Royal Blue
General Information about Royal Blue
Royal Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #2B4BED, is a vibrant and saturated shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with qualities like trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. In color psychology, blue is known to promote calmness and relaxation, making it a popular choice for various applications. Royal Blue is a tertiary color, created by mixing a primary color (blue) with a secondary color (in this case, a touch of violet). It is named after its association with royalty and is often used to convey a sense of prestige and elegance. The color is not very often found in nature, adding the aspect of artificiality to it.
The accessibility of #2B4BED (Royal Blue) needs careful consideration in web design. Its contrast ratio against white (#FFFFFF) is approximately 3.9:1, which falls short of the WCAG 2.1 AA standard's minimum requirement of 4.5:1 for normal text. This means that using Royal Blue for text on a white background might be difficult for users with moderate visual impairments to read comfortably. To improve accessibility, consider using a darker shade of blue or a lighter background color to increase the contrast ratio. For larger text (14pt bold/18pt regular), the contrast ratio meets the WCAG AA standard (3:1), but it's still advisable to enhance contrast for optimal readability. Ensure sufficient color contrast is maintained, and avoid using color as the sole means of conveying important information.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly darker blue that provides better contrast against light backgrounds, improving readability for users with visual impairments.
- #5e81ac
A lighter shade of blue that can be used for backgrounds or accents, providing a softer and less intense alternative to Royal Blue.
- #483d8b
A color more shifted to the purple specter, while keeping some of the saturation, it is more accesible and gives some alternative visual impression
Applications
Website Design
Royal Blue can be used as a primary color in a website's design, particularly for headers, buttons, and navigational elements. Its vibrant hue can draw attention and create a sense of trust and reliability. However, ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements to maintain accessibility. Royal Blue works well in technology, finance, or educational websites, where a professional and trustworthy image is desired. Consider using it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user and complementing it with neutral colors for balance. Furthermore, its strong character ensures a recognizable element in the page.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Royal Blue can be used for clothing items or accessories to add a pop of color to an outfit. It is a versatile color that can be paired with neutral shades like white, black, or gray, or with complementary colors like yellow or orange for a bolder look. Royal Blue is often associated with royalty, sophistication, and confidence, making it a popular choice for formal wear or statement pieces. The color is very popular and can be used in almost every fashion style, from casual to high fashion.
Interior Design
Royal Blue can serve as a bold accent wall color or be incorporated into furniture and décor items to bring a sense of sophistication and depth to a room. Pair it with neutral tones like cream or beige for a balanced look, or combine it with metallic accents for a touch of glamour. Royal Blue is often used in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. It can be a good choice for interior design, because it is not too flashy and gives a modern impression.