Cobalt
General Information
The hexadecimal color #024AC7, also known as Cobalt, is a deep shade of blue. It is composed of 0.8% red, 29% green, and 78% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (2, 74, 199). In the CMYK color model, it consists of 99% cyan, 63% magenta, 0% yellow, and 22% black. This color is frequently associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Cobalt blue has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was derived from cobalt minerals. It has been used extensively in art, ceramics, and various other applications due to its vibrant and lasting hue. Today, it remains a popular choice in graphic design, web development, and fashion. Its evocative nature makes it a versatile choice for conveying both calm and authoritative concepts.
The color #024AC7, a deep cobalt blue, presents several accessibility considerations for web design. Its relatively low lightness value requires careful selection of foreground text colors to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using white or very light shades of yellow or green as foreground text on a #024AC7 background can often meet these requirements. However, it's crucial to test the color combination using accessibility tools to confirm compliance. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that hover, focus, and active states also maintain sufficient contrast to provide clear visual cues for users, especially those with visual impairments. Avoid using this color for essential information if contrast cannot be adequately achieved, as it may render the content inaccessible to some users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast with darker text, making it more versatile for various design elements.
- #003399
A darker shade of blue that offers a more subdued and sophisticated feel, suitable for backgrounds or accents.
- #4169e1
A vibrant royal blue which will stand out more prominently on web pages.
Applications
Web Design
Cobalt blue is often used in website design to convey trust, stability, and professionalism. It's well-suited for the finance, technology, and healthcare industries. It can be used for backgrounds, headers, or accents to create a sophisticated and calming user experience. The deep blue can also effectively highlight calls to action when paired with contrasting colors like white or yellow. Utilizing this color requires a careful consideration of the other website components in order to ensure a visually appealing and user-friendly design.
Fashion
In fashion, cobalt blue is a striking color that can be used for both statement pieces and subtle accents. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, black, and white, as well as complementary colors like orange and yellow. Cobalt blue garments or accessories can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. The color can be incorporated into various fabrics and textures to achieve different effects, ranging from casual to formal. From dresses to accessories, cobalt blue provides a vibrant and attractive splash of color.
Interior Design
Cobalt blue can create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere in interior design. It can be used as an accent wall color, for upholstery, or for decorative accessories. It combines well with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and glass. Integrating cobalt blue can bring a sense of depth and richness to a room. Consider using it in bedrooms or living spaces for a calming effect, or in dining areas for a touch of elegance. It is vital to balance cobalt blue with lighter colors to avoid overwhelming the space. Combining it with creams, whites and light greys will brighten up any room.