Ultramarine
General Information about #1C0593 (Ultramarine)
The hex color #1C0593 is a dark shade of blue-violet, often referred to as ultramarine. It is composed of 11% red, 2% green, and 58% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (28, 5, 147). Ultramarine pigments were originally derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and highly prized pigments for centuries. Its use can be traced back to medieval paintings, where it was reserved for the most important figures and elements. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, retaining the color's rich and intense hue. This color family often conveys feelings of trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It is often associated with stability and is a popular choice for corporate branding for these reasons.
The color #1C0593, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance (brightness) means that text rendered in this color against a white background, or vice versa, will likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratios for both normal and large text. This is especially true for users with visual impairments, who may struggle to distinguish the text from the background. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter color for text on a #1C0593 background, or a much darker color for the background if #1C0593 is used for text. Another possibility would be using this color for decorative elements rather than crucial textual information. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and a better user experience.
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Applications
Web Design - Backgrounds and Accents
Ultramarine (#1C0593) can be used to create a sense of depth and sophistication in web design. It's suitable for backgrounds in sections where you want to convey trust and authority, such as a company's 'About Us' page or in the header of a website. Because of its darkness, careful consideration should be given to the color of the text and other elements placed on it. Use it sparingly as an accent color to draw attention to important buttons or links, making sure to consider accessibility with good contrast.
Interior Design - Accent Walls
In interior design, ultramarine can bring a sense of calm and luxury to a space. It works well in bedrooms or studies, creating a relaxing and focused environment. Using it as an accent wall color can add a dramatic touch without overwhelming the space. Pair it with lighter neutrals like creams and grays to balance the darkness and prevent the room from feeling too small. Incorporating metallic accents, such as gold or silver, can enhance its richness.
Fashion Design - Evening Wear
Ultramarine, reminiscent of deep ocean waters and twilight skies, can be a captivating choice for fashion designers. It's often employed in evening wear or formal attire to evoke a sense of elegance and mystery. The color can be paired with complementary hues like gold or silver for striking contrasts or with analogous colors like deep purples and blues for harmonious ensembles. When utilizing ultramarine, designers must consider the fabric texture and finish to amplify its visual impact and create truly mesmerizing pieces.