Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #303AE8, is a vibrant and captivating shade of blue located within the blue-violet spectrum. It derives its name from cerulean, referring to the color of the clear blue sky. This particular hue is known for its energetic and eye-catching quality, making it a popular choice in various design applications. It's a saturated color that often evokes feelings of creativity, inspiration, and openness. In color theory, cerulean blue is positioned between true blue and a violet shade, contributing to its unique visual appeal. Its RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values are R: 48, G: 58, and B: 232, indicating a high proportion of blue light, while its CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) values reflect the ink percentages needed for print reproduction.
The hex color #303AE8, a vibrant cerulean blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web design. Its luminance value requires careful pairing with text and background colors to ensure sufficient contrast. When used as a background, it's essential to choose a light text color like white or a very pale yellow to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio (at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Similarly, if #303AE8 is used for text, a dark background is needed. Using contrast checking tools is highly recommended to verify compliance. Avoid using this color for critical information or interactive elements without proper contrast, as it may be difficult for users with visual impairments to perceive. Careful consideration of color blindness should also be taken into account, where alternative visual cues or text descriptions are needed to supplement color-coded information.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, cerulean blue (#303AE8) can be employed to create visually appealing website headers, buttons, and call-to-action elements. Its vibrant nature makes it suitable for technology, education, and creative agency websites, as it conveys innovation, trustworthiness, and imagination. When paired with white or light gray, it establishes a modern and clean aesthetic. It should be used sparingly as a background color for large sections of text, though, due to contrast considerations. Consider using it for icons and accents to draw attention to important sections.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, cerulean blue (#303AE8) is used to create striking apparel, ranging from casual wear to formal gowns. Its eye-catching hue makes it ideal for statement pieces, such as dresses, jackets, and accessories. It is often paired with neutral colors like gray, white, or black to create a balanced and sophisticated look. It can also be combined with complementary colors like shades of orange or yellow to create a bold and vibrant effect. It's a popular choice for swimwear and activewear due to its association with water and energy.
Interior Design
In interior design, cerulean blue (#303AE8) can be used as an accent color to add a pop of color to a room. It works well in spaces with a coastal or nautical theme, as it evokes the colors of the sea and sky. It can be used on walls, furniture, or decorative accessories. When paired with white or light wood tones, it creates a fresh and airy atmosphere. It is important to use it strategically, as too much of this vibrant color can overwhelm a space.