Smalt
General Information about #013689
The hex color #013689, also known as Smalt, is a deep and saturated shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and exhibits a sense of calmness and reliability. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.4% red, 21.2% green, and 53.7% blue. In the CMYK color model, used for printing, it consists of 99% cyan, 60% magenta, 0% yellow, and 46% black. This color is often associated with trust, intelligence, and authority, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and designs related to finance or technology. It also has a slightly muted quality compared to brighter blues, giving it a professional and serious tone. Its use can evoke feelings of stability, security, and sophistication in visual contexts.
The color #013689, a deep and saturated blue, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. When using this color for text, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with the background. Light colors like white, pale yellow, or light gray are recommended to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is generally required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. In user interface design, avoid using this color as the sole indicator of important interactive elements, such as links or buttons. Supplement it with other visual cues, like underlines or icons, to accommodate users with visual impairments. When used in charts and graphs, ensure that adjacent colors are significantly different to avoid confusion. Also consider providing alternative text descriptions for visual content using this color to make it accessible to screen reader users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e90ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast on white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #4682b4
A more desaturated blue that can be used as a background color without overpowering other elements on the page.
- #000080
Another darker blue shade, provides high contrast against lighter texts and enhances readability.
Applications
Banking and Finance
This shade of blue evokes feelings of trust, security, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for financial institutions. It can be used in website designs, branding materials, and user interfaces to project an image of stability and professionalism. The deep blue color can also be used as an accent color to highlight key information and create a sense of authority.
Web Design
In web design, #013689 can serve as a primary color for navigation bars, headings, and call-to-action buttons. Its depth adds a sophisticated touch to website layouts, especially when paired with complementary or contrasting colors for emphasis. The color is particularly suited for websites targeting corporate clients or industries requiring a sense of formality and seriousness.
Interior Design
In interior design, smalt can be used for creating accent walls or for furnishing details such as cushions, curtains, or rugs. Its calming presence makes it suitable for bedrooms or living rooms where relaxation is desired. Paired with lighter neutrals, it brings a touch of sophistication and depth to any living space. The colour can also be used in offices to promote productivity and creativity.