Smalt
General Information about #032598
The color #032598, also known as Smalt, is a deep shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family, which is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. In the RGB color model, #032598 is composed of 1.18% red, 14.51% green, and 59.61% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 98% cyan, 76% magenta, 0% yellow, and 40% black. This color is often used in branding and design to convey a sense of professionalism, authority, and sophistication. Its darkness adds depth and a sense of elegance to any design. Smalt, the historical name, refers to a pigment made by grinding cobalt glass, demonstrating its long-standing presence in art and design. This color is generally perceived as calming and reliable.
The color #032598, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its very dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against standard light backgrounds like white. This can make it difficult for users with visual impairments, such as low vision or color blindness, to read text rendered in this color. To enhance accessibility, it's essential to pair #032598 with very light colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays for text and interactive elements. Adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements is crucial. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Utilizing color contrast analyzers can help ensure compliance and improve the overall user experience. The use of this color should be carefully considered in UI design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against light backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A darker shade of blue that works well as a background color when paired with light text.
A vibrant blue that provides high contrast for interactive elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #032598 can serve as a sophisticated background color for website headers or footers. The deep blue evokes a sense of trust and professionalism, making it suitable for corporate websites or financial institutions. It can be paired with lighter shades of blue or white for text and other interactive elements to ensure readability. However, care should be taken to avoid using it for large blocks of text due to potential accessibility issues, instead, it is suitable for accents.
Interior Design
In interior design, Smalt can be used to create a calming and serene atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. The color works well as an accent wall or for upholstery, providing a touch of elegance and depth. It can be complemented with neutral tones like beige or gray, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. The color adds a sense of depth and works as great accent color paired with bright backgrounds.
Fashion
In fashion, this hue works nicely for evening wear and formal attire, lending an air of sophistication and refinement. It can be used for dresses, suits, or accessories, and pairs beautifully with metallic accents such as silver or gold. However, it is not appropriate for all skin tones and careful consideration should be given to the overall look and feel of the outfit. It can be paired with lighter shades such as white or grey to make a nice contrast.