Aqua Blue

#79B6BC

Cyan Family →

What Color is Aqua Blue

Aqua Blue is a muted, medium-light cyan that occupies the space between a vegetative green and an oceanic blue. It possesses a restorative quality, evoking the clarity of shallow waters and the gentle patina of aged copper. Unlike electric cyans, this shade offers a sophisticated, serene presence suitable for vintage and modern contexts alike.

What color is opposite Aqua Blue?

The opposite color to Aqua Blue is Old Rose (#bc807b).

View Old Rose

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Cyan
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Associated Season: Spring
  • Complementary Color: #BC807B
  • Brightness: 164/255
  • Saturation: 36%

Colors That Pair Well With Aqua Blue

Complementary

Pair with Old Rose for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#79B6BC#bc807b

High Contrast

Use Ironstone for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#79B6BC#864943

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#afd3d7#3d5b5e

Aqua Blue History

Historically, shades of aqua were difficult to stabilize in pigment form, often relying on the oxidation of copper known as verdigris. Ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt, valued these tones for their symbolic connection to the Nile, utilizing ground faience ceramics to achieve similar permanent hues in jewelry and pottery.

In the 20th century, the chemical synthesis of Phthalocyanine allowed for the consistent production of this muted teal. It became a defining hallmark of Mid-Century Modern design in the 1950s, gracing everything from automobile tailfins to kitchen appliances, symbolizing a futuristic yet domestic optimism.

Meaning & Psychology

This shade acts as a psychological sedative, scientifically proven to lower heart rates and promote mental clarity. Because it sits on the cooler end of the visible spectrum, it encourages introspection and reduces anxiety, making it a favored choice in therapeutic and clinical environments.

Culturally, Aqua Blue is associated with physical and spiritual cleansing. It triggers subconscious associations with fresh water and hygiene, often suggesting purity without the harsh sterility of pure white. It represents a fluid emotional state, encouraging open communication and balance.

In Nature

Nature manifests this pigment in the mineral world through semi-precious Amazonite stones and the natural weathering of copper deposits. It is frequently observed in the shallow, sun-dappled waters of a tropical lagoon where white sand mixes with depth, and occasionally appears in the protective shells of specific bird eggs.

How To Use Aqua Blue

In interior design, Aqua Blue serves as a versatile neutral for coastal aesthetics or retro-inspired spaces. It pairs exceptionally well with warm woods and metallic accents like brass, creating a sophisticated interplay between coolness and organic warmth.

For digital interfaces, this color functions well as a calming background or secondary accent. However, designers must note that it lacks sufficient contrast for white text in small sizes; therefore, deep charcoal or navy typography is required to ensure strict legibility and accessibility compliance.

Related Words

verdigrisfaiencephthalocyaninemid-century modernclarityanxietycleansingpuritybalanceamazonitelagoonbird eggscoastalbrasscharcoallegibility

Curated Palettes

#79B6BC
#F4F1EA
#5E8C91
#B8C9C8
#8B7E74

Coastal Mineral

A soothing, organic palette inspired by sea glass and wet sand.

#79B6BC
#FF6F61
#FDB927
#FAF9F6
#2D2D2D

Retro Diner

A high-energy, nostalgic 1950s palette contrasting cool aqua with warm zest.

#79B6BC
#FFFFFF
#E0E0E0
#004E64
#A3D2CA

Clinical Zen

A clean, modern palette optimized for wellness and healthcare branding.

Color Conversions

Hex
#79B6BC
RGB
121, 182, 188
RGB %
47%, 71%, 74%
HSL
185°, 33%, 61%
HSV
185°, 36%, 74%
CMYK
36%, 3%, 0%, 26%
LAB
70.28, -18.05, -9.30
XYZ
33.69, 41.15, 53.74

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #79B6BC;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(121, 182, 188);
Background Color
background-color: #79B6BC;
Border
border: 3px solid #79B6BC;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #79B6BC66;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #79B6BC 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Aqua Blue

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Aqua Blue

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

Product Details

Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.

  • Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
  • Feel: Velvety soft finish.
  • Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
  • Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
  • Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials

We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.

  • Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
  • Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
  • Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
  • Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.

What Goes With Aqua Blue?

Explore color palettes containing Aqua Blue and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

Accessibility

Contrast with Black and White

Contrast with Black

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail
Contrast with White

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

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Muted Turquoise

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light cobalt turquoise

#154#66CBDA

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Steel Grey

#004#92A3AD

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Aqua Blue?
The hex code for Aqua Blue is #79B6BC. The RGB values are (121, 182, 188). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Aqua Blue?
Aqua Blue pairs well with its complementary color, Old Rose (#bc807b). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Aqua Blue accessible for text?
No, Aqua Blue is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Aqua Blue in CSS?

You can use Aqua Blue in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.aqua-blue {
  background-color: #79B6BC;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.