Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hex code #204FC6, is a captivating shade of blue that evokes feelings of serenity, stability, and trust. It's a popular color choice in various design fields due to its calming yet sophisticated nature. The color resides in the blue color family and is often associated with clarity, wisdom, and confidence. The name "Cerulean" is derived from the Latin word "caeruleus," meaning "dark blue" or "sky-blue." In color psychology, blue is known to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and foster a sense of security, making Cerulean Blue a versatile color for creating harmonious and inviting environments. Its usage extends beyond aesthetics, as it also impacts user experiences and brand perceptions. It is important to note the accessibility factors of the color.
The hex color #204FC6, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its luminance value is relatively low, which can cause issues with text legibility, especially for users with visual impairments. When using this color for text, it is crucial to pair it with a light background to ensure sufficient contrast, adhering to WCAG guidelines. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. In user interface design, avoid using this color for critical interactive elements without proper visual cues and labels, as color alone should not be the sole indicator of functionality. Providing alternative text descriptions for images and icons using this color is also essential for screen reader users. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools is highly advised.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast and legibility against white backgrounds, making it a more accessible choice for text and UI elements.
- #003399
A darker shade of blue that offers improved contrast when used as a background color, enhancing the readability of light-colored text and creating a stronger visual hierarchy.
- #6699cc
A muted blue alternative, which can be used for backgrounds to avoid very high contrast.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Cerulean Blue can be used to create a calming and trustworthy atmosphere. It's suitable for websites related to technology, finance, or healthcare, where building confidence is important. As a primary color, it can define the brand identity or serve as an accent color to highlight key elements such as buttons and links. When implementing it, it is important to maintain a good contrast ratio with text and background, in order to maintain accessibility standards. Consider using it in conjunction with white or light gray to create a clean and professional look.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cerulean Blue brings a sense of tranquility and spaciousness to rooms. It works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices, creating a relaxing and focused environment. Use it as an accent wall color or in decorative elements like cushions, curtains, and artwork to add a pop of color without overwhelming the space. It combines well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as neutral colors such as white, beige, and gray, which enhances the natural environment of your room.
Fashion
In fashion, Cerulean Blue is a versatile color that can be incorporated into both casual and formal outfits. It can be used in clothing items such as dresses, shirts, and jackets, or as an accent color in accessories like scarves, handbags, and jewelry. It can be combined with neutral colors like black, white, and gray for a classic look, or with complementary colors like orange and yellow for a more vibrant and eye-catching effect. It's suitable for creating both elegant and playful styles, depending on the chosen garments and combinations.