Smalt
General Information about #032C98 (Smalt)
The hex color #032C98, often referred to as Smalt, is a deep, saturated blue with a notable presence. In the RGB color model, it consists of 1.2% red, 17.3% green, and 59.6% blue. This combination creates a color that is often associated with traits such as trust, intelligence, and authority. Smalt, historically derived from a ground glass containing cobalt, has been used in various applications from painting to dyeing. In the context of web design and digital interfaces, its dark hue needs careful consideration to ensure readability and accessibility, particularly concerning text contrast ratios. It is important to test its applicability in different interfaces.
The hex color #032C98, also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark hue. When used as a background color, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA standards. This color may not pass these guidelines with mid-tone grays or even some lighter shades. It's crucial to test color combinations using accessibility tools to ensure compliance. Using it for small UI elements or important information without proper contrast can exclude users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Therefore, careful consideration and testing are necessary for accessible design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Smalt (#032C98) can serve as a primary color for websites aiming to project trust, stability, and depth. It can be effectively used in headers, footers, and navigation bars, providing a strong visual anchor. When paired with lighter accent colors like yellows or whites, it creates a visually appealing and professional interface. However, careful consideration of text contrast is essential to ensure readability and accessibility. It's crucial to avoid using this dark blue for large blocks of text, opting instead for lighter backgrounds and dark text to improve user experience.
Fashion
In fashion, Smalt can be incorporated into elegant evening wear, formal suits, or sophisticated accessories like scarves and handbags. Its depth and richness evoke a sense of luxury and style. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver for a striking look, or with neutral tones like gray or beige for a more understated aesthetic. It's a versatile color that can be used to create both bold and subtle fashion statements. The color also works well on denim and other casual wear because of its durable and trustworthy nature.
Interior Design
In interior design, Smalt can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It can be used for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, bringing depth and character to the space. It complements natural materials like wood and stone, and pairs well with lighter colors like cream or beige for a balanced look. Consider using it in home offices and library settings because of its formal and trusted nature.