Smalt

General Information about Smalt (#022B99)

The hex color #022B99, commonly known as Smalt, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and exhibits a strong sense of depth and richness. In the RGB color model, it consists of 1.96% red, 16.86% green, and 60% blue. The CMYK values are 98% cyan, 72% magenta, 0% yellow, and 40% black. Smalt is often associated with qualities such as trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. In color psychology, dark blues like Smalt can evoke feelings of calmness, serenity, and stability. Historically, Smalt pigment was produced by grinding cobalt glass and was used in paintings and ceramics.

The color #022B99, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. With such a dark hue, it requires extremely light text or foreground elements to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Given Smalt's darkness, achieving these ratios necessitates using nearly white text, which may limit design choices. It's crucial to carefully evaluate the contrast ratio using accessibility tools to avoid making content inaccessible to users with visual impairments. Designers should consider providing alternative high-contrast themes or allowing users to customize colors to improve accessibility. Over reliance on this color may alienate some users.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Header/Footer Background

  In web design, Smalt can be utilized as a background color for website headers or footers to create a sophisticated and professional look. However, care must be taken to ensure that any text or interactive elements placed on this background have sufficient contrast. For instance, white or very light-colored text would be necessary to maintain accessibility standards. Consider using it sparingly to highlight certain sections rather than as a primary background across the entire website, which could lead to eye strain and readability issues. It's also suitable for use in creating subtle patterns or textures in the background to add depth without overwhelming the user.

• Accent Wall in Interior Design

  In interior design, Smalt can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It is particularly effective in bedrooms or study areas where a sense of tranquility is desired. Use it as an accent wall color, paired with lighter neutrals like beige or light gray, to prevent the room from feeling too dark or enclosed. Alternatively, incorporate Smalt through furniture pieces, such as a velvet sofa or upholstered chairs, to add a touch of elegance. The color also works well with metallic accents like gold or brass, enhancing its luxurious feel.

• Formal Attire in Fashion

  In fashion, Smalt can be used as a primary color for evening wear or formal attire, exuding sophistication and elegance. A Smalt-colored dress or suit can be accessorized with silver or gold jewelry to enhance its richness. It also works well as an accent color in accessories like scarves, handbags, or shoes. Pair it with neutral colors like black, white, or gray for a classic and versatile look, or combine it with complementary colors like orange or yellow for a bolder and more vibrant statement. The deep blue hue complements a variety of skin tones and can be flattering for different body types.

Complementary color

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