Using a blue color palette and the various shades of blue

If each and every color sends out a message, what does the blue color say when used in art or fashion? In this article, we will speak about shades of blue and the blue color palette.

We’ll also talk about the various moods or atmospheres you can create when using blue shades. There are many different shades of blue that you can use in your designs.

From the ultramarines, royal blues and green-blue colors used in a seaside painting to the blue color you use to paint your bedroom, understanding the many blue shades will assist you with making a perfect choice.

By learning of the differences between a royal blue color and a navy blue color your designs will be more subtle and creative and you’ll have a larger palette of blue colors to draw from as an artist.

Using the blue palette

wpdean Using a blue color palette and the various shades of blue — The WPDean website is using a blue color palette

The blue color is natural and reminds us of the sea and sky. These constants are associated with stability. Blue is often used to represent wisdom, faith, trust, heaven, spirituality, intelligence or wisdom, loyalty, and truth.

We associate blue with spiritual, psychological and physical wellness. When the color blue is used in a room it provides a relaxing effect, slowing down the metabolism and calming the mind. As a result, blue is often associated with peace or calmness. It has also been used to represent sincerity and spiritual devotion.

Designers have used shades of blue to represent cleanliness. Designs for household cleaning products are filtration systems often use a blue color. Companies associated with air travel use a blue color as part of their brand, as do companies related to sea travel.

Water brands often use blue to represent their products. Blue has also been associated with mindfulness, consciousness or intellectual ability. High tech companies or those working with intellectual precision often use a shade of blue to represent their brand.

Blue has been associated with masculinity and is a popular choice for both boys and men. The classic blue suit is often a symbol of corporate success, knowledge, depth, and stability. As a result, many corporations use a dark blue color to communicate their brand message.

Using a shade of blue colors

Using a blue color in design is excellent for representing wellness, stability, knowledge and purity. However, the blue color slows down appetite so avoid using blue if you are representing the food industry.

Blue is an excellent choice when combined with warm colors. Blue and red or blue-yellow-red make excellent color combinations which can be combined to represent superheroes. This is because when the color blue is combined with warm colors, the result is high impact and very vibrant.

Shades in the blue color chart

Different shades have different meanings in the blue color palette. Shades of light blue are seen as clean and friendly. Dark blues such as navy are seen as strong, traditional and trustworthy. Blue has been associated with peace.

As it is connected to the heavens, blue has been used to represent spirituality. In the Christian tradition, for example, the Virgin Mary is shown to be wearing blue robes. In the Jewish faith, blue is used for Hanukkah celebrations.

The meanings of the color blue

As you can see, blue has different meanings depending on the shade used. Therefore the greater the selection in your blue color palette, the more versatile your designs will be. While light blues are peaceful and serene, vivid blues are seen to be alive and cleansing.

Dark blues such as a navy blue color are often used in corporate designs. This is because they represent strength, trustworthiness, and reliability.

Some selections from the blue color palette

Royal Blue Color

Hex #111E6C
RGB 17 30 108

Royal blue is a bright and vibrant blue color with a dignified appearance. If you are thinking about royal blue vs navy blue, consider how corporate or formal your client is.

Space Blue Color

Hex #1D2951
RGB 29 41 81

Prussian Blue Color

Hex #003152
RGB 0 49 82

Navy Blue Color

Hex #000080
RGB 0 0 128

Navy is a blue color often used in corporate designs or formal occasions. Navy blue has a serious and trustworthy message but can be combined with lighter blues for a softer message.

Yale Blue Color

Hex #0E4D92
RGB 14 77 146

Egyptian Blue Color

Hex #1034A6
RGB 16 52 166

Used a lot in ancient Egypt, this blue color is bright and vibrant.

Azure Blue Color

Hex #0080FF
RGB 0 128 255

Azure blue is a warm and vibrant shade which is associated with the Mediterranean. The colour is symbolic of striving for greatness with skill and determination.

Sapphire Blue Color

Hex #0F52BA
RGB 15 82 186

Sapphire blue is a deep navy based on a mystic and very precious gem. The colour is not quite navy, but certainly falls into the dark blue family.

Olympic Blue Color

Hex #008ECC
RGB 0 142 204

Cornflower Blue Color

Hex #6593F5
RGB 101 147 245

A light and very appealing shade of blue sometimes associated with eye colour. Named after a flower, this blue, when used in fashion, is meant to suit blonde haired women.

Independence Blue Color

Hex #4C516D
RGB 76 81 109

Teal Blue Color

Hex #008081
RGB 0 128 129

Teal is vivid but still subdued blue color and can be mixed together with different colors of blue to create interesting color combinations.

Pigeon Blue Color

Hex #7285A5
RGB 114 133 165

Turkish Blue Color

Hex #4F97A3
RGB 79 151 163

Carolina Blue Color

Hex #57A0D3
RGB 87 160 211

Carolina is a blue color also known as Tar Heel blue. The color has academic associations because it is used by the University of North Carolina as an official color.

Steel Blue Color

Hex #4682B4
RGB 70 130 180

Tiffany Blue Color

Hex #81D8D0
RGB 129 216 208

Baby Blue Color

Hex #89CFF0
RGB 137 207 240

Electric Blue Color

Hex #7EF9FF
RGB 126 249 255

This bright and very striking blue color is visually similar to Cyan blue. You’ll recognise this blue from lighting strikes.

Sky Blue Color

Hex #95C8D8
RGB 149 200 216

When you feel low, a sky blue color will uplift your mood. This cheerful blue is loved by both men and women.

Powder Blue Color

Hex #B0DFE5
RGB 176 223 229

Soft, powder blue is a modern version of baby blue. When used in fashion it is highly versatile and will mix with your favourite seasonal colors.

Turquoise Color

Hex #3FE0D0
RGB 63 224 208

Turquoise blue is blue mixed with green. Reminiscent of ocean pools it is a bright and very charming blue color.

Frequently asked questions about blue color palettes

What emotions are typically associated with the color blue?

Blue is frequently linked to serenity, dependability, and reliability. Also, it can imply sentiments of tranquility, wisdom, and productivity.

What are some common shades of blue?

Navy, sky blue, powder blue, baby blue, turquoise, and teal are typical hues of blue.

How can blue be used in branding and design?

Blue may convey a multitude of emotions and can be mixed with other hues for a variety of effects, making it a versatile color for branding and design.

Darker blues can imply stability and reliability, while lighter blues can portray a tranquil and pleasant mood. Blue can also be utilized to convey professionalism or a clean, contemporary vibe.

How can different shades of blue be used together in a design?

Blue can be used in combination with other colors to add depth and interest to a design.

A sense of contrast and balance can be achieved, for instance, by pairing a light blue with a deeper shade. To produce an ambiance or mood, blue can also be used with colors like white, gray, or yellow.

What is the psychology behind the color blue?

Being frequently connected to calmness, stability, and dependability, the color blue can be a useful choice for branding or design that aims to convey these qualities.

It might not be the ideal option in every situation because it can also be connected to sadness or depression.

What industries commonly use blue in their branding?

Technology, banking, and the healthcare sectors frequently utilize blue in their branding since it can imply professionalism and dependability.

How can one use a blue color palette effectively in a design?

When using a blue color scheme, it’s crucial to select complementary hues and to use them in a way that results in a unified and aesthetically pleasing design.

While using softer tones of blue can produce a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, combining blue with opposing colors like orange or yellow can produce a dynamic and stimulating effect.

How can blue be used to create a sense of depth or dimension in a design?

By using deeper tones of blue to produce shadows or by layering various shades of blue to create a feeling of perspective, blue can be utilized to add depth or dimension to a design.

What are some examples of successful uses of blue in branding and design?

The logos of Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, which all use shades of blue to express a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness, are some examples of effective applications of blue in branding and design.

How can one choose the right shade of blue for a specific design or branding project?

Consider the emotional and psychological connotations of various shades of blue when selecting the appropriate shade for a particular design or branding project.

Also, select a shade that supports the project’s or brand’s objectives and core values. Trying various blue hues and combinations might aid in determining the best options for a given project.

Ending thoughts on using a blue color palette in your designs

When you use the blue color in your designs you’ll be sending a message of peace, responsibility, spirituality, wellness, honesty, clarity and loyalty.

Blue is a calming color that doesn’t demand attention. When you use a blue color palette you will be communicating a message of easy independence, intelligence and integrity.

We hope you found this article useful and will be able to communicate your message using the subtle shades of the blue color palette to create your designs.

If you enjoyed reading this article about using a blue color palette, you should check out these about shades of yellow, shades of red, green color palettes, orange color palettes, and shades of pink.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.

His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.