Chathams Blue
General Information about Chathams Blue
Chathams Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #204F7B, is a dark shade of blue leaning towards cyan. It is named after the Chatham Islands, known for their distinctive blue waters. In the RGB color model, #204F7B consists of 12.55% red, 30.98% green, and 48.24% blue. The color's CMYK values are 0.74, 0.36, 0.00, and 0.52, indicating a composition primarily of cyan, magenta, and black. Chathams Blue evokes a sense of tranquility, depth, and professionalism. It is often associated with trust, stability, and wisdom, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and website design. The color belongs to the blue color family, which is generally perceived as calming and reliable.
The color #204F7B, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its relatively dark hue results in a lower contrast ratio against typical light backgrounds like white or pale yellow. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is essential for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's advisable to pair #204F7B with lighter text colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility standards. When using #204F7B for interactive elements, consider providing alternative visual cues like underlines or icons in addition to color to cater to users who may have difficulty distinguishing color differences. Proper attention to color contrast will make your designs more inclusive and user-friendly.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Chathams Blue (#204F7B) can be effectively used for headers, navigation bars, and other prominent UI elements to create a sense of trust and stability. Its deep, calming nature makes it suitable for websites in the finance, healthcare, or technology sectors. It pairs well with lighter shades of blue or neutral colors like white and gray to achieve a professional and balanced aesthetic. Consider using it sparingly as a primary color to prevent overwhelming the user, instead opting for it as an accent color to highlight key information or calls to action. It can also be used for button hover states or as a subtle background for data visualizations.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chathams Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and serene atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, studies, or living rooms, especially when paired with lighter, warmer tones. It can be used as an accent wall color or for upholstery on furniture. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, incorporate plenty of natural light and lighter-colored accessories. The color also complements natural materials such as wood and stone, creating a balanced and inviting space. Consider using it in combination with gold or brass accents for a touch of elegance.
Branding
Chathams Blue makes an excellent choice for branding materials where it can communicate professionalism and reliability. The deep hue works well on letterheads, business cards, and presentation templates, particularly when contrasted with crisp, white text. It's a good match for businesses in finance, insurance, or consulting. The color can be used sparingly for backgrounds, borders or as a font color for headings. It's best not to overuse this hue and instead pair it with neutral colors and a modern sans-serif font to produce a clean and polished visual identity.