Dark blue is a deep, rich shade of the color blue. It is often associated with qualities like trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, and intelligence. Dark blue gets its name from having low lightness and a high amount of blue. There are a few common names used to refer specifically to dark shades of blue.
Common Names for Dark Blue
Here are some of the most popular names used to describe dark shades of blue:
Navy Blue
Navy blue is one of the most common names for dark blue. It refers to the dark blue color used in navies around the world. Navy blue got its name because it was the color of naval uniforms.
The first recorded use of navy blue as a color name in English was in 1840. Before synthetic dyes were invented, navy blue was difficult to produce, so the color was associated with exclusivity. Now navy blue is one of the most widely recognized dark blue colors.
Midnight Blue
Midnight blue is used to describe a very dark shade of blue that almost appears black in some lighting. It is meant to evoke the dark blue hue of the sky at midnight. Midnight blue is similar to navy blue, but with a touch more black added to make it darker.
Midnight blue started being used as a color name in the early 20th century. It became popular in fashion and graphic design in the 1980s and 90s. Midnight blue remains a staple very dark blue color today.
Prussian Blue
Prussian blue refers to a dark blue pigment created around 1704. It was one of the first modern synthetic pigments. The name comes from Prussia, where it was first accidentally created.
Though originally referring to a specific pigment, Prussian blue has become a common name for similar dark, slightly greyish blues. Prussian blue is often described as a “mid-range midnight blue.” It is darker than navy blue but not as dark as midnight blue.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a gemstone that commonly comes in a rich, deep blue color. The name sapphire is sometimes used to describe blues that are reminiscent of the tones found in the gemstones.
Sapphire blue tends to be very dark with a slight purple undertone. Natural sapphires exhibit a range of blues from pale to very dark midnight blue. Sapphire remains one of the most prized gemstones and sapphire blue is seen as a refined, upscale color.
Ink Blue
Ink blue describes the dark blue-black color of some inks. Before synthetic dyes, ink was commonly made using indigo dye, which produces a very deep blue color. The name ink blue evokes the sense of dark, rich blue pigment.
Ink blue sits between a midnight blue and a navy blue on the color wheel. It is a versatile color that can read as either a dark blue or black depending on lighting and application. The color retains associations with intelligence because of its relationship with ink.
Technical Names
In technical terms, dark blue colors are defined by having low luminosity and a high amount of blue. Here are some specific technical names:
International Klein Blue
International Klein Blue (IKB) is a deep, saturated blue color patented by the French artist Yves Klein in 1960. The special formula was made by mixing synthetic ultramarine with a polymer binder to achieve an intensely vivid blue.
IKB has a luminosity value near the bottom of the scale at about 5% to 15% lightness. The hue angles between 194° to 264°. This places it close to a midnight blue on the color wheel. The unique formula gives IKB a nearly electric appearance.
RAL Codes
RAL is a color matching system used for standardizing colors for paint, coatings, plastics, and textiles. Two RAL colors fall in the range of dark blues:
– RAL 5003 Sapphire Blue has a hue angle of 210° with 18% luminosity.
– RAL 5013 Cobalt Blue has a hue angle of 220° with 15% luminosity.
Both are considered very dark blues with touches of purple and black to create rich, deep hues.
Pantone Colors
Pantone is a proprietary color system used in graphic design and printing. Two Pantone colors are defined as dark blues:
– Pantone 282 UP Navy Blue has a hue of 213° and 21% luminosity.
– Pantone 286 UP Blue has a hue of 249° and 19% luminosity.
These deep blues have hints of purple but lean closer towards primary blue than purple. The 286 blue is slightly brighter than the 282 Navy.
CMYK Values
In the CMYK color system used for printing, dark blues have high amounts of cyan and low amounts of black:
– Navy blue is around C:100 M:45 Y:0 K:55
– Prussian blue is around C:100 M:50 Y:49 K:40
High cyan content creates the rich blue tones. Higher black content makes the color darker.
Shades and Variations
There are many shades and variations within the range of dark blues. Here are some other names for specific dark blue hues:
| Air Force Blue | A dark azure blue named after the air force |
| Liberty Blue | A navy blue with hints of turquoise |
| Resolution Blue | A grayish midnight blue named for a ship |
| Egyptian Blue | A blue-green color used in ancient pigments |
| Space Cadet | A vivid bluish purple tone once used for Crayola crayons |
Even more variation can be achieved by adding white or black to make a dark blue lighter or darker. Adding gray softens a blue and gives it a more somber, elegant feeling.
Use in Design and Fashion
Dark blues have a versatile place in design and fashion. Here are some of the ways dark blues are commonly used:
Branding
Dark blues like navy are frequently used in branding to promote qualities like trust, integrity, and professionalism. Many major corporations use navy blue in logos and branding including HP, Ford, IBM, Lowe’s, Intel, Nokia, and Chase.
Uniforms
Navy blue and other dark blues are a popular uniform color to project competence and authority. Police, flight attendants, medical professionals, military, and other uniforms often incorporate dark blues.
Formalwear
Darker blues work well for formal occasions. Navy suits and tuxedos are a staple for men. Midnight or sapphire gowns are a classic elegant choice for women. Dark blue evokes refinement.
Office Spaces
Deep blues can create focused, productive office environments when used for decor. Prussian blue or ink blue walls make clean, high-contrast backdrops for professional settings.
Home Decor
As an accent color in home decor, dark blues lend a sense of stability and tranquility. They work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms when combined with lighter neutrals.
Mood and Meaning
Darker blues evoke certain moods and meanings related to their color associations:
Confidence
The boldness of a dark blue projects confidence and self-assurance. It speaks to inner strength and certainty.
Integrity
More than lighter blues, dark blues are tied to integrity and earnestness. Navy blue especially reads as trustworthy.
Seriousness
Deep blues convey seriousness and solemnity. The darker shade gives it a formal feeling compared to brighter blues.
Sadness
In some contexts, darker blues can evoke sadness or melancholy. The somber shade relates to feeling down.
Masculinity
Traditionally, dark blues are seen as a masculine color associated with qualities like strength and sturdiness.
Sophistication
Especially when contrasted with warm neutrals, dark blues feel refined, composed, and sophisticated.
Energy
Despite being dark, deep blues maintain the energizing effects associated with blue. They can help create active, stimulating environments.
Conclusion
Dark blue is a versatile color with many subtle variations. Whether referred to as navy, midnight, Prussian, or sapphire blue, darker shades of blue project confidence and professionalism while retaining the appealing energy of blue.
Next time you come across a rich, deep blue, you’ll know the many names that can describe that sophisticated hue. Dark blues have earned their place as go-to colors for uniforms, formalwear, branding, and business settings. With the right context, they can also create cozy, tranquil spaces. From inky hues to regal gemstone tones, dark blues reflect timeless elegance and style.
