Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#033995)
The color #033995, commonly known as Smalt, is a deep shade of blue within the blue color family. It's a color characterized by its high blue saturation and low brightness, giving it a dark and somewhat muted appearance. Historically, 'Smalt' refers to a blue pigment made by grinding cobalt glass, which explains the color's rich and slightly opaque quality. In color theory, Smalt is considered a cool color, often associated with feelings of tranquility, depth, and sophistication. Its hex code, #033995, precisely defines its composition in the digital realm, allowing for consistent reproduction across various media. It is not a very common color, so it is mostly used for creative fields that require uncommon looks.
The color #033995, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of 0.013 fails to provide sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, making text or interactive elements difficult to perceive. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Smalt falls far short of these recommendations, necessitating careful consideration of color pairings. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair Smalt with much lighter colors, ensuring a high contrast ratio. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine the suitability of color combinations. Furthermore, providing alternative cues, such as icons or text labels, alongside color can enhance usability for all users, regardless of their visual abilities. When using #033995 avoid small fonts, and provide alternative text or descriptions.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast for text and interface elements, enhancing readability and usability.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can serve as a background color to make #033995 stand out while maintaining sufficient contrast.
- #000080
Another darker blue shade but offers better readability because it is more common.
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, Smalt can be used sparingly for accent elements such as borders, decorative lines, or small icons. Due to its dark nature and the accessibility concerns it raises, it is best avoided for large blocks of text or critical interactive components. When using it for links or buttons, ensure a high contrast state on hover or focus to provide clear visual feedback to the user. Consider pairing it with lighter complementary colors to balance its intensity. Using it for backgrounds of charts should be avoided because the readability can suffer.
Beauty and Fashion Accents
In the realm of beauty and fashion, Smalt can be incorporated into eye shadow palettes, nail polish collections, or as an accent color in clothing. It can evoke a sense of sophistication and depth, particularly when paired with metallic or neutral tones. As an eye shadow it is best used in combination with lighter colors, to give the best possible appearance. Consider using it as a small element in your overall look.
Interior Design Accents
Smalt can be used as an accent color in interior design, for example, in decorative pillows, vases, or artwork. It works well in spaces where a touch of elegance and depth is desired. However, it's important to balance it with lighter, brighter colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark or somber. It is best used in moderation. Consider other options when you want to paint an entire wall with it.