Royal Blue
General Information about Royal Blue
The hexadecimal color #304DF8, commonly known as Royal Blue, is a vibrant and saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and sophistication. It is created by mixing specific amounts of red, green, and blue light, represented as 30 for red, 4D for green, and F8 for blue in the hexadecimal system. In the RGB color model, this translates to 48 red, 77 green, and 248 blue. Royal Blue is often associated with royalty, nobility, and high status, hence its name. It's a versatile color that can be used in various contexts, from branding to design, to convey a sense of confidence and professionalism. It is not one of the primary or secondary colors, and would be classified as a tertiary color.
The hex color #304DF8, also known as Royal Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its luminance is relatively low, which means that text rendered in this color may be difficult for users with visual impairments to read, especially if the background color is also dark. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to use a contrasting background color, ideally a light shade, to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Additionally, avoid using this color as the sole indicator of important information, as colorblind users may not be able to distinguish it. Supplement color cues with text labels or icons to improve usability for all users. Testing with accessibility tools is highly recommended.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #6495ed
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against dark backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility.
- #4169e1
A more saturated blue that can draw attention in designs while still being visually appealing and accessible with appropriate contrast.
- #a0d6b4
A softer hue of blue which evokes calmness, suitable for backgrounds, and may also provide better contrast against dark elements.
Applications
Website Design Accent
Royal Blue (#304DF8) can be a striking accent color in website design, adding a touch of sophistication and visual interest. It can be used for buttons, links, or headers to draw the user's eye and create a memorable browsing experience. However, it should be balanced with more neutral colors to prevent overwhelming the user. Its vibrant nature is great for technology, financial or security webpages.
Fashion and Apparel
Royal Blue is a popular color choice in fashion, often associated with royalty and elegance. It can be used in clothing, accessories, or even makeup to create a bold and sophisticated look. Combining it with neutral tones or complementary colors can enhance its impact and create visually appealing ensembles. It has a confident and uplifting effect.
Interior Design Accent
Royal Blue can be incorporated into interior design to create a sense of depth and luxury. It can be used as an accent wall color, in furniture upholstery, or in decorative accessories to add a pop of color and visual interest to a room. It's especially effective when paired with metallic accents or natural materials.