Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #1E0E8D, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich shade of blue residing in the violet-blue spectral region. It is characterized by its strong pigmentation and association with depth, stability, and sophistication. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive pigments used by Renaissance painters. Its name literally means "beyond the sea," reflecting its origin from stones imported to Europe from mines in Asia. Today, synthetic alternatives allow for more accessible and affordable use of this color. In color psychology, Ultramarine often symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It is a color frequently associated with authority and stability.
The hex color #1E0E8D, a deep shade of Ultramarine, presents certain accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. When used as a background color, it demands careful consideration of the foreground text color. Light colors like white, light yellow, or pale cyan would be suitable choices to ensure sufficient contrast, ideally meeting the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA or AAA standards. Using a dark text color against this background would likely result in illegibility. Similarly, when #1E0E8D is used for text, the background should be a light color to provide ample contrast. It's also crucial to avoid using this color for conveying critical information without additional cues, as colorblind users may struggle to differentiate it from other dark shades. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify adequate contrast ratios.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3F51B5
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still captures the essence of Ultramarine, but offers better contrast against dark text.
- #5C6BC0
A more desaturated blue that provides a softer, more muted feel while remaining in the same color family.
- #448AFF
A vibrant and lighter shade that can be used as accent color in UI design.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #1E0E8D can be used to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It's well-suited for headers, navigation bars, or as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements. When used judiciously, it can evoke feelings of trust and reliability, which makes it a good choice for financial institutions or security-related websites. However, due to its darkness, it's crucial to pair it with lighter complementary colors to ensure readability and avoid overwhelming the user. It can also be effective in creating a dark mode theme, providing a visually appealing and comfortable experience in low-light environments.
Interior Design
In interior design, #1E0E8D can be used as a bold statement color for walls or furniture. It creates a calming and luxurious atmosphere, particularly when paired with metallic accents like gold or silver. It's often used in bedrooms or living rooms to create a sense of tranquility and sophistication. Additionally, it can be used in smaller doses as an accent color in cushions, artwork, or rugs to add a pop of color to a neutral space. Consider balancing it with lighter, warmer tones to prevent the space from feeling too cold or dark.
Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, Ultramarine can be used for both men's and women's clothing to create unique and elegant outfits. In evening wear, it can create a bold and memorable statement. When designing for sportswear or athletic brands, this color can bring a sense of confidence and professionalism. The use of #1E0E8D in fashion accessories such as shoes, handbags, and scarves can elevate the aesthetic of an outfit and allow designers to add a touch of uniqueness to a wide range of looks.