Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue (#2D4DB9)
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #2D4DB9, is a medium-dark shade of blue with a slight hint of cyan. It is a popular color choice in various design fields, evoking feelings of calmness, serenity, and trustworthiness. In the RGB color model, it consists of 17.65% red, 30.2% green, and 72.55% blue. The CMYK color model representation is 76% cyan, 58% magenta, 0% yellow, and 27% black. This color is often associated with the sky and ocean, contributing to its tranquil and reliable feel. Cerulean Blue is widely used in corporate branding, website design, and interior decoration to create a sense of stability and professionalism. It's a color that balances vibrancy and sophistication, making it versatile for various applications.
The hex color #2D4DB9, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low luminance value of approximately 0.20 makes it difficult to use as a foreground color on a white background, as it may not provide sufficient contrast for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Cerulean Blue falls short of these requirements when paired with white. To improve accessibility, consider using it with lighter backgrounds or pairing it with darker foreground colors. Adjusting the color's brightness and saturation can also enhance readability and ensure a more inclusive user experience. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3e64c8
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast against white backgrounds.
- #1a368f
A darker shade of blue that provides better readability when used as text on a light background.
- #778899
A muted gray-blue tone that works well as a background color, offering a calm and understated feel.
Applications
Web Design
Cerulean Blue can be effectively used in website headers and navigation menus to create a professional and trustworthy aesthetic. Its cool tone evokes a sense of stability and reliability, making it suitable for businesses in the finance, technology, or healthcare sectors. When combined with clean typography and minimal design elements, it can contribute to a user-friendly and visually appealing interface. Furthermore, cerulean blue works effectively with call-to-action buttons when combined with a brighter contrasting color.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cerulean Blue can be used as an accent color to create a serene and calming atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral tones such as gray, beige, and white, and can be incorporated through wall paint, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories. Consider using cerulean blue in bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms to promote relaxation and tranquility. The color can be used in cushions, wall art or rugs.
Fashion
Cerulean Blue is a versatile color choice for fashion apparel and accessories. It can be used in dresses, shirts, scarves, or handbags to add a pop of color to an outfit. It complements both warm and cool skin tones, making it a universally flattering option. The color can be effectively combined with neutral colors such as white, black, and gray, as well as bolder hues like red, yellow, and green, allowing for a wide range of styling possibilities. It can also be incorporated into athleisure clothing.