Royal blue is a rich, deep shade of blue that has an air of elegance and royalty to it. It’s a versatile color that can work well in both formal and casual settings. When choosing lettering to go on top of royal blue, you’ll want to make sure there is enough contrast for the lettering to pop and be legible. There are several colors that pair beautifully with royal blue to achieve this.
White Lettering
One of the most classic color combinations is royal blue and bright white. The stark contrast of the white lettering against the dark blue background makes the lettering really stand out. White naturally gives a clean and crisp look.
| Pros | Cons |
| – High contrast | – Can be harsh on eyes |
| – Timeless color pairing | – Lacks visual interest |
| – Crisp and legible | – Plain |
White lettering is a safe choice that is easy to read against the royal blue. It’s especially suitable for simple, straightforward designs where readability is the priority. The high contrast commands attention. Just be aware that stark white on dark blue can cause eye strain if there is a lot of text.
Silver or Light Gray Lettering
For a softer alternative to bright white, silver or light gray lettering provides excellent legibility on royal blue with less harsh contrast. The lighter shade gentles the vibrancy of the blue slightly for a more elegant, refined look.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Soft, elegant look | – Lower contrast than white |
| – More stylish than plain white | – Not as much pop |
| – Distinct but gentle | – Can look dull if too light |
Silver or light gray lettering allows you to retain the classy royal blue and white aesthetic while toning it down slightly for broader appeal. It’s versatile for both formal and informal uses. Just take care not to go too light with the gray where legibility suffers. A darker silver or mid-range gray works best.
Gold Lettering
For a richer, luxurious effect, gold lettering is an elegant pairing with royal blue. The metallic sheen of the gold letters plays off the deep royal blue beautifully. Gold has an intrinsic royal flair, so it emphasizes the regal quality of the blue.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Luxurious, elegant look | – May look gaudy if overdone |
| – Royal flair | – Not as legible as lighter colors |
| – Warm, rich contrast | – Color match is important |
The blue and gold combination gives off an affluent, exclusive vibe. It’s perfect for upscale events or marketing luxury products or services. Just take care that the gold does not veer into gaudy territory or legibility may suffer. The shades need to complement each other.
Yellow Lettering
For a bright, cheerful pop of contrast, yellow lettering pairs successfully with royal blue. The warm yellow draws out the richness of the blue beautifully. The resulting look is bold and lively.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Warm, happy contrast | – Can look garish if wrong shade |
| – Bold, eyecatching | – Not as sophisticated |
| – Legible | – Youthful look |
This combination works best for a fun, casual aesthetic. The right sunny yellow shade can really make the blue pop while creating an energizing vibe. Just avoid neon yellow tones that might cross over into tacky territory. A mid-range golden yellow works best.
Vibrant Red Lettering
For maximum contrast, a vivid red pops dramatically against the royal blue background. This is an intense, attention-grabbing color pairing.
| Pros | Cons |
| – High visual impact | – Can be overwhelming |
| – Energetic, exciting | – Lacks sophistication |
| – Clear legibility | – Very bold look |
The crimson red letters command attention instantly against the regal blue. This works well if you want an edgy, funky vibe or need something eyecatching. But the electric color clash may be distracting or come off as immature for more refined purposes.
Muted Tones
Lettering colors like cream, beige, light pink or mint green can offer enough contrast with royal blue to be legible while toning down the vibrancy for a softer aesthetic.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Understated elegance | – Lower legibility |
| – Relaxed vibe | – Less bold |
| – Unique color pairings | – Can look washed out |
These muted options distinguish themselves from the classic bright white pairing. They work for a lighter, casual touch while coordinating nicely with the blue. Just avoid pale shades that may get washed out. Crisp pastels or deeper versions of these colors offer the best legibility.
Matching Blue Lettering
Matching the lettering color to the exact same royal blue shade is also an option. This creates a monochromatic look.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Uniform appearance | – No contrast |
| – Simple | – Legibility issues |
| – Subtle | – Boring |
With no contrast against the background, blue lettering can suffer from legibility issues. It’s a very understated, uniform look. While this is fine for simple decorative text, it’s not recommended for paragraphs of text.
Conclusion
The best lettering choices for royal blue come down to the desired aesthetics and legibility needs. Bright white has a timeless bold look. Silver or light gray provide refined contrast. Gold gives a touch of luxury. Yellow creates cheerful brightness. Red makes a dramatic impact. And softer muted tones lend an elegant subtlety. Ensure there is adequate contrast with the background and the two shades complement each other nicely. With the right lettering colors, royal blue can take on many classy and creative looks.