Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#1b0596)
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #1b0596, is a deep blue-violet color that emulates the historical pigment derived from lapis lazuli. It's a saturated and intense hue, often associated with royalty, wisdom, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it consists of 11% red, 2% green, and 59% blue. The CMYK values are 82% cyan, 97% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. This color falls within the blue-violet spectrum and is often used to convey a sense of depth and mystery. Ultramarine is not commonly found in nature outside of mineral pigments, making it particularly evocative in creative works. The color has a long and rich history, traditionally seen in religious art and fine painting, before becoming widely available through synthetic production.
The hex color #1b0596, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. With such a dark shade of blue-violet, ensuring sufficient contrast against background colors is crucial. For text, a very light color such as white or a light yellow, is advised to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. This enhances readability for users with visual impairments. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, consider adding secondary cues, such as underlines or icons, to aid users who may have difficulty distinguishing colors. Also, avoid using this color as the sole indicator for important information, as colorblind users may not perceive it correctly. Thoughtful design choices are necessary to make content accessible and inclusive when using such a deep, saturated color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue-violet, offering better contrast for text and interface elements.
A pastel blue-violet that can be used as a background color to provide a soft, calming effect.
A vibrant royal blue that offers a similar feel but is lighter and has better contrast.
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, with its deep and captivating hue, lends itself beautifully to website headers and footers, creating a sense of sophistication and depth. It can serve as a striking background color for call-to-action buttons, drawing attention and encouraging user engagement. Used sparingly in text elements, it adds emphasis and elegance. Its rich tone makes it suitable for branding related to technology, luxury goods, or educational institutions, conveying trustworthiness and intelligence. For instance, a tech company might use this color to highlight key features on their landing page or for section headings in their technical documentation. The color can also be applied for hover effects of interface elements.
Fashion
Ultramarine evokes feelings of royalty and elegance, rendering it a popular choice for evening gowns, formal wear, and accessories. As a statement color, it can be used for handbags, scarves, or jewelry, complementing neutral outfits. The color also finds use in nail polish or eye shadow. It's often seen in fashion collections aimed at creating a sense of power and sophistication. Designers can pair it with metallic accents or neutral tones to enhance the luxurious feel.
Interior Design
Ultramarine's intense hue makes it perfect for statement walls or accent pieces in interior spaces. It can be used in upholstery, decorative pillows, or artwork to add a touch of drama and sophistication to living rooms, bedrooms, or studies. This color can create a cozy and serene atmosphere, especially when paired with neutral tones like gray or white. When used sparingly, ultramarine can become the focal point, enriching the room’s aesthetic. The color is suitable for luxurious and creative environments.