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What is considered dark blue? Blue is a primary color that can range from light to dark shades. The specific point at which blue becomes “dark blue” is subjective, but there are some general guidelines. Dark blue typically refers to richer, deeper shades of blue with low lightness and high saturation. Navy blue, Prussian blue, and indigo are often considered archetypal dark blues. In design, dark blues are bold and dramatic, creating a sophisticated, powerful look. In psychology, dark blues are associated with intelligence, stability, unity, and conservatism.
Defining Dark Blue
To understand what constitutes a dark blue, it’s helpful to look at how color is classified. The main dimensions of color are:
– Hue – The pigment or base color. Blue is a primary hue.
– Lightness/Value – How light or dark a color is. Dark blues have low lightness.
– Saturation/Chroma – The intensity or purity of a color. Dark blues have high saturation.
– Shade – Created by adding black to a pure hue. Makes a color darker.
– Tone – Created by adding gray to a pure hue. Makes a color duller.
So dark blues can be defined as shades of blue with a low lightness value and high chroma or saturation. They are deep, bold, saturated blues.
Some examples of colors that would be considered dark blues:
– Navy Blue – RGB: 0, 31, 63 – A very dark blue named after the dark blue uniforms worn by officers in the British Royal Navy.
– Prussian Blue – RGB: 0, 49, 83 – A dark blue pigment used in paints and dyes.
– Indigo – RGB: 51, 0, 102 – A deep violet-blue inspired by the indigo plant dye used on denim.
Key Characteristics of Dark Blue Shades
Darker blues exhibit some common properties that distinguish them from lighter blues:
– They have low values/lightness – Around 20% or below on the lightness scale. Lighter blues have lightness values of 50% or above.
– They are highly saturated – The pure, intense blue color is dominant rather than muted or shaded with gray/black.
– They are bold and dramatic – Dark blues have a strong visual impact and presence. They stand out on the page or canvas.
– They can take on a violet tone – As blue gets darker, it takes on a subtle violet or purple undertone.
– They feel deeper – There is a sense of depth, like looking into dark water or the night sky. The color draws you in.
– They contrast well with light colors – The high contrast of dark blue against white or pale shades is striking and legible.
Psychology of Dark Blue
Color psychology suggests that darker shades of blue evoke certain moods, feelings and meanings for people:
– Intelligence – Dark blues are associated with knowledge, logic and clear thought. Lighter blues suggest openness and imagination.
– Stability – Dark blues imply depth, trustworthiness and reliability. Navy blue especially conveys perseverance.
– Professionalism – Dark blue suits and uniforms represent leadership and expertise. Hence its use in fields like law, finance and medicine.
– Unity – Dark blues are traditional and patriotic without being provocative or controversial.
– Conservatism – Darker blues are seen as sincere but predictable – the color of stability rather than novelty.
– Masculinity – While lighter blues are gentle and feminine, dark blues are considered bold and masculine.
– Sadness – At the same time, dark blues can evoke gloom, loss and depression if overused.
So whether its intelligence, confidence, security or melancholy, dark blues stir up many intense emotional associations.
Use of Dark Blue in Design
In designing visual media like websites, graphics and clothing, dark blues can make a striking visual impact. Some of the effects and applications of dark blue in design include:
– Sophistication – Dark blues like navy suggest refinement, elegance and good taste. They are versatile shades suitable for formal or creative designs.
– Professionalism – Darker blues, especially navy, are associated with responsible suit-and-tie industries like finance and law. They imply reliability and trust.
– Masculinity – The boldness of dark blues contrasts with soft, lighter blues to convey masculinity and strength. Popular for menswear.
– Weight – Dark blues can seem heavier and more solid on the page. They anchor layouts and balance lighter design elements.
– Bold graphics – Dark blue shapes, text and visuals stand out dramatically, especially against white space or light backgrounds.
– Power – The intensity of dark blues makes them ideal for powerful, memorable designs that dominate the viewer’s attention.
– Mood – Darker blues can create contemplative, eerie or mournful effects – like a dark night sky or deep sea.
| Dark Blue Shade | RGB Value | Design Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Navy blue | 0, 31, 63 | Formal, sophisticated, nautical |
| Prussian blue | 0, 49, 83 | Classic, bold, deep |
| Indigo | 51, 0, 102 | Mysterious, mystical, vintage |
This table compares three common dark blue shades and their style and mood associations for design.
Dark Blue in Branding
Many major corporations use dark blue tones in their logo and brand image:
– Facebook – Navy blue expresses professionalism and trust
– Samsung – Deep blue evokes technology and innovation
– Ford – Navy blue conveys dependability and strength
– IBM – Bold blue implies competence and intelligence
– Lowe’s – Navy blue indicates stability and reliability
– Pepsi – Navy blue contrasts with red for vibrant energy
For these brands, dark shades of blue tap into qualities like authority, wisdom, and security they want to project to customers. Dark blues convey gravitas.
At the same time, different dark blues imply slightly different ideas:
– Navy blue suggests more conservatism and traditional values
– Prussian blue is bolder and more creative
– Indigo feels more mysterious and mystical
So brands can harness these subtle associations by choosing the right shade of blue for their image. And many brands will use dark blue for part of their identity, balanced with a brighter accent color.
Dark Blue in Fashion
In the fashion world, dark blue takes on many roles:
– Business formal – Deep navy or midnight blue suits project professionalism and reliability. A wardrobe staple.
– Casual blue jeans – Indigo-dyed denim has been the basis of casual fashion for decades. Universally popular.
– Timeless accessories – Dark blue handbags, shoes and jewelry act as versatile wardrobe complements.
– Menswear – Navy blazers, dark chambray shirts and indigo jeans form smart casual men’s looks.
– Polished edge – Leather and bomber jackets in navy blue bikers add a stylish touch and color pop.
– Evening wear – Royal blue and sapphire cocktail dresses and tuxedos bring glamor and intrigue.
– Vintage appeal – Prussian blue or indigo shirts, dresses and accessories have a retro vibe.
So whether it’s dressing for work, play or a special event, dark shades of blue offer elegance, versatility and visual appeal. They are perennial fashion favorites.
Dark Blue Walls
Painting walls in a dark saturated blue can create a bold, enveloping effect:
– Navy blue is classic and sophisticated. It feels nautical and New England.
– Prussian blue walls add drama. The deep shade is energizing and lively.
– Indigo blue with purple undertones is moody and mystical, perfect for a meditation space.
– Midnight or royal blue in a bedroom creates a cocooning, cave-like atmosphere.
– Liberal blue has old world elegance that conjures up a gentleman’s library.
– Super dark shades can be too overpowering in small rooms but captivating in large open areas.
Accent walls in a deep blue work well to anchor lighter wall colors. And trim in shades of blue adds a crisp outline.
Conclusion
Dark blue encompasses a wide spectrum from the bold intensity of indigo and Prussian blue to deep shades of navy and midnight blue. While subjective, dark blues are defined by their low lightness, high saturation and strong visual impact. They have an air of mystique and sophistication that makes them versatile colors in design, fashion, branding and decor. Dark blues are perennial favorites that suggest timelessness and substance. They create ambiance and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re projecting professionalism, creativity or tranquility, dark shades of blue have you covered.