Astronaut
General Information
The hexadecimal color code #223A7A, also known as Astronaut, is a deep, muted shade of blue. It is composed of 13.33% red, 22.75% green, and 47.84% blue. In the RGB color space, it resides closer to the blue end of the spectrum, contributing to its cool and calming properties. The CMYK representation of #223A7A is 72.17% cyan, 52.59% magenta, 0% yellow, and 52.16% black. This color is often associated with feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. Its depth and subtlety make it a versatile choice for various applications in design and branding. Understanding its composition and properties allows designers and creatives to effectively incorporate it into their projects, whether for digital or physical mediums.
The hex color #223A7A, also known as Astronaut, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its relatively low lightness value (approximately 23%) results in a low contrast ratio against a white background, potentially making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text displayed in this color. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet WCAG AA standards. Therefore, when using #223A7A for text, it's crucial to pair it with a very light color, such as white or a pale yellow, to ensure sufficient contrast. For purely decorative elements, contrast requirements are less stringent. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can help evaluate color pairings and ensure they meet accessibility guidelines, contributing to a more inclusive user experience. Using a darker shade or a color with greater saturation as a background for #223A7A can also help to improve readability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #34568b
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability for users with visual impairments.
- #1e3a8a
A deeper, more saturated blue that can be used to add emphasis and visual interest while maintaining a sense of sophistication.
- #162854
A similar but darker hue of blue, for improved accessibility and legibility.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #223A7A can serve as a primary color for headers, navigation bars, or button backgrounds to create a professional and trustworthy aesthetic. Its cool tone evokes a sense of calmness and reliability, making it well-suited for websites in the finance, healthcare, or education sectors. When used sparingly as a text color, pair it with a light background to ensure sufficient contrast and readability, preventing eye strain and improving the overall user experience. Using it alongside complementary colors will help to create a balanced and visually appealing website design.
Interior Design
In interior design, Astronaut #223A7A is perfectly suited for creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Paint an accent wall in this hue to add depth and visual interest to a living room or bedroom. Combine it with neutral colors like cream, gray, and white to balance the depth of the blue and to prevent it from overwhelming the space. Accessorize with metallic accents, such as gold or silver, to enhance the color's richness and create a luxurious feel. This color works exceptionally well in home offices or study areas.
Fashion
In fashion, #223A7A brings an air of understated elegance and sophistication. This shade is a wonderful choice for creating versatile and timeless wardrobe pieces. Consider incorporating this blue into tailored blazers, dresses, or accessories like scarves and handbags. The color pairs beautifully with neutrals like gray, beige, and white, allowing for a range of outfit options. When creating color schemes, pair #223A7A with complementary colors to achieve a harmonious aesthetic. The rich tone can add depth to any garment.