Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
The hexadecimal color #1C4DCA, also known as Cerulean Blue, is a vibrant and captivating shade of blue that falls within the blue color family. It is created by combining specific proportions of red, green, and blue light in the RGB color model: 11.0% red, 30.2% green, and 79.2% blue. In the CMYK color model, which is commonly used for printing, it consists of approximately 72.3% cyan, 61.7% magenta, 0.0% yellow, and 20.8% black. This color evokes feelings of tranquility, depth, and sophistication. Cerulean Blue is widely used in various applications, including web design, graphic design, fashion, and interior decoration, where its striking appearance and calming effect can enhance visual appeal and create a serene atmosphere. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with both warm and cool color palettes, making it a favorite among designers and artists.
The color #1C4DCA, a shade of Cerulean Blue, presents several accessibility considerations for web development. Its contrast ratio against white (#FFFFFF) is relatively low, which can pose challenges for users with visual impairments. It's crucial to ensure that text using this color on a white background meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA or AAA standards for contrast. Using a color contrast checker tool can help determine if the combination passes accessibility benchmarks. For example, larger text sizes (18pt or 14pt bold) require a lower contrast ratio than smaller text sizes. When using this color for interactive elements such as buttons or links, sufficient contrast with surrounding elements is vital to ensure users can easily identify and interact with them. Providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines for links or borders for buttons, can further enhance accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366ff
A slightly lighter blue that offers improved contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible for users with visual impairments.
- #003399
A darker shade of blue that maintains the richness of the cerulean hue while providing a stronger contrast, suitable for headings and important text elements.
- #6699cc
A more muted blue, providing a softer visual impact, ideal for background elements or less critical interface components.
Applications
Professional Website Design
Cerulean Blue is excellent for crafting a professional and trustworthy website design. Its calming yet authoritative tone makes it suitable for businesses in finance, technology, or consulting. It is often used in the headers, footers and sidebars of a page. Its effectivity raises when used as a primary color for call-to-action buttons. Furthermore, it can effectively create a sense of stability and security. Always use a contrast checker and use the color accordingly to meet web accessibility standards.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Cerulean Blue is a versatile color that can be used in both casual and formal wear. It works particularly well in spring and summer collections. This hue can be incorporated into dresses, shirts, scarves, and even accessories like handbags and shoes. It complements various skin tones and pairs well with neutral colors such as white, gray, and beige, as well as bolder colors like yellow and coral. This color can also be used as an accent color in patterns and prints.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cerulean Blue can create a serene and inviting atmosphere. It is ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces where relaxation is key. Cerulean Blue can be used on walls, furniture, or as an accent color in cushions, curtains, and rugs. It combines effectively with other blues, greens, and whites to evoke a coastal or nautical theme. For a more modern look, pair it with metallic accents like gold or silver.