Chathams Blue
General Information about #1A4E81 (Chathams Blue)
The hex color #1A4E81, also known as Chathams Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a touch of cyan. It belongs to the family of blue colors and is often associated with calmness, stability, and trustworthiness. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 10.2% red, 30.6% green, and 50.6% blue. In the CMYK color model, which is often used for printing, it consists of 80% cyan, 39% magenta, 0% yellow, and 49% black. The hue angle is 210 degrees, the saturation is 66.7%, and the lightness is 30.4%. This color is named after the Chatham Islands, located east of New Zealand, reflecting its association with the ocean and nautical themes. It's a color often used to invoke a sense of professionalism and reliability.
The hex color #1A4E81, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low luminance value of 0.055 means it requires careful consideration when used as a foreground color against a background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text against its background to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Using #1A4E81 for text on a white background (or any light color) would likely fail these contrast tests. Therefore, it is advisable to pair it with significantly lighter colors or use it for graphical elements where text is not involved. Also, providing alternative styling options for users to customize the color scheme can improve accessibility for those with specific visual needs. When used in interactive elements, sufficient color contrast must be maintained for focus indicators to ensure keyboard navigability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility.
- #808080
A neutral gray that complements Chathams Blue and provides a safe option for text and background combinations, ensuring sufficient contrast.
- #000080
A very dark blue provides a similar aesthetic to #1A4E81 but will work well with lighter text colors.
Applications
Website Design
Chathams Blue can be used to create a calm and trustworthy atmosphere on a website. It works well for headers, navigation bars, and other design elements that need to convey stability and reliability. In combination with white or light gray, it can create a professional and clean aesthetic. Ensure sufficient contrast with text elements for optimal readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chathams Blue can be applied to walls or furniture to create a serene and sophisticated environment. It is particularly suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices where a relaxing ambiance is desired. Complementary colors like mustard yellow or coral can be used as accents to add visual interest and prevent the space from feeling too monotonous. Lighting plays a key role to enhance the depth of the blue and prevent it from appearing too dark.
Fashion Design
Chathams Blue can be incorporated in fashion design as a versatile color for garments and accessories. It can be used in formal wear, casual outfits, or sportswear. When combined with other colors like white, gray, or black, it creates a classic and timeless look. In accessories such as scarves, handbags, or shoes, Chathams Blue can add a touch of elegance and sophistication. The fabric choice can also influence the appearance, with velvet or silk enhancing the richness of the color and cotton or linen providing a more relaxed feel.