Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#1C0497)
The color #1C0497, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment used by Renaissance painters and associated with royalty and divinity. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, retaining the characteristic depth and intensity of the original pigment. In color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. It is often associated with intelligence, trust, and efficiency. Due to its dark value, it should be used carefully in design, often requiring contrasting elements to ensure readability and visual balance. Its hex code #1C0497 indicates a composition primarily of blue light, with minimal red and green components, resulting in its distinctively deep blue appearance.
The color #1C0497, a deep ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its low lightness value (approximately 10%) means it offers poor contrast against standard white backgrounds, potentially causing readability issues for users, especially those with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to use sufficiently light text colors on this background, adhering to WCAG guidelines for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine appropriate color pairings. Avoid using this color for small text or critical interactive elements without careful contrast consideration. Furthermore, when used as a background for links, ensure that link states (hover, focus, visited) are clearly distinguishable, ideally through color changes or other visual cues. The use of ARIA attributes can also enhance the accessibility of elements using this color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the depth of ultramarine while improving contrast against light backgrounds.
A more muted, desaturated blue that provides a more subtle and less visually intense alternative.
A brighter, more vibrant blue that offers greater visibility and impact.
Applications
Interior Design: Creating a Tranquil Study
Ultramarine, with its depth and sophistication, lends itself beautifully to creating a luxurious and calming atmosphere in interior design. Consider using it as an accent wall color in a bedroom or study to foster a sense of tranquility and focus. Pair it with warm neutrals like cream or beige to balance its coolness and add visual interest. It can also be incorporated through textiles such as throw pillows, curtains, or rugs to introduce a pop of color without overwhelming the space. For a bolder statement, use ultramarine in furniture pieces like velvet armchairs or lacquered cabinets, creating a focal point that exudes elegance and style. Metallic accents in gold or brass can further enhance its richness and create a glamorous feel.
Web Development: Establishing Authority
In web development, the hex color #1C0497 can be strategically used to establish a sense of authority and trustworthiness. It's particularly effective for websites in the finance, technology, or education sectors. Use it sparingly for key elements such as headers, call-to-action buttons, or as an accent color in a minimalist design. Because of its darkness, make sure that any text over this color has a sufficient contrast. A lighter tint of blue or white could be used as the text color. Be mindful of its low contrast against white backgrounds; ensure sufficient contrast for readability, following WCAG guidelines. Consider it for creating a dark mode theme to reduce eye strain and offer a modern aesthetic. However, avoid overuse, as it can become visually tiring. Balance it with lighter, complementary colors to maintain visual appeal and usability.
Beauty: Eye Shadow/Eyeliner
Ultramarine is a color often found in eye shadow palettes or eyeliner for its ability to make your eyes pop! The dark shade works great on fairer skin tones, but could also be utilized as a contouring color for deeper skin tones as it is so dark. This color works well as a shadow when doing a smokey eye effect and can be blended easily with a brush to achieve the perfect look.