Astronaut
General Information about #2B4477 (Astronaut)
The hexadecimal color #2B4477, often referred to as "Astronaut," is a deep, muted shade of blue with a hint of gray. It falls within the blue color family and evokes feelings of stability, sophistication, and calmness. In the RGB color model, #2B4477 is composed of 17.1% red, 26.7% green, and 46.7% blue. Its CMYK representation is 63.4% cyan, 42.4% magenta, 0% yellow, and 53.3% black. This color is often associated with professionalism and trustworthiness, making it a popular choice for corporate branding, web design, and various graphic design applications. Its muted tone makes it versatile, allowing it to be paired with both warm and cool colors to achieve different aesthetic effects. The name "Astronaut" suggests a connection to space, exploration, and the vastness of the universe, further enhancing its appeal.
The color #2B4477, also known as Astronaut, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text against a white background, it may not meet the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. Similarly, when used as a background color, text placed on top of it should be carefully chosen to ensure sufficient contrast. Lighter shades of yellows, oranges, or even lighter blues and greens could provide better readability. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the color combinations meet accessibility standards. Designers and developers should prioritize accessibility by testing color combinations with these tools and considering the needs of users with different visual abilities. Thoughtful selection of foreground and background colors is crucial for creating an inclusive and user-friendly experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3e5c8f
A slightly lighter shade that improves readability against white backgrounds.
- #1a2d59
A darker shade that maintains the sophisticated feel while offering better contrast as a background color.
- #5c7cb3
This color offers a brighter alternative while still maintaining a professional aesthetic, and improves visibility on screens.
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
Astronaut (#2B4477) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sophisticated and professional look. Its deep, calming tone provides a sense of stability and trust, making it suitable for businesses wanting to convey reliability. It works particularly well for tech companies, financial institutions, or educational platforms. Paired with lighter accent colors such as a muted gold or a soft grey, it can create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. The color also allows for a clear distinction between content areas and navigational elements, enhancing the overall user experience.
Interior Design - Calming Spaces
In interior design, #2B4477 can be used to create a serene and elegant atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms or studies, where a calming environment is desired. The color can be applied to walls or used in furniture upholstery. It pairs nicely with natural wood tones and metallic accents such as brass or copper. To prevent the space from feeling too dark, it's important to incorporate lighter elements like off-white textiles, reflective surfaces, and ample lighting. The use of this color can transform a space into a tranquil retreat, promoting relaxation and focus.
Data Visualization
This deep blue hue works exceptionally well in data visualization to represent different categories or values in charts and graphs. Its distinct shade allows for clear differentiation between data sets, especially when combined with lighter or more vibrant colors. Using #2B4477 for important data points can draw the viewer's attention and highlight key information. It's particularly effective in reports and dashboards where readability and quick comprehension are crucial. Consistent use of this color across different visualizations ensures a cohesive and professional presentation of data.