Chathams Blue
General Information about Chathams Blue (#1F4A7C)
The hex color #1F4A7C, also known as Chathams Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and possesses a sense of depth and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 12.2% red, 29% green, and 48.6% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 75% cyan, 40% magenta, 0% yellow, and 51% black. This color is often associated with qualities such as stability, trust, intelligence, and calmness. It evokes a feeling of reliability and professionalism, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and serious visual designs. Chathams Blue works well as a background color, particularly when paired with lighter text, or as an accent color to convey authority and sophistication. Its versatility also lends itself well to various applications, from web design to interior decoration.
The hex color #1f4a7c, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, careful consideration must be given to the foreground text color. A light text color, such as white (#ffffff) or a very pale yellow, is generally recommended to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. For AAA compliance, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. Using tools to check contrast ratios is essential to verify compliance. Additionally, avoid relying solely on color to convey information, as users with color vision deficiencies may struggle to differentiate between colors with low contrast. Providing alternative visual cues, such as text labels or icons, can improve accessibility for all users. Consider using a color palette generator to find accessible color combinations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A slightly lighter blue that still conveys a sense of professionalism but provides better contrast against dark text.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color with good contrast for both dark and light text.
- #008080
A dark teal color that offers a sophisticated alternative while maintaining a similar depth.
Applications
Web Design for Corporate Websites
Chathams Blue is often employed in website headers and footers to establish a sense of trust and stability. Its calm and reliable nature makes it suitable for institutions, corporate sites, and professional service providers. The color can be paired with clean typography and subtle animations to create an engaging yet professional online experience. Furthermore, it can be used for call-to-action buttons, complemented by brighter accent colors to draw the user's attention effectively. Use it in combination with white for a clean look, or with a contrasting color such as gold for a more luxurious feel.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Chathams Blue can be utilized as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication. It pairs well with neutral furniture and natural textures such as wood and linen. The color also works effectively in home offices, promoting concentration and reducing visual clutter. To create a balanced and harmonious space, consider incorporating complementary colors like coral or peach in decorative elements such as cushions, curtains, or artwork. The darker tone helps create a sense of depth in larger rooms.
Fashion and Branding
Chathams Blue is a popular choice for formal wear, such as suits and dresses, as it conveys a sense of professionalism and elegance. It can be paired with classic accessories like silver jewelry and leather shoes. The color is also often used in branding materials for financial institutions and law firms, projecting an image of trustworthiness and competence. Furthermore, Chathams Blue is a suitable color for uniforms in service industries that aim to establish a sophisticated and reliable brand identity. In graphic design, it can be used as a background color for reports and presentations.