Royal blue is a rich, deep blue color that has long been associated with royalty, prestige, and elegance. But when did this regal shade become so closely tied to nobility and opulence? And what season does the royal blue color palette evoke?
In this article, we’ll explore the history and origins of royal blue, examine its use and symbolism over time, and determine what season the royal blue color palette best represents based on its cool, rich tones. We’ll look at how royal blue differs from other shades of blue, how it’s used in fashion and design, and why it gained its regal reputation.
The History and Origins of Royal Blue
Royal blue is a dark, saturated blue that has hints of purple or indigo. The first recorded use of “royal blue” as a color name in English was in 1810. But the roots of royal blue stretch back even farther, to the deep blue clothing and fabrics worn by nobility and royalty.
In Medieval Europe, blue dyes and pigments were rare and expensive to produce. The stunning, deep blue color could only be worn by the wealthiest, most powerful nobles and royals. As a result, the color blue became intrinsically tied to status, privilege, and royalty.
The precious lapis lazuli stone, imported from Afghanistan, was ground into an expensive pigment to produce rich blues for medieval art and textiles. This “ultramarine” blue, as it was known, was reserved for depictions of the Virgin Mary, Christ, and other holy figures – as well as for the clothing of kings and queens.
In the 12th century, blue-dyed fabrics like wool and silk were introduced in Europe. But the dyes were costly, limiting their use to those who could afford it. The deep, vivid blue color quickly became associated with exclusivity and prestige.
As trade expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries, blue dyes and pigments became more readily available. Different shades of blue emerged, including cobalt blue, Prussian blue, and indigo. The development of synthetic dyes then made blue clothing more affordable.
But the rich, regal shade of blue worn by royalty remained limited to the noble classes. It was this deep, vivid royal blue that later became recognized as the color of kings and queens.
The Use and Symbolism of Royal Blue
So when did royal blue become codified as the official color of royalty? Every ruling house had its own heraldic colors. But royal blue or “king’s blue” became one of the most ubiquitous colors associated with monarchs across Europe.
Royal blue felt fitting for nobility – it was a rich, expensive dye with deep roots in status and privilege. It also symbolized power, authority, and respect. As a result, the color became intrinsically linked with monarchies.
Kings and queens wore royal blue mantles and robes during coronation ceremonies as a symbol of their sovereignty. The French monarchy used royal blue on their royal insignia, flags, and heraldry. Russian rulers also adopted the deep regal blue as a symbol of imperial power.
Beyond Europe, royal blue maintained an aura of importance and luxury. In China, royal blue was reserved for the emperor. The Japanese used a deep blue called ai-iro for their imperial families. Royal blue later spread through trade and colonization as a color of esteem around the globe.
Today, royal blue remains a shade of distinction, prestige, and sophistication. It’s universally associated with luxury, exclusivity, and royalty across many cultures. The color carries resonances of stability, confidence, and wisdom.
In a more general sense, royal blue represents openness, tranquility, and poise. It has an intrinsic beauty as a rich, vibrant jewel tone. So royal blue can convey elegance and splendor even beyond its direct ties to monarchy.
Royal Blue vs. Other Blues
What sets royal blue apart from other shades of blue? Royal blue is a vivid, jewel-tone blue at its darkest and richest point. It sits between a pure blue and purple on the color wheel.
The deep blue hue has a high saturation with strong, bold color energy. It lacks the greenish cast of teal or the purplish tones of indigo. Royal blue is also darker and bluer than navy blue.
Compared to light or sky blue, royal blue has far greater intensity, saturation, and a deeper sense of drama. It commands attention, while paler blues recede. Here are some key differences between royal blue and other blue shades:
| Blue Shade | Hue | Saturation | Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal blue | 230° | 100% saturated | 43% bright |
| Navy blue | 210° | 100% saturated | 30% bright |
| Baby blue | 210° | 33% saturated | 74% bright |
Royal blue is a purely cool tone without hints of green or purple. It has maximal saturation compared to navy or baby blue. But it remains a darker, richer blue than brighter, lighter blues.
Royal Blue in Fashion and Design
Throughout history, royal blue has been utilized across the worlds of fashion, design, and visual arts. Here are some of the key ways this regal color is used:
Fashion
Royal blue conveys luxury and sophistication in clothing. It’s a popular color for dresses, suiting, and accessories. Deep royal blue adds drama against black for striking contrasts. Pale blue accents also pair beautifully with royal blue.
Royal blue bridesmaid dresses are a wedding tradition, thanks to the color’s rich elegance. Blue ties and handkerchiefs add dapper flair. Royal blue gowns and jewelry epitomize opulence for red carpet events.
Interior Design
In home decor, royal blue makes a bold, stylish accent color. It can be incorporated through furniture, pillows, rugs, or velvet upholstery. The energetic color works well against neutral backdrops.
Royal blue also brings an artistic, gallery-like feel to living spaces. Deeper shades of royal blue convey coziness and intimacy, while lighter tints add a relaxing aquatic feel.
Branding & Logos
Royal blue is a popular branding color used by companies seeking to communicate trust, confidence, and professionalism. IBM, Ford, Lowe’s, AT&T, Boeing, and Chase bank have all utilized royal blue in their logos.
Airlines like JetBlue and Alitalia use royal blue to evoke a sense of stability, openness, and dependability. The color is also a common uniform shade for police, flight attendants, and other professionals.
Royal Blue for Different Seasons and Occasions
With its cool, deep jewel tones, royal blue as a color palette suits certain seasons and occasions better than others. Here’s an overview of when royal blue works best throughout the year:
Winter
Royal blue perfectly captures the cool tones of winter. Its rich hues remind you of the darkest evenings of the year, lit by candlelight. Royal blue is often used in winter holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah.
Deep royal blue ornaments, candles, and decorations feel timely for December. On fashion runways, royal blue often dominates winter collections. From coats to knits, the icy blue suits frosty weather.
Fall
Like winter, the fall season brings out royal blue’s cool energy. Pairing royal blue with autumnal colors like plum, mustard, or olive creates a sophisticated mood.
Royal blue clothing works nicely as the weather cools down. It also complements the transitioning leaves, from summer greens to oranges and reds. Overall, the bold blue nicely balances autumn’s warm neutrals.
Summer
Although it has wintry undertones, royal blue still adds refreshing contrast during the warm summer months. Light blue and white summer dresses pop with a royal blue accent.
At summer weddings, royal blue suits and bridesmaid dresses add crispness against floral colors. Through summer’s golden light, the rich blue takes on a vibrant glow. Royal blue spices up any summer soiree with bold sophistication.
Spring
In lively spring, royal blue can feel overly stuffy and chilly. Its deep jewel tones clash with pastel hues of the season. But some soft tints of royal blue work nicely for spring events.
A lighter royal blue sundress or Easter accessories add crispness to spring outfits. Pair royal blue with warm metallics and pinks to liven it up. Overall, the cooler royal blue hues fit best later in spring as the weather warms.