What Color is Tufts Blue
Tufts Blue is a vibrant, mid-tone azure that sits comfortably between the depth of royal blue and the lightness of sky blue. It projects a distinct sense of clarity and intellect, befitting its academic namesake. This shade is energetic yet stable, conveying optimism while maintaining institutional authority.
What color is opposite Tufts Blue?
The opposite color to Tufts Blue is Brandy Punch (#de8f3f).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Blue
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #DE8F3F
- Brightness: 127/255
- Saturation: 72%
Colors That Pair Well With Tufts Blue
Complementary
Pair with Brandy Punch for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Bourbon 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)
Tufts Blue History
Tufts Blue originated as the identifying color for Tufts University, founded in 1852, symbolizing the light of knowledge on the hill. Unlike ancient pigments derived from ground lapis lazuli, this specific tone aligns closely with the invention of synthetic Cerulean in the 19th century, which allowed artists and institutions to utilize stable, bright blues that did not fade over time.
In the broader context of art history, this shade reflects the Modernist embrace of pure, unmixed color seen in the mid-20th century. It moved away from the moody indigos of the Romantic era toward a more democratic and accessible visibility, eventually becoming a staple in corporate and academic heraldry due to its ability to print consistently.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this shade stimulates the mind and promotes concentration, making it ideal for learning environments. It lacks the somberness of navy blue, instead projecting a youthful energy that encourages open communication and forward-thinking ideas without feeling aggressive.
Culturally, medium blues represent trustworthiness and reliability, which is why they are ubiquitous in the technology and healthcare sectors. It creates a sensation of cooling and calmness, helping to reduce anxiety in the viewer while keeping them alert and engaged.
In Nature
This specific vibrant blue is relatively rare in flora but appears vividly in the animal kingdom via structural coloration rather than pigment. It mimics the iridescent wings of the Morpho butterfly or the brilliant plumage of the Blue Jay. In the mineral world, it resembles the vibrant hue of polished Turquoise or high-quality azurite found near copper deposits.
How To Use Tufts Blue
As a Senior Designer, I recommend using this color for Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons because it demands attention without causing eye strain. It pairs exceptionally well with crisp whites and cool grays to create a clean, corporate aesthetic suitable for tech, medical, and educational interfaces.
For accessibility, you must verify sufficient contrast when using white text over this background; it often requires bold weight for perfect legibility. It serves as a fantastic accent color in UI design, signaling interactivity and safety to the user.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Academic Jumbo
A nod to traditional collegiate branding, mixing the primary blue with grounding neutrals and a historic brown.
Digital Horizon
A modern, monochromatic gradient suitable for tech startups and app interfaces.
Energetic Complement
High-contrast pairing using split-complementary oranges to create dynamic visual vibration.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #3E8EDE;
color: rgb(62, 142, 222);
background-color: #3E8EDE;
border: 3px solid #3E8EDE;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #3E8EDE66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3E8EDE 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Tufts Blue
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.
- 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 Tufts Blue?
Explore color palettes containing Tufts Blue and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Complementary
Split-complementary
Triadic
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
Prismacolor
Blue Violet Lake
#PC1079 • #4575BF
Prismacolor
Blue Lake
#PC1102 • #568BD2
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Cobalt Blue 10%
#662 • #4992E0
Similar Colors
View all Blue colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Tufts Blue
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Tufts Blue?
What colors go with Tufts Blue?
Is Tufts Blue accessible for text?
How do I use Tufts Blue in CSS?
You can use Tufts Blue in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.tufts-blue {
background-color: #3E8EDE;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.