Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#033794)
The color #033794, commonly known as Smalt, is a deep, muted shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and carries a sense of depth, stability, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 1.18% red, 21.57% green, and 58.04% blue. This color is often associated with trust, intelligence, and authority, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional settings. Historically, Smalt refers to a blue pigment made from potassium glass colored with cobalt, often used in painting and ceramics. Its modern digital representation maintains this historical essence while adapting it for contemporary applications. The color is perceived as calming and can evoke feelings of tranquility and confidence, contributing to its widespread use in various design fields.
The hex color #033794, also known as Smalt, presents considerable accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its low luminance value (dark) necessitates careful pairing with contrasting colors to ensure readability and usability. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for users with visual impairments. For text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended against its background, while large text requires a ratio of 3:1. When #033794 is used for interactive elements like buttons or links, it's vital to provide clear visual cues, such as borders or distinct hover states, to enhance discoverability. Using color contrast checking tools is highly advisable to validate compliance with accessibility standards and create an inclusive user experience. Insufficient contrast can exclude users with low vision or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #214e8c
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a professional feel but offers better contrast against white backgrounds.
- #3b5998
A more vibrant blue that is attention-grabbing and can be used for highlights or accents.
- #6c757d
A neutral gray that can complement the dark blue without creating excessive contrast.
Applications
Website Design
Smalt (#033794) can be used to create elegant and professional website designs. Its dark, muted tone is ideal for backgrounds, headers, and other design elements where a sense of stability and trustworthiness is desired. When pairing with text, consider using a light color like white or a pale yellow to ensure readability. Incorporating this color into a website's design can convey sophistication and reliability, making it suitable for businesses in finance, law, or technology.
Interior Design
In interior design, Smalt can be used as an accent color to add depth and richness to a room. It pairs well with neutral colors like beige, gray, and white, and can be used on walls, furniture, or decorative accessories. Its dark hue creates a sense of coziness and can be particularly effective in bedrooms or living rooms. Consider using metallic accents like gold or silver to enhance its elegance.
Fashion
Smalt is a versatile color in fashion, often used for formal wear or sophisticated casual outfits. It can be found in suits, dresses, and outerwear, conveying a sense of professionalism and style. It pairs well with neutral colors like black, white, and gray, as well as with brighter accent colors like red or yellow. Consider using Smalt in accessories like scarves or handbags to add a touch of elegance to any outfit.