Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#042E97)
The hex color #042E97, also known as Smalt, is a dark shade of blue that belongs to the RGB color space. It is composed of 1.57% red, 18.04% green, and 59.22% blue. In the CMYK color model, its approximate values are 97% cyan, 69% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. Smalt is a historically significant pigment, originally made by grinding cobalt glass containing potassium. It was widely used in paintings and other art forms from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The color is known for its deep, rich hue and its ability to provide a sense of depth and sophistication. In modern applications, Smalt is often used in web design, graphic design, and branding to convey a sense of professionalism, trustworthiness, and stability. Due to its dark nature, it is crucial to consider color contrast when using it with text or other visual elements to ensure accessibility and readability.
The color #042E97, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using white (#FFFFFF) or a very light shade of gray as the text color would be crucial to meet these standards. It's important to avoid using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links without careful consideration of the color contrast. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can be used to verify compliance. Additionally, consider providing alternative color schemes for users with visual impairments or color blindness to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Background
Smalt (#042E97) can serve as a sophisticated background color for websites or applications aiming for a professional or technological aesthetic. Its deep, dark hue provides a sense of depth and can effectively highlight lighter-colored content, such as white or pastel text and graphics. In UI design, it can be utilized for navigation bars, headers, or side panels, creating a visually appealing contrast that guides the user's eye. However, careful consideration must be given to color contrast to ensure readability and accessibility, especially for users with visual impairments. The color evokes a feeling of reliability and trust, which is great for platforms that need to show professionalism, such as in the finance and banking industries. Furthermore, in data visualization, Smalt can represent a darker end of a scale, offering clear visual separation of data points.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, Smalt offers a versatile and elegant choice for evening wear, formal attire, or sophisticated casual outfits. Its deep blue tone exudes a sense of refinement and can be paired with various colors, from metallic accents like gold or silver to brighter hues like coral or magenta, to create striking contrasts. Smalt can also be used as a complementary color in patterns or prints, adding depth and visual interest. It is also found in winter clothing, such as coats and scarves. Smalt is an ideal choice for making a statement without being excessively bold, providing a polished and put-together look for various occasions. For accessories, it can be used to create elegant handbags or shoes.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Smalt serves as a striking accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative elements, creating a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Its deep blue hue evokes a sense of tranquility and can be used to add depth to a room. Smalt pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige, as well as natural materials like wood and stone, to create a balanced and inviting space. It can be used in living rooms to add a cozy atmosphere or in bedrooms to create a sense of relaxation. Additionally, Smalt can be incorporated into textiles, such as curtains, rugs, or throw pillows, to add visual interest and texture to the overall design scheme. This color is most often used in rooms that don't have lots of natural light.