Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt (#003BB4)
The hex color #003BB4, also known as Cobalt, is a saturated and vibrant shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0% red, 23.14% green, and 70.59% blue. Cobalt is often associated with feelings of trust, stability, and confidence. In color psychology, blue is known to evoke a sense of calm and security. Because of its boldness, Cobalt is suitable for designs intended to convey reliability and authority. It’s essential to use this color thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming the viewer. Cobalt should also be considered with other colors to achieve the intended psychological response.
The hex color #003BB4, also known as Cobalt, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a foreground color for text, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of Cobalt, it requires a very light background color (like white, #FFFFFF or a very light yellow, #FFFFE0) to meet these standards. Using darker backgrounds can render the text unreadable for users with visual impairments. For interactive elements like buttons, providing clear visual cues beyond color alone is advisable. Consider using borders, icons, or text labels to ensure usability for all users. Thorough testing with color contrast tools is highly recommended to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against dark backgrounds.
A more vibrant blue that can draw attention while still being relatively accessible.
A lighter blue with a pastel tone for a more subtle and calming effect, ensuring better text contrast on various backgrounds
Applications
Website Highlights
Cobalt (#003BB4) can be effectively used to highlight key elements and create visual hierarchy. Its bold appearance makes it suitable for call-to-action buttons, links, and important notifications. The color is also usable to emphasize different sections on the website to draw user's attention. Use Cobalt carefully to prevent overwhelming users because it is a relatively striking and saturated hue. Employing it sparingly ensures the color retains impact without causing visual fatigue or distracting from the overall user experience.
Interior Accent
Cobalt can be used as an accent color in interior design to add a touch of sophistication and vibrancy to a room. It works well in combination with neutral colors like gray, white, or beige, to create a balanced and visually appealing space. It may be used to color furniture such as chairs or tables, or even small decorations like vases or frames. It is recommended to use it carefully to create an energetic and interesting ambiance.
Fashion Statement
In fashion, Cobalt can be incorporated into clothing or accessories to make a bold statement. The color is suitable for evening wear, sportswear, and casual outfits. Cobalt could be a primary color, such as using it on jackets or dresses. Also, it may be applied to the accessories like hats, scarves or necklaces. It can be used to enhance the style and make the person wearing it stand out. However, the overall color combination is important.