Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #204EC6, is a captivating shade of blue characterized by its vibrant and slightly grayish tone. This color is located between azure and sky blue on the color spectrum, making it a popular choice for various applications in art, design, and fashion. Cerulean Blue gets its name from the Latin word "caeruleus," meaning dark blue or sky-blue. It is known for its ability to evoke feelings of tranquility, calmness, and serenity, often associated with clear skies and peaceful waters. Cerulean Blue is frequently used to convey a sense of stability and trustworthiness, making it a valuable color in branding and marketing strategies across various industries. Its unique aesthetic properties make it a versatile and aesthetically pleasing color for visual communication and creative projects.
The color #204EC6, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text against a white background, it may not meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio, potentially causing readability issues for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with lighter text colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays, or using it against a darker background. Also, when used for interactive elements, ensure that there are other visual cues besides color to convey state changes, like focus indicators or labels. This color can be a bit problematic for users with color blindness, as it might be difficult to distinguish from other shades of blue or purple. Therefore, it is important to use text and symbols alongside color to effectively communicate the color's meaning to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366ff
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast against light backgrounds.
- #003399
A darker shade of blue that maintains the cerulean feel but improves readability when used as text.
- #30b2fe
A color very closely related to cerulean blue, with a touch of cyan which could make it a better alternative depending on the context.
Applications
User Interface Design
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hex code #204EC6, is frequently employed in user interface design to create a sense of trust and stability. It can be used for primary buttons, navigation menus, and informational banners on websites and applications. Its vibrant yet calming nature helps guide users through the interface without overwhelming them. It is commonly used for elements of the user interface where subtle guidance is intended, such as tooltips or progress bars. The hue is carefully chosen so that it subtly draws attention without becoming overly dominant, making it a great tool for user interface design.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, Cerulean Blue offers a versatile and eye-catching color choice for both casual and formal wear. This color is commonly used for dresses and shirts, and can also be incorporated into accessories like scarves and handbags to provide a pop of color. Cerulean Blue is often paired with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige to create a balanced and sophisticated look. Its ability to evoke a sense of calmness and elegance makes it a popular choice for designers looking to add a touch of refined aesthetics to their collections. This color has been adopted by leading brands and is a popular choice across a variety of product lines.
Interior Design
The color can be used as an accent color in interior design, bringing a pop of color to any room. It evokes a refreshing sea and sky feeling, thus creating a serene atmosphere in bedrooms and bathrooms. It goes well with neutral tones such as white, grey, and beige, but also complements bolder colors like coral or mustard yellow. Cerulean blue can be incorporated through textiles, accessories, or even accent walls. Because of its calming nature, the color is used in spa and wellness centres.