Nile Blue
General Information about Nile Blue
The hex color #1E384A, also known as Nile Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue with subtle gray undertones. In the RGB color model, it's composed of 11.76% red, 21.96% green, and 29.02% blue. Its calmness and sophistication make it a versatile choice for various design applications. The color evokes feelings of tranquility and reliability, which is why it's often associated with corporate branding, particularly in industries aiming to convey trust and professionalism. The color's muted nature allows it to be used as a background without overpowering other elements. Its CMYK values are 59.45% cyan, 24.38% magenta, 0% yellow, and 70.98% black. Being a dark color, it needs to be carefully considered when pairing with text or other elements to maintain sufficient contrast for accessibility.
The hex color #1E384A, also known as Nile Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure that any foreground text or elements have sufficient contrast to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given its dark nature, lighter colors such as white, light yellow, or light gray would be more suitable choices for text. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. If the color is used for decorative elements, consider adding borders or other visual cues to improve distinguishability, especially for users with low vision or color blindness. Also, avoid using #1E384A as the sole means of conveying important information.
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Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, Nile Blue can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or sidebars. Its calm and muted tone makes it a great choice for websites needing a professional and trustworthy feel. When paired with lighter fonts, it can offer excellent readability. It is particularly well-suited for websites in the finance, technology, or healthcare sectors. Consider using it in conjunction with accent colors like teal or gold to add visual interest without sacrificing the overall tone. Also, use it to divide sections, create a visual hierarchy and guide the user’s eye.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Nile Blue can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Use it in bedrooms or studies to promote focus and relaxation. It can be paired with light wood tones or metallic accents for an elegant look. It is also a great choice for accent walls, cabinetry, or even upholstery. To make the most of its effect, use proper lighting and let it complement the colors around it. The usage of #1E384A can create a very welcoming and sophisticated ambiance for any space.
Fashion Apparel
Nile Blue is a versatile color in fashion, lending itself to both casual and formal wear. For menswear, it can be used in shirts, suits, or accessories like ties or scarves. In women's fashion, it can feature in dresses, blouses, or skirts. Pair it with neutral colors like white, beige, or gray for a classic look, or use bolder colors like mustard or coral for a more daring outfit. The color looks elegant in formal wear and relaxed for everyday clothing choices. As an accent color, Nile Blue can also be used in jewelry or handbags to complete a look.