Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #3157B5, is a captivating shade of blue that evokes feelings of calmness, serenity, and stability. It is situated in the blue color family, which is often associated with trust, intelligence, and confidence. This particular shade of blue derives its name from the Latin word 'caeruleus', meaning dark blue or sky-blue. Cerulean blue is widely recognized and used across various industries and creative fields, as its soothing qualities can create a positive emotional response. Cerulean blue is usually associated with the sky, and can be a suitable color for websites, marketing products, and is often used in interior design.
Cerulean Blue (#3157B5) offers moderate contrast against white text, but careful consideration is needed. The contrast ratio is approximately 3.1:1, which falls short of WCAG's minimum recommendation of 4.5:1 for normal text. For optimal readability, especially for users with visual impairments, pairing it with lighter shades is advisable. Using Cerulean Blue for larger text sizes (14pt bold or 18pt regular) improves readability as the contrast requirements are slightly relaxed. Always evaluate the color combination in a real-world context to ensure sufficient contrast and readability for all users, possibly by using color contrast analyzer tools. Additionally, provide alternative text descriptions for images using this color to make content accessible to screen reader users. Ensure interactive elements have sufficient contrast to meet accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability.
- #294683
A darker shade offering higher contrast, suitable for headings or important call-to-action buttons.
- #5f9ea0
A softer, muted tone that provides a calming alternative while maintaining a sense of sophistication.
Applications
Website Design
Cerulean Blue can be used as the primary color for a website design, lending a sense of trust and reliability. Its calming effect makes it ideal for financial institutions or healthcare providers. The color can be applied to backgrounds, buttons, and navigational elements to create a cohesive and professional visual experience. Use lighter shades of text and accents to create an accessible and enjoyable browsing experience for the users. Complementary colors like shades of yellow or gold can create vibrant visual contrast to enhance the user experience.
Interior Design
Cerulean Blue, reminiscent of clear skies and ocean depths, can set a serene and calming atmosphere in interior design projects. Consider this shade of blue for living rooms, bedrooms, or even home offices, where relaxation and concentration are important. It works well with neutral color palettes, such as creams, grays, and whites, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Incorporating cerulean blue in accent pieces, such as throw pillows, artwork, or curtains, can add a pop of color to any space.
Fashion
Cerulean Blue is a very versatile color in fashion, capable of enhancing both casual and formal looks. It suits a wide range of skin tones and can be easily paired with different colors. Incorporate it into your wardrobe through dresses, shirts, trousers, or accessories such as scarves and handbags. For a more understated look, pair it with neutral colors such as white, gray, or beige. You can create more vibrant and eye-catching outfits by combining it with complementary hues like orange or coral, as well as the analogous green or violet.