Smalt
General Information about Smalt
The hexadecimal color code #002696, commonly referred to as Smalt, is a dark shade of blue. It is composed of 0% red, 15% green, and 58.8% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to (0, 38, 150). Smalt historically refers to a deep blue pigment made by grinding cobalt glass. The color exudes a sense of depth, calmness, and sophistication. In color psychology, dark blues are often associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It is frequently used in corporate branding to convey stability and reliability. Its darker nature makes it suitable for backgrounds or accent colors, particularly when paired with lighter, contrasting shades to ensure readability and visual balance.
The color #002696, also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding contrast. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, ideally meeting WCAG AA or AAA standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. If used for text, ensure the background is a light color. Tools are available online to check color contrast ratios and verify accessibility compliance. Avoid using this color for essential interactive elements or conveying important information solely through color, as users with color vision deficiencies may struggle to perceive it accurately. Providing alternative visual cues, such as text labels or icons, will enhance accessibility for a wider audience. Careful consideration is crucial to create an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Financial Website Design
Smalt (#002696) can be used as a primary color for a financial institution's website to evoke trust and stability. The deep blue conveys professionalism and reliability, encouraging users to feel confident in the organization's services. It can be applied to headings, buttons, and background elements to create a cohesive and reassuring brand identity. Paired with a clean, modern layout, Smalt reinforces the image of a dependable and established financial presence. The design can benefit from some bright contrasting elements to ensure visibility and call to action. The deep and dark color will lead to a calm sensation of the client.
Interior Design Accent
This color can be used as an accent color in a modern interior design scheme, such as painting a feature wall in a living room or bedroom to add depth and sophistication. Smalt complements neutral colors like gray, beige, or white, creating a balanced and calming atmosphere. The color works well with textures such as wood, metal, or glass, adding visual interest and depth to the space. In a workspace, consider using it for accent pieces such as paintings or rugs.
Vintage Modern Fashion
Smalt can be used to create a vintage, yet modern fashion style. This would be more applicable to men's fashion and can be paired with light colors such as cream or white to bring balance and contrast. For women's fashion, this can be used for dresses or skirts matched with gold accessories to give a rich and classic look. This color can be used to create a vintage, yet modern fashion style. This would be more applicable to men's fashion and can be paired with light colors such as cream or white to bring balance and contrast. For women's fashion, this can be used for dresses or skirts matched with gold accessories to give a rich and classic look.