When choosing an ocean blue color for a design project, website, or just for your own inspiration, it can be challenging to select the perfect blue from the wide range of shades. Ocean blues can range from almost white blues to deep rich navy blues. The specific blue you choose will depend on the mood, emotions, and aesthetic you want to evoke. Looking at ocean blue color codes is a great way to compare shades side-by-side to find the ideal blue.
What are color codes?
Color codes are a way to specify colors in design and programming work. There are a few different color code formats, with hex codes being one of the most popular. Hex codes represent colors using six digits and letters ranging from 0-9 and A-F. For example, a bright sky blue color could have a hex code of #87CEEB. The six characters define the amounts of red, green, and blue that make up the color. This allows colors to be precisely specified in digital projects.
Other common color code formats include RGB codes and HSL codes. RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue and defines a color based on the intensity of those three color channels. HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, and Lightness – three attributes that also define a precise color. While there are slight differences in these formats, they all provide numeric values to represent colors in digital design work.
Choosing an ocean blue color
Ocean blues can range from light and bright aqua shades to deep dark blues that are almost black. Some factors that influence ocean blue colors:
- Depth – Deeper ocean blues are darker and richer. Shallow water appears lighter blue.
- Water composition – The amount of particles, minerals, and organisms in the water impacts the shade.
- Lighting and weather – Bright sunny days result in vibrant blues. Overcast skies make the ocean appear duller.
- Location – Different oceans and areas have slightly different water color.
When selecting an ocean blue, think about the mood and emotion you want to evoke. Some examples:
- Light sky blue – uplifting, peaceful, calm
- Aqua blue – refreshing, clean, vibrant
- Teal blue – balanced, soothing, healing
- Navy blue – sophisticated, powerful, professional
- Dark blue – elegant, mysterious, deep
Light ocean blue colors
For many, light blue ocean colors represent the quintessential ocean blue. These shades evoke the bright, clear waters of tropical seas and beaches. They are uplifting and airy.
Sky Blue
Sky blue is often what comes to mind when thinking of ocean blue. It is bright and vibrant like a sunny beach sky reflecting on the water. Some popular sky blue shades include:
- #87CEEB – Vibrant sky blue
- #B0E0E6 – Powder blue
- #ADD8E6 – Light blue
- #AFEEEE – Pale turquoise
Aqua Blue
Moving a bit deeper in tone, aqua blues portray rich but bright water colors. Aqua evokes refreshing, clean images. Here are some favorite aqua blue hex codes:
- #00FFFF – Cyan
- #7FFFD4 – Aquamarine
- #40E0D0 – Turquoise
- #00FFFF – Aqua
Mid-tone ocean blues
Mid-tone ocean blues strike a balance between the light and dark shades. They have more sophistication than pastel blues but are not as harsh as deep ocean blues.
Teal Blue
Teal blue is ideal for evoking images of the open sea and deep waters. The green tones provide a soothing, peaceful feeling. Popular teal shades include:
- #008080 – Teal
- #5F9EA0 – Cadet blue
- #008B8B – Dark cyan
- #48D1CC – Medium turquoise
Steel Blue
Steel blues are vibrant while also being muted and greyish. They portray a professional, modern look. Some steel blue color codes are:
- #4682B4 – Steel blue
- #4F94CD – Blue-grey
- #5B9BD5 – Bright navy blue
- #6495ED – Cornflower blue
Dark ocean blues
On the opposite end of the light and bright blues are the deep dark ocean blues. These shades capture the mysterious depths of the sea and night waters. They feel elegant and powerful.
Navy Blue
Navy is likely the most recognized dark ocean blue. It feels professional and sophisticated. Popular navy blues include:
- #000080 – Navy blue
- #212121 – Midnight blue
- #001146 – Slate blue
- #342D7E – Dark slate blue
Denim Blue
Denim blues are dark like navy but have a greyish tone that softens the look slightly. Examples include:
- #2C6175 – Denim
- #1560BD – Blue jeans
- #1E90FF – Dodger blue
- #A9B2C3 – Cool blue
Choosing the best ocean blue
With so many beautiful ocean blues, how do you determine the best shade for your project? Consider these tips:
- Look at color palette inspirations to find attractive combinations
- Understand the mood you want to achieve
- Use a color picker tool to sample shades from ocean images
- Experiment with different blues next to each other
- View colors in the context of your full design
In the end, trust your instincts in choosing a blue that makes you feel inspired. The “best” ocean blue is the one that awakens creativity and emotion for your unique purpose.
Conclusion
Ocean blues span a wide spectrum, but by understanding the different shades and associations, you can pick the perfect blue for your project. Light blues evoke freedom and tranquility. Mid-tones like teal and steel blue portray balance and sophistication. Dark navy and denim blues are powerful and mysterious. Consider the mood you want to set and explore different ocean blue codes. With the vast range of shades, you’re sure to find the ideal blue that resonates with you and brings your design vision to life.
