Pale cerulean

#9BC4E2

Blue Family →

What Color is Pale cerulean

Pale cerulean is a soft, ethereal shade that captures the essence of a hazy, cloudless morning sky. It sits delicately between azure and cyan, offering a gentle visual retreat that feels expansive yet grounded. Unlike electric neons, its muted quality makes it serene and approachable for large-scale applications.

What color is opposite Pale cerulean?

The opposite color to Pale cerulean is Cashmere (#e2b99c).

View Cashmere

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Blue
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Associated Season: Spring
  • Complementary Color: #E2B99C
  • Brightness: 187/255
  • Saturation: 31%

Colors That Pair Well With Pale cerulean

Complementary

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

#9BC4E2#e2b99c

High Contrast

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

#9BC4E2#643b1d

Harmonious Depth

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

#c3dcee#4e6271

Pale cerulean History

The term derives from the Latin word caeruleus, generally meaning 'heavens' or sky. While the name existed for centuries, the specific stable pigment known as Cerulean Blue (cobalt stannate) was not commercially introduced until 1860 by George Rowney. Before this synthetic breakthrough, artists struggled to find a permanent blue that wouldn't fade, making this hue a revolution for landscape painters.

Meaning & Psychology

This shade is intrinsically linked to the concept of tranquility. Because it mimics the vastness of the atmosphere, it naturally lowers the heart rate and encourages mental clarity. It lacks the melancholic weight of dark indigo, instead projecting a sense of optimism and breathable space.

In cultural contexts, pale cerulean represents communication and trust without being authoritarian. It is often associated with cleanliness and water, making it a staple in medical and wellness branding. It suggests innocence, often appearing in nurseries or spiritual iconography to depict heavenly realms or divinity.

In Nature

The most iconic example is the daytime sky when sunlight scatters through the atmosphere via Rayleigh scattering. In the mineral kingdom, Celestite crystals form geoids of this exact pale, glassy hue. You can also find this delicate blue on the wings of the Common Blue butterfly or the petals of a blooming Plumbago shrub.

How To Use Pale cerulean

As a designer, view this color as a 'new neutral' for corporate spaces to foster focus without sterilization. It works exceptionally well in user interfaces (UI) as a calming background that reduces eye fatigue. Pair it with crisp whites and warm oak woods for a modern Scandi aesthetic.

Regarding accessibility, be cautious with typography; white text on this background often fails contrast standards (WCAG). Instead, use charcoal, deep navy, or dark slate text to ensure readability. Use this color for background elements or non-critical indicators to maintain a clean visual hierarchy.

Related Words

pigmentpainterstranquilityclarityoptimismcommunicationinnocencedivinityskycelestiteblueplumbagofocusfatiguescandicontrastreadabilityindicators

Curated Palettes

#9BC4E2
#F4F1EA
#D8C3A5
#8E9EAB
#546E7A

Coastal Morning

A fresh, breezy palette combining air and earth tones.

#9BC4E2
#FFCBA4
#FFD1DC
#B0E0E6
#6A5ACD

Soft Sunset

Complementary pastel tones that balance cool and warm.

#9BC4E2
#003366
#E0E0E0
#2F4F4F
#FFFFFF

Corporate Serenity

Professional, high-contrast shades for trustworthy branding.

Color Conversions

Hex
#9BC4E2
RGB
155, 196, 226
RGB %
61%, 77%, 89%
HSL
205°, 55%, 75%
HSV
205°, 31%, 89%
CMYK
31%, 13%, 0%, 11%
LAB
77.24, -6.57, -19.33
XYZ
46.98, 51.94, 79.50

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #9BC4E2;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(155, 196, 226);
Background Color
background-color: #9BC4E2;
Border
border: 3px solid #9BC4E2;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #9BC4E266;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #9BC4E2 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Pale cerulean

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
Pale cerulean

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.
  • 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 Pale cerulean?

Explore color palettes containing Pale cerulean 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

Prismacolor

Light Cerulean Blue

#PC904#94C7EB

Buy

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Cobalt Blue 5%

#661#9AC3EB

Buy

Polychromos

sky blue

#146#86B2DF

Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Pale cerulean?
The hex code for Pale cerulean is #9BC4E2. The RGB values are (155, 196, 226). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Pale cerulean?
Pale cerulean pairs well with its complementary color, Cashmere (#e2b99c). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Pale cerulean accessible for text?
No, Pale cerulean 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 Pale cerulean in CSS?

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

.pale-cerulean {
  background-color: #9BC4E2;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

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