Smalt
General Information About Smalt
The color #023899, also known as Smalt, is a deep, saturated blue that belongs to the blue color family. It has a hexadecimal color code of #023899, which translates to 2 red, 56 green, and 153 blue in the RGB color space. In the CMYK color space, it is composed of 99% cyan, 63% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. Smalt, historically, refers to a blue pigment made by grinding cobalt glass. This hex color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication, similar to navy or other deep blues. Its usage can range from creating a sense of trust and professionalism in web design to adding a touch of elegance in interior design or fashion. Being a dark color, it's important to consider contrast when using it for text or backgrounds.
The hex color #023899, also known as Smalt, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a text color on a white or very light background. Its low luminance value of approximately 2 means that the contrast ratio can be insufficient for users with visual impairments, as defined by WCAG guidelines. To improve accessibility, it's essential to pair this color with a very light text color such as white (#FFFFFF), ensuring a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Alternatively, using #023899 for larger graphical elements or as a background color with adequately contrasting text can also mitigate accessibility issues. Always test color combinations with accessibility evaluation tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and accommodate users with diverse visual needs.
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Applications
Web Design
In web design, #023899 can be used for navigation bars, headers, or as an accent color to draw attention to important elements. Its deep, rich hue adds a touch of sophistication and can be particularly effective in websites for financial institutions, educational platforms, or corporate intranets where a sense of trust and authority is desired. When pairing with other colors, consider using lighter shades of blue or complementary colors like yellow to ensure readability and visual balance. Avoid using it as the primary color for large blocks of text due to its low luminance and potential accessibility concerns.
Interior Design
In interior design, Smalt (#023899) can be incorporated as an accent color in furniture, wall art, or decorative accessories to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Its deep blue hue evokes a sense of tranquility and can be particularly effective in bedrooms, living rooms, or studies. When using this color, consider pairing it with neutral tones like white, gray, or beige to balance its intensity and create a harmonious and inviting space. It can also be combined with warm metallic accents like gold or brass to add a touch of luxury and elegance.
Fashion
In fashion, #023899 can be used in clothing or accessories to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. This color works particularly well for evening wear, formal attire, or statement pieces like handbags and scarves. To create a balanced and stylish look, consider pairing it with neutral colors such as black, white, or gray. For a bolder statement, incorporate complementary colors like mustard yellow or burnt orange. This color can also be used in athletic wear. It can also be used for branding and logos.