Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
The hex color #2555C1, commonly referred to as Cerulean Blue, is a captivating shade that resides in the blue color family. It is composed of 14.5% red, 33.3% green and 75.7% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:37, G:85, B:193. Cerulean blue is often associated with feelings of calmness, tranquility, and stability. It is named after the cerulean pigment, which itself is derived from the Latin word 'caeruleus', meaning 'dark blue'. This particular shade of blue finds frequent application across a broad spectrum of media and design domains, ranging from web development and graphic design to interior decor and fashion. Its versatility stems from its ability to convey both a sense of professionalism and a touch of creative flair.
The hex color #2555C1, a deep shade of cerulean blue, presents specific accessibility considerations for web design. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with the foreground text or elements. A light-colored text (white or very pale yellow) is generally recommended to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio, aiming for a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. If used for text, the color should be paired with a very dark background to maintain readability. Testing with accessibility tools is crucial. Avoid using this color for small, interactive elements without careful consideration of visual clarity for users with visual impairments. Consider providing alternative color schemes to accommodate users with color blindness, as this particular shade of blue may be difficult to distinguish for individuals with tritanopia or deuteranopia. Focus indicators for interactive elements should be highly visible against this background.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #6495ed
A lighter and more pastel shade of blue, which offers a softer and more accessible alternative for backgrounds and text. This color also provides better contrast when paired with darker text.
- #003366
A darker shade, almost navy blue. The darker tone can provide better contrast against lighter elements and text, improving overall legibility and accessibility.
- #778899
A desaturated blue that looks more grey, making it easier to pair with various colors without visual conflict.
Applications
Web Design for Corporate Sites
In web design, this cerulean blue can be used to create a sophisticated and trustworthy atmosphere for websites related to technology, finance, or education. It is suitable for backgrounds of banners, call-to-action buttons (when contrasted with a bright foreground color), or as an accent color in data visualizations to highlight key information. The color evokes a sense of stability and professionalism, making it a good choice for corporate websites aiming to build credibility and inspire confidence in their users. It should be balanced carefully with neutral tones to prevent the design from feeling overwhelming.
Interior Design for Relaxation
In interior design, cerulean blue can be used to create a calming and serene environment. It works well in bedrooms or bathrooms when paired with soft neutrals like white or beige. Accent pieces in this color, such as throw pillows or artwork, can add a pop of color to a living room without being overwhelming. It's particularly suited to coastal or nautical-themed rooms, where it complements natural elements like wood and sand. The color helps to open up a space and create a feeling of tranquility and peace, ideal for relaxation and rest.
Fashion Design for Spring/Summer
In fashion, cerulean blue is often used in spring and summer collections to evoke feelings of freshness and vitality. It can be used in dresses, blouses, or accessories like scarves and handbags to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to an outfit. This color pairs well with neutral tones like white, beige, and gray, as well as complementary colors like coral or peach. It's a versatile color that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Cerulean blue helps creates a feeling of optimism.