Very dark blue is a deep, rich shade of the color blue that approaches black. As blue is darkened and saturated, it transitions through shades like navy, midnight, and eventually to the deepest dark blues that can appear almost black in some lighting. Determining what qualifies as “very dark blue” can be somewhat subjective, but in general it refers to shades of blue that fall very low on the lightness scale and very high on the saturation scale.
Key Characteristics of Very Dark Blue
Some key characteristics that define very dark shades of blue include:
- Low lightness – Very dark blues have low values on the lightness scale. They fall in the range of 10-30% lightness.
- High saturation – While low in lightness, very dark blues maintain very high saturation. This intensity of color distinguishes them from neutrals like black or gray.
- Hint of richness – Even in their darkness, very dark blues maintain a subtle richness and depth that sets them apart from true black.
- Sense of depth – The darkness creates a sense of depth that gives very dark blues a rich, solid appearance.
These factors combine to create a shade of blue that approaches black, but maintains the vibrancy and nuance of true blue. The result is a dramatic, saturate shade with visual depth.
Defining Very Dark Blue
On the color wheel, blue falls between purple and green. As blue darkens, it becomes deeper but maintains its primary characteristics. There are no strict definitions for how dark a shade of blue must be to qualify as “very dark blue”. However, some general guidelines include:
- Hue – stays in the blue-violet to blue-green hue range
- Lightness – 10-30% lightness value
- Saturation – 80-100% saturation
Shades that fall within or near these ranges exhibit the deep, dramatic personality expected of very dark blues. They have a powerful presence that contrasts well with lighter tones.
Comparing Very Dark Blue to Other Colors
It can be helpful to compare very dark blue against other colors to understand its unique position:
- Navy – Navy is a shade of deep blue, but not as dark as very dark blue. It generally has 30-50% lightness.
- Midnight – Midnight blue is another deep blue, but has slightly more lightness than very dark blue, around 20-40%.
- Black – Black has no hue or saturation. Very dark blues maintain a blue cast and saturated appearance.
Indigo – Indigo is a violet-tinged blue. Very dark blue stays in the pure blue range.
So while very dark blue is close to navy, midnight, and black, it sits at the deepest end of the blue spectrum. The comparison shows the richness it retains.
Lighting Effects on Very Dark Blue
One factor that can make defining very dark blue tricky is lighting. The way shades are perceived shifts significantly based on illumination. A color that appears very dark in daylight can look lighter in dim conditions. Here are some lighting considerations:
- In daylight – Shades need very low lightness to read as very dark blue
- In shadow – Mid-range blues can appear very dark blue
- Under incandescent bulbs – Warm lighting minimizes the intensity
- Under LED/fluorescent lights – Cool undertones emphasize the darkness
So a color formulated as a very dark blue might need to fall close to black to maintain that appearance across lighting contexts. Interactive digital situations also allow colors to dynamically adjust to lighting, maintaining desired darkness.
Shades of Very Dark Blue
Across different blue pigments and color systems, many specific shades could be classified as very dark blue. Here are some definitive examples and their approximate values:
| Name | Hex Code | RGB | HSL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight Blue | #191970 | R: 25, G: 25, B:112 | H: 240°, S:72%, L: 27% |
| Dark Navy | #02075d | R: 2, G: 7, B: 93 | H: 220°, S: 87%, L: 13% |
| Resolution Blue | #002387 | R: 0, G: 35, B: 135 | H: 220°, S: 100%, L: 15% |
| Dark Blue | #00022e | R: 0, G: 2, B: 46 | H: 240°, S: 96%, L: 10% |
These represent some of the darkest shades that maintain a discernible blue color. They exhibit the high saturation and low lightness that creates a rich dark blue.
Uses for Very Dark Blue
The dramatic personality of very dark blue makes it effective in many contexts:
- Web/graphic design – Provides bold contrast and depth
- Fashion – Sophisticated for eveningwear or business attire
- Interior design – Adds a moodiness as an accent color
- Marketing – Conveys trust, security, and professionalism
- Sports – Seen in uniforms for football, hockey, lacrosse
In branding, very dark blue promotes qualities like confidence, integrity, and resilience. Its versatility comes from its ability to be formal and elegant or casual and relaxed depending on the context.
Combining Very Dark Blue with Other Colors
Like other deep, saturated shades, very dark blue works best when combined with lighter, brighter colors. Some effective color pairings include:
- Very dark blue + Light grey – Creates a classic, timeless combination
- Very dark blue + White – Crisp, fresh contrast
- Very dark blue + Soft yellow – Warm, welcoming balance
- Very dark blue + Bright turquoise – Vibrant pop of color
Using very dark blue with soft pastels can give a romantic, dreamy mood. Combining it with other deep shades like burgundy and emerald green delivers an elegant, formal look. Monochromatic looks using different blue tones also work well.
Challenges of Working with Very Dark Blue
While beautiful, very dark blue poses some unique challenges:
- Can be perceived as black in dark settings
- Richness can be dulled under warm, low-contrast lighting
- Can overwhelm other colors when not balanced well
- Fine detail can disappear in very dark shades
Careful control of lighting and color pairings helps avoid issues. Digital formats allow for dynamic color management under different conditions. Testing shades under realistic viewing setups ensures the desired impression comes through. A softer, matte finish prevents the color from feeling too heavy as well.
Conclusion
Very dark blue sits at the intersection of black, navy, and midnight blue. It exhibits the depth and power of a near-black while maintaining the vibrant personality of blue. This makes it an elegant, versatile color for everything from evening fashion to marketing high-end brands. Handled with care, very dark blue delivers a gorgeous, premium look and feel.
