Smalt
General Information about #012597
The hexadecimal color #012597, also known as Smalt, is a deep and saturated shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.4% red, 14.5% green, and 59.2% blue. This color is often associated with qualities like trust, authority, and stability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional settings. Smalt, as a pigment, historically referred to a blue glass made by grinding cobalt glass. The name 'Smalt' is derived from the Dutch word 'smalte'. In the CMYK color model, used for printing, #012597 consists of 99% cyan, 75% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. This indicates that it requires a significant amount of cyan and magenta to achieve its deep blue hue, and a considerable amount of black to deepen its saturation.
The color #012597, a deep and saturated blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance contrast against lighter backgrounds may make it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text, as per WCAG guidelines. Therefore, it's crucial to pair #012597 with very light colors, such as white or very pale yellows, to ensure readability. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, sufficient contrast should be maintained in all states (default, hover, focus, and active). Also avoid using it as the sole indicator of an action, and use additional visual cues like icons or underlines. When used on images, ensure sufficient contrast in key areas, and provide alt text for screen reader users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #012597 can serve as a primary color for a website or application that seeks to evoke feelings of trust, authority, and stability. It works well in financial or corporate settings. The dark blue can be used for headlines, buttons, and accents, paired with lighter complementary colors to ensure readability and visual balance. For example, a bank might use #012597 for its logo and navigation bar, creating a sense of security and professionalism. Proper attention should be paid to accessibility by ensuring high contrast with text elements.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, #012597, reminiscent of deep-sea hues, can be a sophisticated choice for evening wear or formal attire. The color exudes elegance and can be used in luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk. It pairs well with metallic accents like silver or gold for a classic look, or with contrasting bright colors like fuchsia or yellow for a more modern and bold statement. This color can also be incorporated into accessories such as handbags or shoes to add a touch of refinement to any outfit.
Branding
For branding, #012597 evokes trust and reliability, making it suitable for financial institutions or technology companies. It works well in logos, website designs, and marketing materials to convey stability and professionalism. The color can be paired with lighter complementary colors to balance visual impact and improve readability, ensuring the brand message is clearly communicated and visually appealing.