Cerulean Blue
General Information About Cerulean Blue
The hex color code #2E51B8 represents a shade of Cerulean Blue. It is composed of 18.04% red, 31.76% green, and 72.16% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to 46 red, 81 green, and 184 blue. Cerulean Blue is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. It is commonly used in various design applications, from web design to branding, to evoke a sense of professionalism and reliability. The color is named after the cerulean pigment, which is a deep-sky blue, derived from the Latin word "caeruleus", meaning "dark blue" or "blue-green". Cerulean Blue is valued for its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of other colors, making it a popular choice among designers and artists.
The color #2E51B8, a shade of Cerulean Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires careful selection of background colors to ensure readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Pairing #2E51B8 with light yellows, creams, or whites can potentially meet these contrast requirements. However, using it with darker colors may result in insufficient contrast, making the text difficult to read. When using this color for interactive elements such as buttons or links, providing additional visual cues, like underlines or borders, is essential to enhance usability for all users. It is recommended to test color combinations using accessibility tools to guarantee compliance with accessibility standards and provide an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #5d9cec
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds, making it more accessible for text and interactive elements.
- #e0e0e0
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to provide a balanced and accessible contrast with various foreground colors.
- #337ab7
A vibrant and attention-grabbing blue for highlighting important elements, while still maintaining a relatively good contrast.
Applications
Web Design
Cerulean Blue is often used in web design for creating a sense of trust and reliability. It's a popular choice for corporate websites, particularly in the finance and technology sectors, where conveying stability and security is important. It can be effectively applied to background elements, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons to draw the user's attention and reinforce brand identity. Its calming effect also makes it suitable for websites related to health and wellness.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cerulean Blue can be used to create a serene and calming atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas, especially when paired with neutral tones like white, beige, or light gray. It can be applied to walls, accent pieces, or textiles to bring a touch of sophistication and tranquility to the space. The color also complements natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. It's often used to evoke a sense of peace and relaxation.
Fashion
In fashion, Cerulean Blue is a versatile color that can be incorporated into both casual and formal wear. It's often used in dresses, shirts, and accessories to add a pop of color without being too overwhelming. It pairs well with neutral colors like black, white, and gray, as well as other shades of blue and green. It can also be used to create a sophisticated and elegant look when combined with metallic accents like gold or silver. It is a calming and cool tone choice.