Smalt
General Information about #033C98
The hex color #033C98, also known as Smalt, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its strong presence and association with qualities like trust, intelligence, and stability. In the RGB color model, #033C98 is composed of 1.2% red, 23.5% green, and 59.6% blue. Its CMYK values are 97%, 60%, 0%, and 40%. This color is often used in corporate branding and design to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. Smalt, historically, was a pigment made from potassium glass colored with cobalt, and ground to a moderately fine powder, used for producing blues in painting, and for other decorative purposes. The digital color #033C98 evokes the historical use of the pigment while offering a consistent and readily available shade for modern applications.
The hex color #033C98, a deep shade of blue, presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of accessibility. When used as a foreground color, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of #033C98, lighter colors like white, yellow, or very light shades of gray are suitable background options to meet these contrast requirements. Using a color contrast checker is highly advised to confirm compliance. Furthermore, avoid using #033C98 as the sole means of conveying important information, as users with visual impairments may struggle to differentiate it from similar dark colors. Providing alternative cues, such as text labels or icons, can enhance accessibility for a broader audience. It’s important to consider that individuals perceive color differently, and testing with various color blindness simulators can help identify potential issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366cc
A slightly lighter blue, #3366CC provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #003366
For situations requiring higher contrast, #003366 offers a darker alternative that can be paired with very light text.
- #6699CC
This color is a softer more muted version of the main color and works well in backgrounds
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #033C98 can serve as a primary color for websites aiming to convey trust, stability, and professionalism. It's suitable for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons, especially when combined with contrasting colors for emphasis. Using it thoughtfully creates a sense of sophistication and reliability for the users, and when combined with the right fonts, it allows the user to easily navigate.
Interior Design
In interior design, #033C98 can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well as an accent color in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. Pair it with neutral colors like gray or beige to create a balanced and inviting space. Use sparingly on large surface areas as it might make the room look smaller.
Fashion
In fashion, #033C98 can be incorporated into formal wear, such as suits or dresses, to project an image of confidence and authority. It can also be used as an accent color in accessories like ties or scarves. This is a very versatile color which can be paired with warm and cool colors.