Peacock Blue vs. Cobalt Blue

Peacock Blue

• Peacock blue is a moderate blue-green color that gets its name from the common color of the neck of a peacock. It’s both a bright and intense color. Sometimes compared to teal, this color is often categorized in either the blue or green spectrum as opposed to a separate one. The hexadecimal code for peacock blue is #33A1C9. Complementary colors include burnt orange and tobacco brown.

Cobalt Blue

• Cobalt blue is a cool, dark shade of blue that originated from cobalt salts. Sometimes called dark blue, this color has a rich, dark reputation with designers and artists. Its often used when making glass or porcelain and its first known use was in the Middle Ages. The hexadecimal code for cobalt blue is #3D59AB. The color is famously used in Renoir’s "The Umbrellas."

Comparison

• The main difference between cobalt blue and peacock blue is the darkness of the color. Cobalt blue is darker than peacock blue. Peacock blue has more green in it. The colors also have different connotations, depending on the eye of the viewer. Cobalt blue is a sleek, royal color while peacock blue is considered more festive in design. Ironically, the colors complement each other well, as seen in many designs calling for varying shades of blue.

Warnings

• Cobalt blue and peacock blue, like any other color on the spectrum is subjective. The exact color can depend on the manufacturer of the item in question. Peacock blue may be two slightly different colors if bought from two different paint companies. It’s best to get a color chart from the company that makes the fabric or paint you’re thinking of buying to verify the exact color of their version of these colors.