Light blue and dark blue are shades of the color blue. Blue is one of the three primary colors, along with red and yellow. It sits between green and violet on the visible spectrum. Blue has a wavelength between 450 and 495 nanometers.
When mixing paint colors, blue is created by combining the primary colors cyan and magenta. By adding white to blue paint, you get lighter shades like sky blue, baby blue, and azure. Adding black to blue paint creates darker shades like navy, cobalt, and indigo.
The Meaning of Blue
Blue is often associated with depth, stability, wisdom, confidence, and intelligence. Light blue evokes a sense of peace, tranquility and calmness. Dark blue is linked to mystery, power, and authority. Blue is considered a cool, serene and meditative color.
Across cultures, blue is one of the most popular colors. Surveys show both men and women frequently select blue as their favorite color. Blue is universally well-liked because it has positive associations.
Light Blue Shades
Here are some common light blue shades:
| Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Baby Blue | #89CFF0 |
| Light Blue | #ADD8E6 |
| Sky Blue | #87CEEB |
| Azure | #007FFF |
| Alice Blue | #F0F8FF |
Baby blue is a pale tint of blue. It is associated with babies, innocence and lightweight fabrics. Light blue is a soft, calming shade. Sky blue is slightly deeper but still bright and clear. Azure is bolder and more intense. Alice blue is an extremely light blue tinted with white.
Dark Blue Shades
Here are some common dark blue shades:
| Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Navy Blue | #000080 |
| Royal Blue | #4169E1 |
| Blueberry | #4F86F7 |
| Indigo | #4B0082 |
| Midnight Blue | #191970 |
Navy blue is a very dark midnight blue. Royal blue is slightly lighter but still deep and rich. Blueberry is vibrant and bold. Indigo is a mix of blue and violet. Midnight blue is an extremely dark blue, almost black.
Meaning of Different Blue Shades
The specific shade of blue conveys certain meanings and feelings:
| Shade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Baby Blue | Innocence, delicacy, gentleness |
| Sky Blue | Lightness, clarity, refreshing |
| Royal Blue | Royalty, elegance, richness |
| Navy Blue | Authority, power, intelligence |
| Indigo | Wisdom, depth, spiritual |
Baby blue expresses purity and innocence. Sky blue feels light, airy and clear. Royal blue conveys prestige and nobility. Navy blue signals authority. Indigo has a mystical, meditative vibe.
Light Blue in Nature
There are many examples of light blue found in nature:
| Sky | The blue sky on a sunny day |
|---|---|
| Water | Blue oceans, lakes, rivers and pools |
| Morning Glories | These flowers bloom in light blue and purple |
| Bluebells | These woodland flowers are blue or violet |
| Blue Jays | Bright blue and white birds common in North America |
The sky appears light blue during the day because molecules in the air scatter blue light from the sun more than other colors. Many bodies of water reflect the blue sky. Some flowers like morning glories and bluebells contain natural blue pigments. Blue jays get their color from structural colors in their feathers.
Dark Blue in Nature
Here are some examples of dark blue found in the natural world:
| Deep Ocean | The ocean appears dark blue in deep waters |
|---|---|
| Blue Whales | The largest animals on Earth have blue-gray skin |
| Bluebirds | These songbirds are deep blue with reddish breasts |
| Blueberries | This fruit is indigo blue when ripe |
| Iris | These flowers come in many shades of blue |
The deep ocean looks dark blue because water absorbs other wavelengths of light. Blue whales, the largest animal ever known, get their common name from their mottled blue-gray color. Blueberries contain anthocyanin pigments that create their rich blue color.
Light Blue in Culture
Light blue has many cultural associations, uses and meanings:
– Baby boys are often dressed in light blue
– Brides sometimes wear light blue wedding dresses
– Light blue represents tranquility, understanding, and patience
– Light blue is associated with health, healing and spirituality
– Light blue is the official color for child abuse prevention
– In many countries, light blue is the color for boys’ sports teams
Dark Blue in Culture
Here are some cultural connections with dark blue:
– Dark blue is the main color of many corporate, government and military uniforms
– Dark blue represent knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness
– Grooms often wear dark blue tuxedos at formal weddings
– In heraldry, dark blue indicates truth and loyalty
– Dark blue is associated with depth, expertise and stability
– In Thai culture, dark blue is the color of mourning
Popular Blue Expressions
Many common expressions use blue:
– Feeling blue – feeling sad
– Blue comedy – humor based on vulgar or risque themes
– Blue blood – an aristocrat
– Blue collar – manual laborers
– Blue moon – a rare event
– Blue plate special – an inexpensive diner meal
– Out of the blue – unexpectedly
– Into the wild blue yonder – venturing into unknown territory
– Singing the blues- complaining about hard times
Blue in Branding
Blue is widely used in company branding because it evokes trust, confidence and security:
| Company | Shade of Blue |
|---|---|
| Medium blue | |
| Ford | Royal blue |
| Tiffany & Co. | Robin egg blue |
| Blueberry blue | |
| Samsung | Navy blue |
Facebook uses a blue that feels friendly and approachable. Ford selected a rich, upscale royal blue. Tiffany’s iconic robin egg blue conveys elegance. LinkedIn’s vibrant blueberry blue is energetic. Samsung uses a serious navy blue to signal reliability.
Conclusion
In summary, light blue and dark blue represent opposite ends of the blue color spectrum. Light blue is associated with openness, tranquility and softness, while dark blue conveys depth, power and formality. From the sky to the ocean, blue shades are found everywhere in nature and culture. The range of meanings and associations with blue makes it a versatile, appealing color.
