Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #1C14A0, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep shade of blue with a strong presence and historical significance. Ultramarine derives from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as it was originally imported from Asia. Historically, it was made from ground lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive gemstone, making it a pigment reserved for royalty and important religious figures. Today, ultramarine is synthetically produced, making it more accessible, but it retains its association with luxury and sophistication. In color psychology, deep blues like #1C14A0 are often associated with trust, stability, and wisdom. It conveys a sense of authority and calm. It can be seen as an alternative to common reds, greens or yellows, as long as it is carefully applied.
The color #1C14A0, a deep ultramarine, presents certain accessibility challenges, especially when used for text. Its low luminance can make it difficult to read against dark backgrounds, potentially causing eye strain for users. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between text and background is crucial for readability. When using #1C14A0 for text, ensure a background color with high luminance to meet the contrast ratio requirements for Level AA or AAA compliance. Alternatively, for backgrounds using #1C14A0, use only white or very bright text. Careful consideration is needed to avoid excluding users with visual impairments. For decorative elements, the contrast requirements are less stringent, but it is good practice to maintain reasonable contrast for usability. Tools for checking contrast ratios are widely available and should be used during the design process. Also, avoid using #1C14A0 as the sole method to convey important information or actions, and always provide redundant cues such as text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #1C14A0 can be employed for headers, call-to-action buttons, or background accents to imbue a sense of sophistication and professionalism. Its depth and richness can make a website feel more established and trustworthy, particularly suitable for financial or legal services. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements to maintain readability and accessibility. It is a good choice for creating a night-themed website style, but it should be paired with lighter accent colors to avoid making the site too dark.
Interior Design
In interior design, #1C14A0 could be used as an accent wall color or for upholstery to create a focal point within a room. It brings a sense of depth and calmness, working particularly well in bedrooms or studies. Complementary colors like warm yellows or oranges can be used to create balance and visual interest. The color is a bolder alternative to common light blues and brings a strong, masculine impression.
Beauty
In the beauty industry, #1C14A0 can be featured in eyeshadow palettes or nail polish collections for bold, dramatic looks. It suits evening wear or special occasions, conveying a sense of mystery and elegance. It is a good color for gothic or grunge inspired styles, but must be carefully used because of the intensity.