrast, ideally aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 as defined by WCAG guidelines for normal text. For larger text sizes, a slightly lower contrast ratio of 3:1 may be acceptable. Tools are available online to check the contrast ratio between colors. Avoid pairing this color with dark or similarly muted colors, as this will likely result in poor readability for users, especially those with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #346aa3
A slightly lighter shade of blue can provide a similar aesthetic while improving contrast with darker text.
- #0e2a51
A darker shade of blue can be used to create a stronger visual impact and works well with lighter accents.
- #5f7285
A muted grey-blue offers a more neutral alternative, suitable for backgrounds or elements where a subtle color is needed.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Bay of Many (#1A4381) can be used for website headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons to create a professional and trustworthy look. Its cool tone evokes feelings of stability and reliability, making it suitable for businesses in finance, technology, or healthcare. Consider using it as an accent color against a neutral background to make key elements stand out without overwhelming the user. Use it sparingly in large blocks of text to ensure good readability and accessibility.
Interior Design
In interior design, #1A4381 can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, and white, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Consider using it as an accent wall color or for upholstery on furniture to add a touch of elegance. Complement with warm-toned accessories to balance the cool tones and create a welcoming space.
Fashion
In fashion, Bay of Many can be used for creating elegant and sophisticated outfits, especially for formal events or business attire. It works well as a base color for dresses, suits, or skirts, and can be paired with neutral accessories like black or gray, or with contrasting colors like gold or mustard for a more striking look. The color exudes confidence and professionalism, making it an excellent choice for power dressing.