Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

The color #1E00A0, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and vivid shade of blue, falling within the blue-violet color spectrum. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive pigments available during the medieval and Renaissance periods. This explains why it was often reserved for depicting important figures such as the Virgin Mary in religious paintings. Nowadays, synthetic ultramarine is readily available and affordable, making it widely used in various applications. It is characterized by its exceptional lightfastness and vibrant hue, resisting fading over time. Ultramarine has a hexadecimal value of #1E00A0, which translates to RGB values of R:30, G:0, B:160 and CMYK values of C:81, M:100, Y:0, K:37. This color is often associated with feelings of calmness, wisdom, and confidence.

The color #1E00A0, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a background or text color. Its relatively low luminance (darkness) means it needs to be paired with a light color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). When using #1E00A0, it's crucial to test the contrast ratio with the intended foreground color to avoid creating content that is difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to perceive. Light yellows, creams, or even bright whites are generally good choices for text on a #1E00A0 background. Remember to also consider color blindness; using color alone to convey information is not sufficient, and alternative cues like text labels or icons should always be provided. Testing your design with tools that simulate different types of color blindness is highly recommended.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design

  Ultramarine (#1E00A0) is a strong and sophisticated color that can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sense of depth and importance. It pairs well with lighter accent colors like white or light yellow to provide a visually appealing and accessible design. The color evokes trust and reliability, making it suitable for websites in the finance or technology sectors. Furthermore, using #1E00A0 for interactive elements such as buttons and links, while ensuring sufficient contrast, can draw the user's attention and improve the overall user experience. Careful consideration of typography and spacing is essential to maintain readability when using such a dark hue.

• Beauty and Cosmetics

  Ultramarine, with its rich and intense blue, can be a striking choice for eye makeup. An eyeliner or eyeshadow in #1E00A0 can add drama and depth to the eyes, particularly for those with lighter eye colors like blue or green. It's often used in evening or special occasion makeup looks. When using such a bold color, it's important to balance it with neutral shades on the rest of the face to avoid an overwhelming effect. A light blush and a neutral lip color can help create a harmonious and polished appearance. Additionally, considering the skin tone is essential – ultramarine tends to look best on cooler skin tones.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, ultramarine can be used as an accent color to add a pop of color to a room. It can be incorporated through throw pillows, artwork, or even a feature wall. Because it is a darker shade, it is best used in moderation to avoid making the room feel too small or dark. When paired with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige, ultramarine can create a sophisticated and elegant look. Consider using it in rooms with plenty of natural light to maximize its impact. It is a classic choice for rooms where a touch of boldness is desired.

Complementary color

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