Oxford Blue
General Information about Oxford Blue
Oxford Blue, represented by the hex code #30404C, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, sophistication, and formality. It is commonly associated with traditional institutions, such as universities and law firms, lending an air of trustworthiness and authority. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 18.82% red, 25.1% green, and 29.8% blue. In the CMYK color model, often used in printing, it consists of 37% cyan, 16% magenta, 0% yellow, and 70% black. Oxford Blue is a versatile color that can be used in a wide range of applications, from branding and web design to fashion and interior decoration.
The hex color #30404C, also known as Oxford Blue, presents some accessibility considerations, especially in web design. Its relatively dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against white text, which might fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use a lighter text color like white or a very pale yellow. When used as a background, pairing #30404C with lighter foreground elements is essential. Also, avoid using it for small text or intricate graphics, as the low contrast can strain the eyes. For interactive elements such as buttons, sufficient contrast is vital to enable users to perceive them easily. Consider using a tool to assess color contrast ratios to make sure they meet accessibility requirements. Always think of users with visual impairments when choosing color combinations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Oxford Blue (#30404C) lends itself beautifully to website designs aiming for a professional and sophisticated aesthetic. It can be employed as a background color for headers or footers, providing a sense of depth and formality. In UI design, it can define primary navigation elements, creating a clear visual hierarchy. When combined with lighter accent colors, such as light grays or muted golds, it provides an elegant touch. Also, this can be used for the background color for code snippets for technical documentation, to give clear contrast with keywords and comments.
Interior Design
In interior design, Oxford Blue serves as an elegant foundation for creating tranquil and sophisticated spaces. It works well in living rooms or bedrooms, providing a calming backdrop. It can be employed for painting walls or choosing upholstery fabrics. Accessorizing with metallic elements, such as copper or gold, can enhance the depth of the color. This pairs well with light and neutral shades such as white, cream, or beige to add dimension, but also allows the space to feel inviting and welcoming.
Fashion
In fashion, Oxford Blue is a versatile and timeless color that can be used in many ways. It exudes confidence and sophistication. It is a great substitute for black since it offers more depth and character. It works well with both casual and formal outfits and is also easy to pair with other colors. You can use this color for suits, trousers, skirts, dresses or outerwear. It pairs well with creams, whites, and browns.