Sapphire
General Information about Sapphire (#3049A6)
The hexadecimal color #3049A6, also known as Sapphire, is a medium-dark shade of blue-violet. It is composed of 18.8% red, 28.6% green, and 65.1% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as rgb(48, 73, 166). Sapphire is often associated with feelings of trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. The color's calming and intellectual attributes make it a popular choice for brands and organizations seeking to project trustworthiness and expertise. It's widely used in corporate branding and design because of its association with stability and professionalism. In color psychology, blue is generally considered calming, but the darker shade of sapphire adds a sense of seriousness and authority.
The color #3049A6, a shade of sapphire, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against pure white (#FFFFFF) is approximately 3.8:1, which is below the WCAG's recommended contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This means that text in #3049A6 may be difficult for users with visual impairments to read against a white background. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter background color to increase the contrast ratio. Alternatively, use a darker text color on a #3049A6 background. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can help determine appropriate color pairings. Also, avoid using this color alone to convey important information; supplement it with text or other visual cues to ensure inclusivity for all users, including those with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #5c70b6
A lighter shade that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability for a wider range of users.
- #1e338a
A darker shade suitable for backgrounds when using light-colored text, enhancing visual clarity.
- #3858c1
A more saturated hue that can draw attention while maintaining a professional look.
Applications
Corporate Website Design
In web design, sapphire (#3049A6) can be used to create a sense of trust and stability. It is well-suited for the headers and footers of corporate websites, particularly in the finance and technology sectors. When combined with lighter accents, like a light gray or off-white, it can create a professional and calming user interface. Avoid using it for large blocks of text due to contrast issues; instead, use it for graphical elements or call-to-action buttons to guide user attention effectively. For example, a bank might use it on their website's navigation bar.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, sapphire can be incorporated into evening wear or accessories to evoke sophistication and elegance. A sapphire-colored dress can be paired with silver or gold jewelry to create a striking look. Consider using sapphire as the accent color in a handbag or scarf for a more subtle effect. It pairs well with neutral colors like black, white, and gray, offering a versatile option for creating balanced and stylish ensembles. The color can also be used in textile prints to create interesting patterns.
Interior Design
In interior design, sapphire can be used as an accent color in living rooms or bedrooms to add a touch of luxury and depth. It can be paired with light grays and whites to create a serene and calming atmosphere. Consider using sapphire-colored throw pillows, curtains, or artwork to add pops of color to a room. Avoid using it as the primary color on walls, as it can make the space feel dark and closed in. It is particularly well-suited for rooms with ample natural light, where the color can truly shine. A sapphire vase can add a striking focal point on a table.