Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#023596)
The hex color #023596, also known as Smalt, is a deep shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and evokes feelings of calmness, sophistication, and depth. In the RGB color model, #023596 is composed of 0.78% red, 20.78% green, and 58.82% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 99% cyan, 64% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. This color is often associated with trust, loyalty, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and designs aimed at conveying stability and reliability. Smalt has historical significance as a pigment used in paints and dyes, adding to its rich character and appeal.
The hex color #023596, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Using standard black text on #023596 would fail miserably, making the content illegible for many users, especially those with visual impairments. Designers should carefully evaluate contrast ratios using accessibility tools and adjust color choices accordingly, considering lighter shades of blue or pairing #023596 with high-contrast accents to improve the overall user experience and ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #023596 can be used for navigation bars or headers, providing a sophisticated and professional look. It pairs well with clean, minimalist designs. However, due to its darkness, it's crucial to use it sparingly and ensure that any text or icons placed on this background have adequate contrast. Using this color in data visualizations as a bar or point color is not advised, and you must provide high contrast labels and surrounding context for the user.
Interior Design
In interior design, #023596 can serve as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, creating a calming and elegant atmosphere. It complements natural wood tones and metallic accents. However, it is essential to balance the dark hue with lighter elements to prevent the room from feeling too closed-in. Think of art deco or maximalist themes when trying to incorporate this hue.
Fashion
In fashion, #023596 can be used in evening wear or formal attire, conveying a sense of sophistication and depth. It works well with silk, velvet, or other luxurious fabrics. When incorporating this color into an outfit, consider accessorizing with lighter colors or metallics to provide contrast and visual interest. For makeup, a natural palette would fit this dark color.