Smalt

General Information about Smalt

Smalt, represented by the hexadecimal color code #013F9A, is a dark shade of blue. It is a tertiary color on the color wheel, resulting from mixing a primary color (blue) with a secondary color (in this case, a tint of violet). Smalt's RGB values are R:1, G:63, B:154, and its CMYK values are C:99, M:59, Y:0, K:40. This color evokes feelings of trust, stability, and sophistication. It is often associated with corporate branding, financial institutions, and educational organizations. The name "Smalt" refers to a blue pigment made by grinding cobalt glass, which was historically used in paints and ceramics. The color #013F9A finds applications across various design fields, from web development and graphic design to interior design and fashion, lending a sense of depth and elegance wherever it is employed.

The color #013F9A, also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a foreground color for text or interactive elements, it's 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 to meet AA compliance. Given the darkness of Smalt, lighter background colors are necessary to achieve adequate contrast. Using online contrast checkers is highly advisable to verify compliance. Also, consider providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines or icons, in addition to color, to ensure that information is accessible to users with color vision deficiencies. When using Smalt for non-text elements like borders or graphical components, ensure a contrast ratio of 3:1 against adjacent colors.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Development

  In web development, Smalt (#013F9A) can be used to create a sophisticated and professional aesthetic. It's particularly suitable for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons on websites for financial institutions, educational platforms, or corporate sites. Its deep blue hue evokes trust and stability, making it ideal for branding elements. When paired with lighter shades of gray or white, it can create a clean and modern look. For interactive elements, consider using a slightly lighter shade of blue or a contrasting color like yellow or orange to improve visibility and user experience. Careful attention to color contrast is crucial to ensure accessibility.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, Smalt can serve as an accent color to add depth and richness to a room. Consider using it on a feature wall in a living room or bedroom, or as the color for decorative pillows and throws. When combined with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white, it creates a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It can also be paired with metallic accents like gold or silver to add a touch of elegance. For smaller spaces, use Smalt sparingly to avoid making the room feel too dark or enclosed. In larger spaces, it can be used more liberally to create a dramatic and inviting ambiance.

• Fashion

  In fashion, Smalt can be used for clothing or accessories to create a chic and understated look. A Smalt dress can be a versatile piece for both casual and formal occasions. Accessorize with silver or gold jewelry to add a touch of glamour. For a more casual look, pair Smalt jeans with a white t-shirt and sneakers. Smalt also works well as an accent color in scarves, handbags, or shoes. Consider pairing it with complementary colors like mustard yellow or rust orange for a bold and eye-catching ensemble. For a more subtle look, combine it with neutral colors like gray, black, or white.

Complementary color

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