Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
The hexadecimal color #2E5CB9, commonly known as Cerulean Blue, is a shade of blue that falls within the cyan-blue color range. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 18.04% red, 36.08% green, and 72.55% blue. This specific combination creates a color that is often associated with tranquility, peace, and the ocean. Cerulean Blue gained significant recognition when Pantone selected it as their Color of the Year in 2000, highlighting its appeal and relevance in the design world. Its hex code, #2E5CB9, provides a standardized way to represent this color across various digital platforms, ensuring consistency in its appearance. It is a popular color choice for both web and graphic design and creates a calming and soothing visual experience.
The hex color #2E5CB9, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web development. When using this color for text, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with the background. White text on a #2E5CB9 background may provide adequate contrast, but it's important to test the color combination using accessibility tools to verify it meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, specifically Level AA or AAA. If the contrast ratio is insufficient, consider lightening the background color or darkening the text color. Using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links requires careful attention to focus states. Ensure that the focus indicator is clearly visible against both the normal and hover/active states of the element to allow keyboard users to navigate the page effectively. Avoid using #2E5CB9 as the sole indicator of functionality.
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Applications
Website Design
Cerulean Blue can be effectively used in website headers and navigation bars to create a calm and trustworthy feel. Its cool tone works well for businesses in finance, technology, or healthcare. Pair it with neutral colors like white or light gray to maintain a professional appearance. Ensure interactive elements have sufficient contrast for accessibility. This color evokes feelings of serenity and stability, making it ideal for user interfaces where trust and reliability are paramount. Furthermore, it is well suited for branding seeking to project these qualities.
Interior Design
In interior design, #2E5CB9 can be used as an accent wall color in bedrooms or living rooms to promote relaxation and tranquility. It pairs well with natural wood tones and soft textiles. Consider using it for upholstery on chairs or sofas to add a pop of color to a neutral space. When using it in a larger space, be mindful of the lighting as it can appear darker in rooms with less natural light. Using this color can make a room feel more spacious and airy.
Fashion Design
Cerulean Blue can be used in fashion design for clothing, especially dresses and outerwear. It's a versatile color that can be dressed up or down. Consider using it for accessories such as scarves or handbags to add a pop of color to an outfit. It pairs well with neutral colors like black, white, and gray, as well as complementary colors like orange. Because of its versatility it can be worn year round and brings sophistication to any outfit.