Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#012A97)
The color #012A97, commonly known as Smalt, is a deep, saturated blue that evokes feelings of sophistication, calmness, and stability. It belongs to the blue color family, which is often associated with trust, intelligence, and security. In the RGB color model, Smalt is composed of 0.4% red, 16.5% green, and 59.2% blue. Its CMYK values are 99% cyan, 72% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. Historically, Smalt was produced by grinding cobalt glass into a fine powder and was used as a pigment in paints, ceramics, and textiles. Today, it is commonly used in web design, graphic design, and branding to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. It is a dark color, so it should be paired with lighter colors to provide a good contrast to make elements more accesible.
The color #012A97, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Due to its very dark hue and low luminance value, it offers insufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially making content difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to perceive. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Smalt falls far short of these recommendations when paired with common background colors like white or light gray. Therefore, it is imperative to use Smalt cautiously and ensure sufficient contrast by pairing it with very light colors such as white or very light yellow. It's also crucial to provide alternative styling options for users who may require higher contrast. Tools for contrast checking are available online to help web developers determine if color combinations meet accessibility standards. Developers should test their designs with users who have visual impairments to ensure usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e45ab
A slightly lighter shade of blue can offer improved contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #335cca
A shade with higher luminance can enhance readability against various backgrounds.
- #024ac7
This alternative increases the percieved brighness while still maintaining the desired Smalt color aesthetic.
Applications
Web Design
Smalt, with its deep, rich blue tone, can be used in website headers and footers to establish a sense of professionalism and trust. It can also be effective for highlighting key call-to-action buttons, provided the text color offers sufficient contrast for readability. Using Smalt as a background color for short informational sections can create a visually appealing and engaging experience for users, especially when paired with complementary colors for visual balance.
Interior Design
In interior design, Smalt can be used as an accent color to add depth and sophistication to a space. Consider using it for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories. When incorporating Smalt, balance it with lighter, neutral colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Smalt pairs well with shades of gray, beige, and white, creating a calming and elegant atmosphere.
Fashion
In the realm of fashion, Smalt can be incorporated into elegant evening wear or formal business attire. A Smalt-colored dress or suit exudes confidence and sophistication. Accesories, such as scarves, ties or jewelery can be used to complement the deep, rich blue hue. For casual outfits, Smalt can be used as an accent color in shoes, bags or hats.