Chathams Blue
General Information about Chathams Blue
The hexadecimal color #254E76, also known as Chathams Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its depth and subtlety. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 14.51% red, 30.59% green, and 46.27% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 69% cyan, 34% magenta, 0% yellow, and 54% black. This color evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and trustworthiness, making it a popular choice for corporate branding, web design, and interior decoration. Chathams Blue is named after the Chatham Islands, a remote archipelago belonging to New Zealand, which suggests its association with the ocean and natural landscapes. This color is often used to convey professionalism and reliability.
The color #254E76, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low luminance can create insufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially making text or interactive elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. When using #254E76, careful consideration should be given to the background color to ensure sufficient contrast. Lighter shades of yellow, white, or very pale grays are generally better choices for backgrounds. It is also important to consider users with color vision deficiencies when using this color. Using color alone to convey important information is not recommended; supplementary cues such as text labels or icons should be provided to ensure accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #34699c
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible for text and user interface elements.
- #1a3251
A darker shade that could be used for hover states or to add depth to designs, while still maintaining a professional look.
- #2e6da4
A more vibrant blue that stands out more and could be used for active buttons, links, or notifications to attract user's attention
Applications
Web Design
Chathams Blue is a versatile color suitable for web design, particularly for headers, navigation bars, and background accents. Its calm and professional appearance makes it a good choice for corporate websites, educational platforms, and financial dashboards. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, light gray, and beige, creating a clean and trustworthy aesthetic. Consider using it for call-to-action buttons with a contrasting hover state to improve user experience. The color can also be utilized in data visualizations, such as charts and graphs, to represent different categories or data sets, ensuring the color contrast to other used colors is sufficient.
Interior Design
In interior design, Chathams Blue can be used to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. It is well-suited for bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms. Use it as an accent wall color or for upholstery. It complements natural materials like wood and stone, adding a touch of sophistication. The color also pairs well with metallic accents such as gold or silver, creating a sense of luxury and elegance. Layering different shades of blue can create a cohesive and visually appealing space. Ensure that there is good light within the room for optimal effect.
Fashion
Chathams Blue is a classic and timeless color that can be incorporated into fashion in various ways. It can be used for dresses, suits, blouses, or accessories. It pairs well with neutral colors like black, white, or gray, creating a sophisticated and polished look. This blue can also be combined with bolder colors like red or yellow for a more vibrant and eye-catching outfit. Denim fabrics in similar shades can create a casual and stylish look. Consider incorporating this color into your wardrobe for its versatility and timeless appeal. Experiment with different textures and patterns to add visual interest.