Smalt
General Information about #032A94 (Smalt)
The hex color code #032A94 represents a dark shade of blue, often referred to as Smalt. It is composed of 1.18% red, 16.47% green, and 58.04% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to (3, 42, 148). Smalt, historically a pigment made from potassium glass colored with cobalt, is known for its rich, deep blue hue. In modern color theory, #032A94 is often associated with qualities such as trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It is frequently used in corporate branding to project stability and reliability. The color's darkness suggests a sense of depth and seriousness, making it suitable for industries like finance, technology, and healthcare, where trustworthiness is paramount. The perceived intensity of this color can also evoke feelings of calmness and serenity when used appropriately.
The color #032A94, a deep and saturated blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, ideally aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 as recommended by WCAG guidelines for normal text. For larger text or graphical elements, a contrast ratio of 3:1 may be acceptable. Due to its darkness, using this color for text on a white background is generally not advisable. When incorporating #032A94 into a design, it's essential to conduct thorough accessibility testing with tools like contrast checkers and screen readers, especially for users with visual impairments or color blindness. It is recommended to consider providing alternative color schemes or user-adjustable color settings to enhance accessibility for a wider audience. The intensity of this hue may also cause visual strain for some users if used extensively.
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Applications
Financial Website Design
This deep blue can be used as a primary color in a website design for a financial institution to convey trust, stability, and professionalism. It is often combined with neutral tones such as gray and white to create a clean and modern look. The color can be applied to headers, buttons, and other key elements of the website to draw attention and create a consistent brand identity. Careful consideration should be given to contrast ratios to ensure readability and accessibility for all users.
Fashion Design
In fashion, #032A94 can be used for elegant evening wear or sophisticated business attire. The color evokes a sense of formality and refinement, making it suitable for garments such as dresses, suits, and blouses. It pairs well with metallic accessories like silver or gold, and can be complemented by neutral colors such as black, white, or beige. When designing with this color, it is important to consider the fabric and texture to enhance its visual impact.
Interior Design - Accent Color
In interior design, this color makes an excellent accent wall in an office or study. Complement with lighter neutral colors to create a professional atmosphere. Consider using #032A94 in textiles, such as pillows or curtains to bring depth and contrast to a room with lighter wall colors. Metallic accents and natural wood tones can help to create a balanced and appealing visual scheme.