Royal Blue
General Information about Royal Blue
The hex color #274DF1, also known as Royal Blue, is a vibrant and saturated shade of blue. It resides in the blue color spectrum and is commonly associated with feelings of trust, stability, and authority. Royal Blue is often used in branding and design to convey a sense of professionalism and confidence. The color is created by mixing varying amounts of red, green, and blue light, with blue being the dominant component. In a RGB color space, it translates to Red: 39, Green: 77, and Blue: 241. In the CMYK color model, typically used for printing, it breaks down to Cyan: 84%, Magenta: 68%, Yellow: 0%, and Black: 6%. This information provides a basis to understand and further use this color.
The hex color #274DF1, a vibrant Royal Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low luminance can cause issues with text legibility, especially when used as a background for light-colored text or vice versa. According to WCAG guidelines, it's crucial to ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet Level AA compliance. For Level AAA, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. To improve accessibility, consider using this color sparingly for large headings or decorative elements. When using it for text or interactive elements, pair it with a very light or very dark color to guarantee sufficient contrast. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can help evaluate color combinations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains vibrancy but offers better contrast against white backgrounds.
- #003399
A darker shade of blue that provides a stronger visual distinction and improves readability when used for text.
- #6495ed
A softer, muted blue that can be used in designs where high contrast is not desired but some color is needed.
Applications
Web Design for Corporate Identity
Royal Blue is a popular choice for creating a sense of trust and authority. In web design, it can be used for the primary color of a website to convey professionalism, especially for corporate or financial institutions. For example, it could be used in the header, buttons, and links of a business website to establish a feeling of confidence and reliability. It is important to consider the contrast when applying this color.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Royal Blue can be used as a statement color in clothing or accessories. A Royal Blue dress can create a bold and sophisticated look, while Royal Blue accessories like scarves or handbags can add a pop of color to a neutral outfit. This color is also suitable for athletic wear, often chosen to create a sense of energy and speed. Consider the impact of color perception in the clothing industry.
Interior Design Accent Color
Royal Blue can add a sophisticated and dramatic touch to interior spaces. Use it as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative items. It pairs well with neutral tones like white, gray, or beige, and can also be combined with other vibrant colors like gold or yellow to create a striking contrast. As an example it can be used in pillows or a painting for a bright accent.