Smalt
General Information about #033898 (Smalt)
The hex color #033898, also known as Smalt, is a dark shade of blue that falls within the blue color family. Smalt, historically, refers to a deep blue pigment made by grinding cobalt glass. In the RGB color model, #033898 consists of 1.2% red, 21.96% green, and 59.61% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 97% cyan, 63% magenta, 0% yellow, and 40% black. This color is often associated with feelings of trust, loyalty, and intelligence. It is frequently used in corporate branding to convey stability and reliability. Its hexadecimal representation allows for precise color specification in digital media, ensuring consistent appearance across different devices and platforms. The color's low saturation and dark value contribute to its calming and serious demeanor.
The hex color #033898, also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Due to its low luminance, text rendered in this color against a white background might lack sufficient contrast, making it difficult to read. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, using #033898 for text requires careful consideration of the background color. Lighter backgrounds or text enhancements like bolding or increasing font size may improve readability. When used for interactive elements, ensure sufficient visual cues beyond color alone are present to aid users who cannot distinguish between colors. It is generally recommended to use contrast checking tools to verify compliance with accessibility standards before deploying this color in web applications.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5cb8
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving readability and contrast against white backgrounds.
- #022a73
A deeper, richer blue that provides better contrast for text and other elements, making it more accessible.
- #a7c4ed
A lighter blue that can be used as a background color with #033898 as text color to ensure high contrast.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Smalt (#033898) can be used to create a sophisticated and professional look for websites, especially in the financial or technology sectors. It can be applied to headers, navigation bars, or as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements. The color evokes feelings of trust and reliability, which are crucial for building credibility online. When using this color, it is important to ensure that the website is accessible to all users by adhering to web accessibility standards. Combine it carefully with lighter colors to improve readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, #033898 can be used to create a calming and serene atmosphere in a room. It works well in bedrooms or home offices where a sense of tranquility is desired. It can be used on walls, furniture, or as an accent color in decorative items. Combining it with neutral tones like white, gray, or beige can create a balanced and sophisticated look. The color also pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, creating a warm and inviting space.
Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, Smalt (#033898) can be used to create elegant and stylish clothing items. The deep blue color conveys sophistication and professionalism, making it suitable for business attire or formal wear. It can be used as the main color of a garment or as an accent color in accessories such as scarves or handbags. This color can be combined with other colors to create different looks. For example, pairing it with white can create a classic and timeless look, while combining it with gold or silver can add a touch of glamour.