Smalt
General Information about #042497
The hexadecimal color code #042497, commonly referred to as Smalt, represents a dark shade of blue. It is composed of 1.57% red, 14.12% green, and 59.22% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:4, G:36, B:151. The corresponding CMYK values are C:97, M:76, Y:0, K:41, indicating a high concentration of cyan and magenta. Smalt's primary characteristic is its deep, rich tone, often associated with sophistication and depth. This color evokes feelings of trust, stability, and calmness, and is often used in branding and design to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. Historically, smalt refers to a blue pigment made by grinding cobalt glass, which explains its characteristic hue.
The hex color #042497, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its very low luminance value of approximately 1 makes it difficult to discern text or elements rendered in this color against a dark background. According to WCAG guidelines, it fails all contrast ratio tests for normal text (4.5:1) and large text (3:1) against white (#FFFFFF). To improve accessibility, it is crucial to pair #042497 with very light colors like white, light gray (#D3D3D3), or bright yellow (#FFFF00). Using text shadows or borders can also aid in readability. If you are using this color for interactive elements, ensure sufficient visual cues are provided, such as hover effects or underlines, to meet accessibility standards for users with visual impairments.
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Applications
User Interface Design
In user interface design, #042497 can serve as a primary color for navigation bars or side menus, especially for websites targeting corporate or educational audiences. It conveys trust and professionalism. For optimal user experience, ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements. Employing a lighter tint or shade for hover states can further enhance usability, indicating interactive functionality. However, using #042497 for the main body text should be avoided because of accessibility issues. Consider pairing it with colors like light grays or whites to maintain readability and compliance with accessibility standards.
Interior Design
In interior design, Smalt (#042497) introduces a sophisticated and calming ambiance to spaces. As a dark, muted blue, it works effectively as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms. To balance its depth, pair it with lighter hues such as creamy whites or light grays for furniture and textiles. Incorporating metallic accents like gold or silver can elevate the aesthetic, adding a touch of luxury. This color creates a serene atmosphere, ideal for spaces designed for relaxation and contemplation. However, because of its darkness it should not be the main color in small spaces.
Fashion Design
In fashion, this dark blue (#042497) can be a staple color for creating professional and sophisticated looks. Use it for blazers, skirts, or trousers in business attire. When accessorizing, consider pairing it with neutral colors like beige or gray for a subtle and elegant style. For a bolder statement, combine with brighter colors such as mustard yellow or fuchsia pink. This color works well in formal wear and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall outfit. The hex color is best suited for evening wear or formal occasions due to its dark tone.