Chathams Blue

General Information about Chathams Blue (#234E77)

The hexadecimal color code #234E77, commonly known as Chathams Blue, represents a dark shade of blue with a subtle undertone of green. It falls within the broader category of blue hues, often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, #234E77 is composed of 13.73% red, 30.59% green, and 46.67% blue. In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color model, it consists of 70.59% cyan, 34.51% magenta, 0% yellow, and 53.33% black. This color is commonly used in various design applications due to its versatile nature and ability to evoke a sense of serenity and professionalism. It is less bright and can not be used alone in designing for people with vision impairments.

The hex color #234e77, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its relatively low luminance value of 0.05 places it firmly in the darker end of the color spectrum. This means that using #234e77 as a background color requires careful consideration of the foreground text color. To ensure sufficient contrast and readability, a light-colored text, such as white (#ffffff) or a very pale yellow, is highly recommended. These combinations will help meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios, specifically aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. It is important to use contrast checking tools to verify the contrast ratio of any color combinations using #234e77. Using a darker color for text may not provide enough contrast and should be avoided. Also, consider the user: some users may have difficulty viewing color if there is not enough contrast.

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Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design

  In web design, #234e77 can be utilized for creating visually appealing website headers and navigation bars. Its subdued nature allows for a professional and trustworthy aesthetic, making it suitable for corporate websites or educational platforms. However, ensuring sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements is crucial for accessibility. For example, white or light gray text on a #234e77 background creates a legible and user-friendly interface. The color can also be employed for subtle background accents or as a secondary color in a broader color scheme, contributing to a cohesive and harmonious design. Avoid using it for small text or essential interactive elements without careful contrast adjustments.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, #234e77 can be incorporated to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, lending a sense of tranquility and focus. The color can be used on walls, accent furniture, or decorative items. When pairing it with other colors, consider using complementary hues like soft oranges or warm yellows to create a balanced and inviting space. To prevent the room from feeling too dark, ensure ample natural light or incorporate lighter elements such as white trim or bright artwork. The color works best with natural materials such as wood or stone.

• Fashion Design

  In fashion, #234e77 can be used in clothing, accessories, or textiles to create a stylish and refined look. It is a versatile color that works well for both casual and formal wear. Combining it with neutral colors, such as gray, white, or beige, enhances its elegance. Alternatively, adding pops of brighter colors like coral or mustard yellow can create a more daring and unique style. The color can be used to design anything from sweaters to formal dresses. When using it on accessories, it is best to combine with metallics.

Complementary color

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