Cerulean Blue
General Information about Cerulean Blue
Cerulean blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #315CB5, is a distinctive shade of blue characterized by its moderate saturation and slightly desaturated appearance, imparting a sense of calmness and sophistication. It is often associated with the sky and sea, evoking feelings of peace, tranquility, and stability. This color finds common usage in various design applications, including web design, graphic design, and interior design, where it is utilized to convey a sense of trust, reliability, and professionalism. Cerulean blue occupies a space between cyan and blue on the color spectrum, making it a versatile choice for creating visually appealing and harmonious color palettes. Its slightly muted nature prevents it from being overly loud, and ensures a balanced visual experience. In web design, it can be used for backgrounds, buttons, and other interactive elements.
The hex color #315cb5, also known as cerulean blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web developers. When using this color for text, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with the background. Given its relatively dark hue, it is best paired with lighter background colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Using tools to check color contrast is vital to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Avoid pairing #315cb5 with similarly dark colors, as this can make the text illegible. Additionally, consider providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines or icons, for links and interactive elements that use this color. Careful consideration of color combinations will greatly enhance the user experience for all users, including those with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4f86c6
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains the coolness of cerulean but provides better contrast on white backgrounds.
- #2962ff
A more saturated blue that can be used to draw attention to specific elements on a webpage.
- #f0f0f0
A neutral tone for backgrounds to provide a higher contrast with other colors.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, cerulean blue can be used for headers, buttons, and other interactive elements to create a sense of trustworthiness and stability. Its calming nature makes it suitable for websites related to finance, healthcare, or education. It is also commonly used to create a sense of visual hierarchy.
Interior Design
In interior design, cerulean blue can be used to create a serene and calming atmosphere in bedrooms or bathrooms. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. It is also a great color for nurseries.
Fashion
In fashion, cerulean blue can be used to create a sophisticated and elegant look. It is a versatile color that can be worn in both casual and formal settings. It pairs well with other shades of blue, as well as neutral colors like black, white, and gray. This is a perfect color for shirts, dresses and pants.