Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue (#1A4ECC)
The hexadecimal color code #1A4ECC represents a shade of Cerulean Blue. It is composed of 10.2% red, 29% green, and 80% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 26 red, 78 green, and 236 blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 89% cyan, 67% magenta, 0% yellow, and 7% black. The color has a hue of 221 degrees, a saturation of 87%, and a lightness of 51%. Cerulean Blue is often associated with tranquility, trust, and stability. It's a popular color in web design, branding, and art, often used to evoke feelings of calmness and serenity. Its brightness and depth make it a visually appealing color, and it is often used in combination with other complementary colors to create striking visual contrasts.
The hex color #1A4ECC, a shade of Cerulean Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web developers. Its relatively low luminance value means that it requires careful pairing with contrasting colors to ensure readability. When used as a text color, it should ideally be placed against a light background to provide sufficient contrast. Conversely, as a background color, it needs a light-colored text. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text to meet WCAG AA standards, and a ratio of 7:1 for AAA compliance. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the color combinations meet these guidelines. Furthermore, consider users with visual impairments; providing alternative text and using semantic HTML can enhance the overall accessibility of content using this color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still provides a similar aesthetic but may offer better contrast in some applications.
- #003399
A darker shade of blue that can be used to provide a stronger contrast against light backgrounds, improving readability.
- #b0e2ff
A pastel blue that offers a softer aesthetic while potentially improving accessibility due to increased lightness.
Applications
Corporate Branding and Web Design
Cerulean blue is often associated with trust, stability, and intelligence, making it suitable for branding materials for tech companies or financial institutions. In web design, it can be used for call-to-action buttons, navigation menus, or as a background color for sections requiring a sense of professionalism and reliability. The color can also be used in infographics to visualize data, where its calming effect can make complex information easier to digest. Its versatility lends itself well to creating a user interface that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, enhancing the overall user experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, cerulean blue can be used to create a calming and serene atmosphere. It's often used in bedrooms or bathrooms to promote relaxation. It can be paired with neutral colors like white or gray to create a sophisticated look, or with warmer colors like yellow or orange to add a pop of energy. Cerulean blue can be used on walls, furniture, or accessories, such as pillows or curtains, to create a cohesive and inviting space. It works particularly well in rooms with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and tranquility.
Fashion Design
In the fashion world, Cerulean blue is a versatile color that can be used in various ways. It can be used in casual wear, such as jeans, t-shirts, or dresses, or in more formal attire, such as suits or evening gowns. It pairs well with other colors, such as white, black, grey, or brown. Accessories, such as bags, shoes, or jewelry, can also feature Cerulean blue to add a pop of color to an outfit. Cerulean blue garments are suitable for almost any occasion.