Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hex code #264AB0, is a medium-dark shade of blue that falls within the blue color family. It is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 15.3% red, 29% green, and 69% blue. The name 'Cerulean' comes from the Latin word 'caeruleus,' which means 'dark blue' or 'sky blue.' Historically, cerulean was associated with the pigment derived from cerussite, a mineral containing lead carbonate. Today, it is widely used in various fields, including art, design, and web development, to evoke a sense of serenity and professionalism. Its unique tone makes it versatile for both background and accent colors, but it's important to consider its contrast with other colors for accessibility.
The hex color #264AB0, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its relatively low luminance value of 16 means that it may not provide sufficient contrast when used as text against a white background or as a background for white text. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast is crucial for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. When using #264AB0, it is important to pair it with lighter colors to ensure readability and accessibility for all users. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the color combination meets accessibility standards. Consider using it for larger graphical elements, where the contrast requirements are less stringent, or pair it with very light shades to achieve the right contrast ratio.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability for users with visual impairments.
- #191970
A darker shade of blue that can be used to provide a stronger visual anchor in designs, suitable for text or interactive elements against lighter backgrounds.
- #4682b4
Steel Blue can serve as a more neutral alternative while still capturing the essence of the blue family, offering versatility in design.
Applications
Website Design
Cerulean Blue can be used in website headers and footers to create a calming and professional feel. Its depth makes it suitable for backgrounds, while its vibrancy adds a touch of sophistication. It's best paired with lighter text to ensure readability and accessibility for all users. The color evokes trust and stability, making it an excellent choice for businesses in the finance or technology sectors, enhancing the website's overall visual appeal and user experience.
Branding
Cerulean Blue works well for branding materials such as logos and business cards. Its unique shade of blue helps to create a distinctive and memorable brand identity. Using this color in combination with complementary colors can further enhance its appeal. The color's association with trust and confidence can be strategically leveraged to communicate the brand's values effectively, resulting in a cohesive and impactful visual representation that resonates with the target audience.
Infographics and Data Visualization
Cerulean Blue is an excellent choice for creating infographics and data visualizations. Its calming nature makes it easy on the eyes when presenting complex information. Using this color to highlight key data points can draw the viewer's attention and improve comprehension. Combining it with contrasting colors for labels and annotations ensures clarity and accessibility, making it a strategic choice for educational and informative content across various media platforms.