What Color is Cerulean
Cerulean is a deep, tranquil blue that sits elegantly between sky blue and azure. It evokes the feeling of a limitless horizon and carries a sense of permanent stability.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Blue
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #A82D00
- Brightness: 91/255
- Saturation: 100%
Colors That Pair Well With Cerulean
Complementary
Pair with Rust for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Coral for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Cerulean History
German chemist Albrecht Höpfner first synthesized cerulean blue in 1805 using cobalt stannate. However, the color did not gain commercial popularity until George Rowney marketed it in 1860 as a replacement for more expensive pigments.
It became an essential tool for Impressionist painters like Claude Monet and Paul Signac, who utilized its unique ability to remain vibrant when mixed. In 1999, it achieved modern pop-culture status when Pantone named it the first-ever Color of the Year, symbolizing the millennium and the digital age.
Meaning & Psychology
Cerulean projects a powerful sense of intelligence and peace, often used in environments intended to reduce human stress. It is psychologically linked to the feeling of a clear mind and open communication, making it a favorite for trustworthy corporate identities.
In many cultures, this shade represents the divine or the heavens, bridging the gap between the earthly and the spiritual. It provides a sense of calm that is more active than navy but more grounded than cyan.
In Nature
This hue is most famously observed in the scattering of light within the Earth's atmosphere on a perfectly clear day. In the biological world, it appears in the striking plumage of the mountain bluebird and the iridescent wings of the Morpho butterfly. It is also frequently seen in shallow, tropical waters where sunlight reflects off white sand through clear sea water.
How To Use Cerulean
In modern design, cerulean offers excellent clarity when used for primary call-to-action buttons or brand marks. It functions as a highly versatile anchor that pairs well with both warm wood tones and cold metallic finishes.
From an accessibility standpoint, designers must ensure high contrast by pairing cerulean with white or light gray text. It is a staple in branding for technology and healthcare sectors because it communicates innovation while remaining approachable and safe.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Mediterranean Shore
A classic combination reflecting coastal landscapes and warm architecture.
Digital Executive
A professional, high-contrast palette for modern corporate interfaces.
Tropical Reef
Vibrant and energetic tones inspired by underwater ecosystems.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #007BA7;
color: rgb(0, 123, 167);
background-color: #007BA7;
border: 3px solid #007BA7;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #007BA766;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #007BA7 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Cerulean
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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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.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge 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 Cerulean?
Explore color palettes containing Cerulean and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Grey Blue
#755 • #1976A4
Prismacolor
Peacock Blue
#PC1027 • #00739A
Polychromos
middle phthalo blue
#152 • #309CD6
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Cobalt Blue 10%
#662 • #4992E0
Prismacolor
Electric Blue
#PC1040 • #008ACF
Similar Colors
View all Blue colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Cerulean
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Cerulean?
What colors go with Cerulean?
Is Cerulean accessible for text?
How do I use Cerulean in CSS?
You can use Cerulean in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.cerulean {
background-color: #007BA7;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.