Ultramarine
General Information About Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #1E0890, is a deep blue color with a rich history and cultural significance. Derived from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' it was originally made from ground lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive gemstone imported from Afghanistan. This precious pigment was highly valued during the Renaissance and used by master painters like Vermeer. Today, synthetic ultramarine provides a more accessible and stable alternative, retaining the hue's characteristic depth and intensity. In color psychology, ultramarine is associated with qualities such as wisdom, tranquility, and authority. Its intense blue evokes feelings of calmness and clarity, making it a popular choice for branding and design contexts where trust and reliability are paramount.
The color #1E0890, a deep ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its dark hue results in a low luminance value, meaning it requires careful pairing with text and other visual elements. When using this color as a background, it's crucial to ensure that the foreground text has sufficient contrast (a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended by WCAG for normal text and 3:1 for large text) to be legible for users with visual impairments. Using a light color for text, such as white or a very pale yellow, can help to meet these contrast requirements. Avoid using this color for small, intricate details or controls, as its darkness may make them difficult to discern. Consider providing alternative color schemes that offer higher contrast options for users who need them. Testing with accessibility evaluation tools is essential to confirm compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
Ultramarine (#1E0890) can serve as a powerful accent color in web design, particularly for highlighting interactive elements such as buttons and links. Its depth creates a sense of sophistication and can be effectively used in combination with lighter, more neutral backgrounds to draw attention to key areas of a website. In data visualization, this color can represent a specific category or variable, offering a clear visual distinction. For branding, Ultramarine can evoke feelings of trust, stability, and authority, making it a suitable choice for businesses in finance, technology, or education. Its intensity also lends itself well to creating visually engaging and memorable user interfaces.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine (#1E0890) works well as a focal point in a room. An accent wall painted in this shade can add depth and visual interest to a space, particularly when balanced with lighter, neutral tones in the furniture and décor. The color's richness complements natural materials like wood and stone, creating a sophisticated yet organic feel. Using Ultramarine in textiles, such as throw pillows or curtains, can introduce a pop of color without overwhelming the room. When incorporating this color, it's crucial to consider the existing lighting, as darker shades can make a room feel smaller and more intimate.
Fashion Accent
Ultramarine (#1E0890) can be used in fashion to create striking contrasts. A dress in this color can be paired with neutral accessories to make it the focus of the outfit. Accessories such as scarfs, bags or shoes can also be used to complement a more neutral outfit.