Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hex code #2851BE, is a medium-dark shade of blue with a slightly desaturated quality. It's located in the blue region of the color spectrum, exhibiting characteristics of both cyan and azure. This color is often associated with calmness, trustworthiness, and stability. In color psychology, blue is known to evoke feelings of serenity and peace. Cerulean Blue is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of applications, from web design to fashion, to create a sense of sophistication and tranquility. It is frequently seen in corporate branding to convey reliability and professionalism. Its usage can also be seen to bring harmony to a design.
The color #2851BE, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white is approximately 3.8:1, which does not meet the WCAG AA standard of 4.5:1 for normal text. Therefore, when using this color for text, it's crucial to pair it with a light background. For larger text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), it nearly meets the WCAG AA standard. Using a lighter shade of blue or a darker background can improve contrast and ensure readability for users with visual impairments. It is important to avoid using this color for crucial information without sufficient contrast. Consider using color contrast tools to evaluate and adjust color combinations for optimal accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366cc
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability.
- #1e3a8a
A darker shade of blue that provides a stronger contrast against light backgrounds, making it suitable for text and important UI elements.
- #5d7cb1
A desaturated blue that can be used as a neutral background color and still retains a visual connection to the primary color.
Applications
UI Design
Cerulean blue is excellent for creating a calm and trustworthy atmosphere in user interfaces. Use it for primary buttons, navigation bars, and headings to guide users through the application with a sense of confidence. The color evokes feelings of security and reliability, making it ideal for financial applications, healthcare platforms, and educational websites. Combine with neutral colors like light grays and whites to maintain a clean, professional look.
Fashion
In fashion, Cerulean blue can be used as a statement color for dresses, blouses, or accessories. It pairs well with neutral tones like beige, gray, and white, as well as complementary colors such as coral or yellow. The color exudes sophistication and tranquility, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal wear. It can also be used in athletic wear, giving a sense of freedom and dynamism.
Interior Design
Cerulean blue brings a sense of serenity and expansiveness to interior spaces. It can be used as an accent wall color in bedrooms or living rooms to create a calming environment. In bathrooms, it can evoke the feeling of being near the ocean. Pair with white or light wood furniture for a fresh, airy look. Accents of yellow or orange can add a pop of energy to balance the cool blue tones.