Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#052A93)
The hex color #052A93, commonly referred to as Smalt, is a deep, saturated blue hue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.0% red, 16.5% green, and 57.6% blue. This substantial amount of blue gives Smalt its distinctive and powerful presence. It falls under the category of dark blue colors, often associated with qualities like intelligence, stability, and authority. Historically, smalt was a pigment made by grinding cobalt glass, used extensively in paintings and ceramics. The digital rendition, #052A93, recreates the essence of this traditional pigment for modern applications in web design, graphic arts, and other creative fields. Due to its dark nature, it is often used as an accent color or a background to highlight lighter elements.
The hex color #052A93, also known as Smalt, presents certain accessibility challenges, especially when used as a primary background or text color. Its dark hue results in a low luminance value, which means that insufficient contrast with lighter text or interface elements can make content difficult to read for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair #052A93 with significantly lighter colors that meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Using tools to check color contrast is advisable during the design process. Avoid using this color for crucial interactive elements without careful consideration of its contrast against adjacent colors. Additionally, providing alternative styling options for users who require higher contrast can greatly improve the user experience.
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Applications
Web Design: Corporate Branding
Smalt (#052A93) can be used to create a sophisticated and trustworthy look. It is best used for headings, backgrounds, or accents, paired with lighter colors for readability. In UI design, it can define a primary brand color to give a sense of authority and stability. Consider using it sparingly for best effect.
Interior Design: Accent Color
In interior design, Smalt can serve as an accent wall color or be incorporated into furniture pieces to add depth and richness to a room. It pairs well with neutral tones like gray, beige, or white, and can be complemented with metallic accents like gold or silver for a touch of luxury. The deep blue provides a calming effect, making it suitable for bedrooms or living spaces.
Fashion: Evening Wear
Smalt evokes a sense of mystery and sophistication. In fashion, this color can be used for elegant evening wear or as an accent color in accessories. It complements a variety of skin tones and can be paired with neutral colors like black, white, or gray, or with bolder colors like gold or red for a striking contrast. The color is often found on jewelry, dresses, or formal wear.