Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #3060B6, is a captivating shade of blue positioned between cyan and azure on the color spectrum. It derives its name from ceruleum, a Latin term for the blue of the sky or the sea. This color exudes a sense of tranquility, stability, and trustworthiness, making it a popular choice across various design applications. It is created by mixing a moderate amount of blue with smaller portions of red and green, resulting in its unique hue. Cerulean Blue is often associated with calmness, clarity, and open communication. In color psychology, blue is known to evoke feelings of peace, trust, and security. Cerulean Blue is frequently utilized to represent corporate professionalism and reliability, due to its appealing and calm properties.
The hex color #3060B6, also known as Cerulean Blue, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio against white text is approximately 4.6:1, which meets WCAG AA standards for normal text but falls short of the 4.5:1 requirement for larger text and graphical elements. When used with black text, the contrast ratio is considerably lower, around 1.1:1, indicating significant accessibility issues. Therefore, it's crucial to use #3060B6 judiciously, especially for text or interactive elements. Employing it as a background color with white text can be acceptable for larger text sizes or headings. However, for smaller text, consider using a lighter shade of blue or a darker background to enhance readability and ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines, thereby catering to users with visual impairments. Always test color combinations to verify adequate contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds, improving readability.
- #29467d
A darker shade of blue that provides improved contrast against lighter backgrounds, enhancing accessibility.
- #6082a6
A muted blue that pairs well with various other colors, offering versatility in design.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Cerulean Blue can serve as an accent color for buttons and interactive elements, drawing user attention. It is also suitable for website headers and footers, providing a calming and professional aesthetic. For data visualization, #3060B6 can be used to represent certain data sets, particularly in charts and graphs. It brings a sense of trustworthiness and stability, making it a popular choice for finance or tech-related websites. Ensure adequate contrast when pairing it with text to maintain readability and accessibility, especially on interactive elements. Consider using it as a secondary color to complement a more neutral primary color palette.
Interior Design & Fashion
In interior design, Cerulean Blue can be employed to create a serene and calming atmosphere, reminiscent of clear skies and tranquil waters. It is often used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas to evoke feelings of peace and relaxation. As an accent color, it pairs well with neutral tones such as whites, creams, and grays. In fashion, Cerulean Blue can be used to create striking outfits that convey a sense of confidence and style. It complements both warm and cool skin tones, making it a versatile choice for clothing and accessories. Combining it with contrasting colors like coral or yellow can create bold and eye-catching looks.
Graphic Design & Branding
In graphic design and branding, Cerulean Blue #3060B6 can evoke feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. It's well-suited for logos, marketing materials, and presentations where these qualities are desired. It works effectively for companies in technology, finance, healthcare, and education. The color can also be combined with modern design elements like clean typography and minimalist layouts. Utilizing different shades and tints of Cerulean Blue can also help achieve visual depth and highlight key information.