Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#002798)
The hex color #002798, commonly known as Smalt, is a deep and captivating shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with feelings of trust, intelligence, and authority. Smalt derives its name from the powdered blue glass pigment used historically in paintings and ceramics. In the RGB color model, #002798 consists of 0% red, 15.3% green, and 59.6% blue. Its CMYK values are 100% cyan, 73% magenta, 0% yellow, and 40% black. This color exudes a sense of calmness, depth, and sophistication, making it suitable for various design applications where a strong and reliable impression is desired.
The color #002798, also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using this color for text on a white background would fail these contrast tests, making it unsuitable for body text. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with lighter shades of blue or complementary colors like yellow or orange for interactive elements. Additionally, provide alternative visual cues like underlines or icons for links, especially for users with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e90ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast on white backgrounds.
- #000080
A deeper, more saturated blue that can be used as an accent color.
- #3349a9
A lighter tint of Smalt, offering better readability and visual comfort while retaining a similar aesthetic feel. This adjusted color can be more easily paired with darker text.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Smalt's rich, deep blue hue is perfect for creating a sophisticated and trustworthy brand identity. It evokes feelings of stability, knowledge, and confidence, making it suitable for financial institutions, tech companies, and educational organizations. In web design, it can be used for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons to draw attention and create a sense of authority.
Interior Design
In interior design, Smalt can add a touch of elegance and drama to any space. It works well as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere. It can also be used in smaller doses, such as for upholstery or decorative accessories, to add pops of color and visual interest. Pair it with neutral colors like gray, white, or beige to create a balanced and harmonious look.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Smalt offers a versatile and timeless appeal. It can be used for both formal and casual wear, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. A smalt-colored dress or suit exudes confidence and professionalism, while smalt accessories like scarves or handbags can add a pop of color to a more neutral ensemble. Its depth and richness make it a flattering choice for a wide range of skin tones.