Smalt
General Information about #042994 (Smalt)
The hexadecimal color #042994, commonly referred to as Smalt, is a dark shade of blue situated within the broader blue color family. It's characterized by its relatively low lightness value, contributing to its deep and intense appearance. In the RGB color model, #042994 is composed of 1.57% red, 16.08% green, and 58.04% blue. This composition highlights the dominance of blue, which defines its overall hue. The Smalt color is often associated with feelings of trust, stability, and depth. In color psychology, dark blues are frequently used to represent authority, knowledge, and professionalism. Its dark quality can also evoke a sense of mystery and sophistication, making it a popular choice in various design applications.
The hex color #042994, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low lightness value. This dark blue hue provides insufficient contrast when paired with lighter text colors like white or yellow, making content difficult to read for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use a color contrast checker to verify a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, as recommended by WCAG guidelines. A lighter shade of yellow or a very light shade of gray will work, but a pure white on #042994 is not advisable. When using #042994 for interactive elements, always provide alternative visual cues, such as underlines or icons, to enhance usability for all users, including those with color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #042994 can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or sidebars, creating a sense of depth and professionalism. Its darkness is ideal for highlighting white or light-colored text, but careful consideration is necessary to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. It can also be used for subtle accents and button highlights, especially when aiming for a clean and corporate design. Always test the color combination on different screens to guarantee consistency in visual rendering and to prevent accessibility issues across a variety of display devices.
Interior Design
In interior design, #042994 can be utilized to create a calming and elegant atmosphere. It's particularly effective in bedrooms or studies, where it can promote relaxation and focus. The color works well as an accent wall or for furniture upholstery. When pairing it with other colors, consider using lighter neutrals or warm tones to balance the intensity of the blue. Accents of gold or brass can also enhance the luxurious feel of a space incorporating #042994.
Beauty and Fashion
In the beauty industry, Smalt (#042994) can be a striking choice for nail polish or eyeshadow, particularly for evening wear. Its deep hue adds a touch of mystery and sophistication, complementing a variety of skin tones. When used in makeup, it is often paired with metallic accents or shimmering highlights to create a dynamic and glamorous look. For fashion design it can be a good color for evening dresses or winter coats.