Nile Blue
General Information about Nile Blue
Nile Blue, with the hex code #1F394C, is a dark, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of tranquility and sophistication. It is named after the Nile River, reflecting the river's deep, serene waters. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 12.2% red, 22.4% green, and 29.8% blue. The CMYK values are 59%, 25%, 0%, and 70%, indicating a significant amount of cyan and black. This color is often associated with stability, trust, and professionalism, making it a popular choice in corporate branding and design. Its subtle, understated nature makes it versatile for various applications, from web design to interior decor. Nile Blue offers a timeless elegance and a calming presence, distinguishing it from brighter, more energetic blues.
The hex color #1F394C, also known as Nile Blue, presents specific accessibility considerations for web design. Its relatively low lightness value means it needs careful pairing with contrasting colors to ensure readability and usability. When used as a background color, it requires light-colored text for sufficient contrast, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for color contrast ratios. Conversely, as a text color, it needs a light background. It's crucial to evaluate the color combination using accessibility tools to confirm compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA or higher. In situations where color alone conveys important information, alternative cues such as text labels or icons should accompany the color to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. Large text sizes improve readability when using this dark hue, while avoiding its use for fine details or small controls is advisable due to potential visibility issues. Thoughtful application ensures inclusive user experiences.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #335268
A slightly lighter shade that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #2a3338
A desaturated variant that provides a more neutral tone, suitable for backgrounds or elements where a subtle color is desired.
- #A7B5C0
A much lighter color of Nile Blue, which is easier to read when used as text.
Applications
Web Design
In web development, Nile Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and calming aesthetic. It is excellent for header backgrounds, navigation bars, or call-to-action buttons, especially in websites related to finance, technology, or corporate services. When combined with complementary colors like gold or light yellows, it creates a professional and trustworthy feel. Avoid using it as the primary background color for content-heavy pages, as its darkness may reduce readability and cause eye strain. It is well-suited for interactive elements like hover states and progress bars, adding a touch of elegance and visual appeal without being overwhelming. Its ability to evoke trust and stability makes it a reliable choice for creating user interfaces that inspire confidence.
Interior Design
In interior design, Nile Blue lends itself to creating serene and sophisticated spaces. It works particularly well in bedrooms, studies, or living rooms where a calming atmosphere is desired. When paired with natural materials like wood and linen, it evokes a sense of tranquility and understated elegance. Accent walls painted in Nile Blue can add depth and character to a room, while lighter shades of blue or neutral tones can balance its intensity. Use it for upholstery, curtains, or decorative accessories to create a cohesive and harmonious color scheme. Consider incorporating metallic accents like brass or copper to enhance its richness and visual appeal, creating a luxurious and inviting ambiance.
Fashion & Beauty
Nile Blue can be used for fashion to add an element of sophistication and subtle style. The color works well for business clothing, like blouses, dresses or shirts, but also for elegant evening wear. It can be used as the main color, but is also a good choice for accessories like bags, scarves or hats. When combined with other colors like white, grey or even gold, beautiful eye-catching designs can be made. Also in the cosmetic branch Nile Blue can be used for eye shadow and eyeliner.