Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#2104af)
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #2104af, is a deep blue color with a rich history. Originally derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli, Ultramarine was highly valued as a pigment in medieval and Renaissance art. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its origins from minerals imported into Europe from Asia. Today, synthetic versions of Ultramarine are widely available, making it a more accessible and affordable color. In color theory, Ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of calmness, serenity, and wisdom. It is often associated with royalty, intelligence, and stability. Its deep hue makes it suitable for creating a sense of depth and mystery in designs.
The hex color #2104af, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its dark hue results in low contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially making text and interactive elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring readability and usability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine often falls short of these recommendations when paired with common background colors like white or light gray. To improve accessibility, consider using Ultramarine sparingly and pairing it with high-contrast text colors like white or light yellow. Alternatively, explore lighter shades of blue or completely different color palettes that inherently offer better contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving contrast against light backgrounds.
- #d3d3d3
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to provide better contrast with Ultramarine text.
- #00008b
A dark blue which provides an alternative dark color to maintain a similar tone with a little less saturation
Applications
Website Headers and Navigation
Ultramarine, with its depth and vibrancy, can be effectively used in website headers and navigation bars to create a strong visual identity. It adds a touch of sophistication and professionalism, making it suitable for corporate websites or creative portfolios. When combined with complementary colors like yellow or gold, it can create eye-catching accents and highlights. However, careful consideration should be given to font colors and sizes to ensure readability against the dark background. A lighter, contrasting font color is recommended to optimize the user experience.
Interior Design Accents
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color to add a pop of color to a room. It can be incorporated through throw pillows, artwork, or accent walls. When paired with neutral colors like gray or beige, it creates a balanced and harmonious atmosphere. Ultramarine is best used in moderation to avoid overwhelming the space. It can also be combined with natural materials like wood or stone to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Its luxurious shade can create the atmosphere for living rooms, bed rooms and office spaces.
Fashion and Beauty
Ultramarine eyeshadow can make blue eyes pop and add depth to brown eyes. A thin line of Ultramarine eyeliner can make a subtle statement. Ultramarine nail polish is a fun way to add a pop of color to any outfit. Ultramarine clothing is not used that often. The color can be combined with whites and light greys to make the ultramarine pop out. But if it is used it shows a strong and unique character.