Ocean Blue
#006994
Color Values
Color Meaning
Ocean Blue represents depth, mystery, and tranquility. It's associated with emotional depth, intuition, and vast possibilities. Ocean Blue evokes the calming power of the sea.
Learn more on WikipediaFrequently Asked Questions About Ocean Blue
What two colors make ocean blue?
Ocean blue is made by mixing blue with green and white, with more blue than green. The result is a deep, rich blue-green resembling ocean waters.
What's the difference between ocean blue and seafoam?
Ocean blue is deeper and more blue, while seafoam is lighter and more green. Both are blue-green colors.
How do you make light ocean blue?
Light ocean blue is made by mixing ocean blue with more white, or by mixing blue with green and more white.
The History of Ocean Blue
Ocean blue as a color concept has been central to human experience since our species first lived near coastlines hundreds of thousands of years ago. The specific deep, rich blue-green of ocean water — distinct from sky blue or turquoise — is produced by the scattering and absorption of light by water molecules and marine organic matter. Ancient Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Arabic maritime cultures all had deep relationships with the sea, and ocean-blue dyes and pigments held special significance for coastal peoples. Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan — traded across the ancient world — approximated the deep blue of ocean depths. Prussian blue (discovered accidentally in 1704) was one of the first synthetic pigments to reliably achieve deep ocean tones. In the 19th century, Hokusai's 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' used deep Prussian blue to create one of history's most iconic ocean images.
Cultural Significance
Ocean blue is culturally tied to maritime history, exploration, and the fundamental human relationship with the sea. In Polynesian and island cultures worldwide, the ocean is not a barrier but a highway — ocean blue in this context represents freedom, navigation, and profound connection between island communities. In Western European maritime culture, deep ocean blue is associated with naval power, exploration, and the Age of Discovery that reshaped the world. The phrase 'the deep blue sea' carries connotations of both limitless possibility and existential fear in Western literature. In contemporary environmental culture, ocean blue is the primary color of ocean conservation and marine environmental advocacy — used by Greenpeace, Oceana, and countless environmental organizations. In luxury travel culture, images of deep ocean water represent the highest aspiration in vacation imagery.
Color Psychology
Deep ocean blue combines blue's trustworthiness and calm with a depth and vastness that feels humbling and awe-inspiring. Research shows ocean imagery — particularly deep blue expanses — triggers what psychologists call 'awe responses': feelings of smallness relative to something immense, which paradoxically promote generosity, reduced anxiety, and enhanced well-being. Ocean blue environments are deeply calming while also stimulating imagination — the ocean's endless horizon is a natural metaphor for possibility. In consumer psychology, ocean blue is associated with depth, reliability, and the premium quality of natural systems — it is extensively used in water, maritime, and environmental brands. Studies in hospitality design confirm ocean-view properties command premium pricing precisely because the color-environment association triggers relaxation and well-being.
Design Tips for Ocean Blue
Ocean blue (#1D4ED8 deep range to #0EA5E9 brighter range) covers a spectrum from near-navy depths to vibrant Caribbean shallows. For a truly deep ocean effect, use #1E3A5F or #0C4A6E with a hint of green. For tropical ocean freshness, use #06B6D4 or #0891B2. Ocean blue pairs naturally with warm sand (#F5DEB3), coral, and white for coastal aesthetics. In interior design, ocean-blue accent walls, tiles, or upholstery immediately evoke seaside calm. For brand identities in travel, wellness, water sports, and environmental sectors, ocean blue triggers the target emotional response immediately. In web design, deep ocean blues (#0C4A6E, #075985) provide excellent WCAG AAA contrast on white while maintaining aspirational depth. Gradients from deep ocean blue to turquoise to aqua beautifully evoke the depth-to-shallows transition of tropical water — effective in travel, resort, and lifestyle brand design.