Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#210395)
The hex color #210395, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its high saturation and relatively low lightness. In the RGB color model, #210395 consists of 12.9% red, 1.2% green, and 58.4% blue. Its CMYK values are 78% cyan, 99% magenta, 0% yellow, and 42% black. Ultramarine's deep hue evokes feelings of calmness, trust, and authority. This color historically comes from the costly pigment made by grinding lapis lazuli into a powder. Due to its high cost in the past, it was often reserved for paintings of special importance, like depictions of the Virgin Mary. The modern pigment can be chemically created so it is not as rare as it used to be. In color psychology, Ultramarine is associated with intellect, stability, and unity. It is often used in branding and design to convey a sense of reliability and professionalism.
The hex color #210395, a deep ultramarine, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its low luminance value of approximately 3% necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as a background color, it requires a very light text color to ensure readability, ideally achieving a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal-sized text, as recommended by WCAG guidelines. For larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), a contrast ratio of 3:1 is acceptable. Avoid pairing it with dark or muted text colors, as this will render the text illegible for many users, including those with visual impairments. In interactive elements, such as buttons or links, sufficient contrast is crucial for users to easily identify and interact with them. When using this color, it's important to test the design with accessibility evaluation tools and, ideally, with users with disabilities to ensure it meets their needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Headers and Navigation
Ultramarine (#210395) can be used as a primary color for website headers and navigation bars to create a sense of sophistication and trust. Due to its dark nature, careful consideration must be given to the font color and size to ensure that the navigation links are easily readable, even for users with visual impairments. Furthermore, it's important to test the website across different devices and browsers to ensure consistent color rendering and optimal user experience.
Fashion Accent Color
In the realm of fashion, Ultramarine can serve as a striking accent color for evening wear or formal attire. A small clutch or jewelry using this color can add elegance. However, using it for a whole dress could be overwhelming. Pair it with lighter, contrasting colors like silver, gold, or even a lighter pastel blue to create balance and avoid a monotonous look.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent wall color to add depth and drama to a room. However, it is important to balance it with lighter colors and ample lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark or enclosed. Consider using it in a living room or study, paired with neutral furniture and bright accessories to create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.