The main difference between Steel Blue and Cornflower is brightness and saturation: both are blue shades, but Cornflower is lighter and Cornflower is more saturated. Steel Blue (#4682B4) has an HSL of 207°, 44%, 49%, whereas Cornflower (#6495ED) sits at 219°, 79%, 66%.
Four real design scenarios, with the recommended pick based on hue, saturation, and WCAG contrast.
Cornflower is more saturated (79% HSL vs 44%) so it reads as bolder and more memorable at logo scale, while Steel Blue can feel washed out when printed small.
Steel Blue hits a 4.11:1 WCAG contrast against white — safer for text-heavy interfaces — where Cornflower only reaches 2.97:1 and risks failing AA at small body sizes.
Cornflower is a cool-leaning tone that flatters spring/summer collections and warmer skin undertones, while Steel Blue leans cooler and is better suited to autumn/winter layering.
Steel Blue is the more muted of the two (44% saturation) and sits more calmly on large wall surfaces, while Cornflower's higher chroma can overwhelm a room when used beyond accent pieces.
Steel Blue (#4682B4) is a medium, moderately saturated blue with a cool undertone — it feels balanced, versatile and balanced in intensity.
Cornflower (#6495ED) is a light, vivid blue with a cool undertone — it feels airy, soft, approachable and bright, energetic, eye-catching.
Text legibility depends on the contrast ratio between foreground and background. WCAG 2.1 AA requires at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text; AAA requires 7:1. Use these numbers to choose accessible combinations for your design.
Each color has a dedicated page with shades, tints, CSS name, pairings, and color psychology.