Ultramarine
General Information about #1C0197
The hex color code #1C0197 represents a deep shade of blue, often referred to as Ultramarine. It is composed of 11% red, 0.4% green, and 59.2% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to R:28, G:1, B:151. Ultramarine's strong blue presence places it within the blue color family, known for evoking feelings of calmness, trust, and stability. Historically, Ultramarine pigment was derived from lapis lazuli, making it a precious and highly valued color. Today, it is synthetically produced, making it more accessible for various applications. This color is often associated with royalty, intelligence, and sophistication. Its hexadecimal representation allows for precise color specification in digital design and web development, ensuring consistency across different platforms and devices.
The color #1C0197, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. When used as a background, it requires very light text colors to ensure readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This color is not suitable for interactive elements like buttons or links without careful consideration of the foreground color. Users with visual impairments may struggle to distinguish elements if the contrast is insufficient. Therefore, pairing #1C0197 with colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of yellow or gray is crucial. Avoid using it with darker colors or mid-tones, as this will likely result in poor readability and an inaccessible user experience. Testing with accessibility tools is recommended to validate color choices.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e3192
A slightly lighter and more vibrant blue, offering better contrast with darker text.
- #34377d
A more neutral dark blue that provides a sophisticated and calming feel, suitable for backgrounds.
- #252932
A dark slate blue that appears almost black, but still provides a subtle hint of color. Good for text.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #1C0197 can be used sparingly as an accent color to highlight important sections or elements on a website. It is particularly effective in creating a sense of depth and sophistication in header backgrounds or call-to-action buttons, provided sufficient contrast is ensured with the text and other interactive elements. Due to its richness, it pairs well with minimalist layouts and can add a touch of luxury to branding materials. However, overuse of this color can be overwhelming, so balance is key to its successful application.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used to create a bold statement wall or as an accent color in furniture and accessories. It evokes feelings of royalty, stability, and confidence. When used in bedrooms, it helps to provide a calming and relaxing atmosphere. In living rooms, it can be paired with lighter colors to add depth and visual interest. Accessorizing with gold or silver accents can further enhance its luxurious appeal. However, using it in smaller rooms can make the space feel cramped, so it's important to balance it with lighter shades.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, #1C0197, lends itself well to evening wear and formal attire. Its deep and saturated tone projects an image of sophistication and confidence. The color can be used in dresses, suits, or accessories such as scarves and handbags to add a touch of luxury. When paired with neutral colors like black, white, or gray, it becomes a striking accent. It complements metallic accessories such as gold and silver to enhance its elegance. However, using this color in large amounts, especially in everyday wear, might be seen as overwhelming, so it's best used selectively.