Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #2960BD, is a vibrant and calming shade of blue. It is located between cyan and blue on the color spectrum. Historically, cerulean blue pigment was derived from magnesium stannate, offering artists a stable and beautiful blue hue. In color psychology, cerulean blue is associated with tranquility, peace, and stability. It often evokes feelings of serenity and trust. This color is widely used in various fields, including graphic design, web development, and interior decoration. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for creating a soothing and professional atmosphere. The color also symbolizes creativity and inspiration, which can be leveraged for the color to become the dominant theme.
The hex color #2960bd, a shade of cerulean blue, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against a white background is approximately 3.6:1, falling short of the WCAG's recommended 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This means users with low vision may find it difficult to read text displayed in this color on a white background. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with darker backgrounds or using a lighter shade of blue or white text on the cerulean blue background. Ensuring sufficient contrast is crucial for inclusive design, benefiting all users, particularly those with visual impairments. Evaluating color combinations with accessibility tools is highly recommended to guarantee optimal readability and usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #5684c3
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability and accessibility for users with visual impairments.
- #1a438a
A darker shade of blue that can be used for backgrounds or elements where a stronger visual impact is desired, while still complementing the overall color scheme.
- #808080
A neutral gray that works well as a background color or text color alongside cerulean blue, offering a balanced and professional aesthetic.
Applications
Web Design
Cerulean blue is a versatile color for web design, suitable for headers, navigation menus, and call-to-action buttons. Its calming nature makes it ideal for websites in the healthcare, education, and technology sectors. It evokes trust and stability, making it perfect for creating a professional and user-friendly online experience. Furthermore, the color can be applied for backgrounds, icons or illustrative elements to create an appealing design. Consider using it in combination with white or light grays for improved readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, cerulean blue can create a serene and inviting atmosphere. It's a popular choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms, where a sense of relaxation is desired. It can be used as an accent color on walls, furniture, or decorative accessories. When combined with natural materials like wood and stone, cerulean blue brings a touch of nature indoors, creating a harmonious and tranquil living space. Additionally, cerulean blue can be applied in combination with white elements to further enhance the effect.
Fashion
Cerulean blue is often used in fashion to create elegant and sophisticated looks. It can be used for dresses, suits, and accessories, and pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige. Its calming effect makes it suitable for both casual and formal wear. Cerulean blue is often associated with confidence and creativity. Therefore, it can add a touch of elegance to a wide range of styles. Furthermore, cerulean blue can be combined with vibrant colors such as yellow or red for a bold and fashionable appearance.