Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
The hexadecimal color #2359c3, also known as Cerulean Blue, is a deep and rich shade of blue often associated with tranquility, depth, and stability. It is composed of 13.73% red, 34.9% green, and 76.47% blue. In the RGB color space, this equates to R:35, G:89, and B:195. The CMYK values are C:82, M:54, Y:0, K:24, and the HSL values are H:217 degrees, S:69%, L:45%. Cerulean blue is often used to represent the sky or the ocean, evoking feelings of calmness and serenity. It can be used in web design, graphic design, and interior design to create a sense of professionalism, trustworthiness, and depth. The color is popular in branding and marketing materials for companies that wish to convey these qualities.
The hex color #2359c3, a deep cerulean blue, presents some accessibility challenges. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios against background colors. For body text, it is imperative to use a light color such as white, cream, or very light yellow to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards for sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is needed for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can help in determining the appropriate background color. For interactive elements like buttons and links, sufficient contrast must be ensured for both text and non-text elements such as borders and icons. Avoid pairing this color with dark backgrounds or colors of similar luminance, as this can cause readability issues. Furthermore, provide alternative cues, like underlines or icons, for links to ensure usability for users with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast on various backgrounds.
- #1e90ff
A more saturated blue that can draw attention effectively.
- #808080
A neutral grey provides a safe and accessible option for backgrounds or text when cerulean blue is too vibrant or causes contrast issues. This color is easy on the eyes and works well with most color schemes.
Applications
Web Design and Branding
In web design, #2359c3 can be used for headings, accents, and interactive elements where a sophisticated and trustworthy feel is desired. It pairs well with neutral background colors like whites, grays, and light beiges. In user interfaces, this color could be used to indicate primary actions or to highlight important information. For branding, companies in the technology, finance, or healthcare industries may find this color suitable for logos and marketing materials. However, always ensure sufficient color contrast and provide alternative cues to make the user experience accessible to all.
Interior Design
This color is well suited for creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It could be applied to walls in bedrooms or living rooms to promote relaxation. It also works well as an accent color in furniture, textiles, and decor items. When pairing with other colors, consider using complementary colors like shades of orange or yellow for a vibrant contrast, or analogous colors like greens and purples for a harmonious blend. In smaller spaces, using this color sparingly can prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming.
Beauty and Fashion
Cerulean blue offers depth and can be used as an eyeshadow color, eyeliner, or to create a striking look for special occasions. When it comes to fashion, cerulean blue can be incorporated into dresses, tops, or accessories, often paired with neutral colors like white, beige, or gray. It can also be used to add a pop of color to more casual outfits, bringing a subtle touch of elegance. Additionally, cerulean blue is suitable for nail polish, either as a solid color or in combination with other colors in nail art designs.