Smalt
General Information about #053093 (Smalt)
The color #053093, also known as Smalt, is a dark shade of blue that falls within the deep indigo spectrum. It is characterized by its strong saturation and low lightness value, giving it a rich and intense appearance. Smalt historically refers to a pigment made from ground blue glass containing cobalt, commonly used in paints, ceramics, and other artistic applications. In modern color theory, #053093 can evoke feelings of trust, stability, and intelligence, making it suitable for branding and designs related to professional services, institutions, and technology. Its hexadecimal value represents the combination of red, green, and blue light that, when mixed, produces this specific shade of blue.
The color #053093, a deep and saturated blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text, it necessitates a light background to ensure readability, adhering to WCAG guidelines for contrast ratios. Conversely, as a background color, it demands light-colored text for optimal legibility. This color's darkness can pose difficulties for users with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness. Thoroughly evaluating color contrast is crucial to guarantee content accessibility. Employing contrast checking tools during design and development aids in verifying adherence to accessibility standards. Furthermore, providing alternative color schemes or adjustable contrast settings empowers users to customize their viewing experience according to individual needs, improving overall usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e90ff
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds.
- #4682b4
A desaturated blue that is less intense and easier on the eyes.
- #003366
If you want to achieve a sophisticated look but with a more accessible alternative. Try #003366. It is darker, providing better contrast on light backgrounds, while keeping a similarly professional and elegant feel.
Applications
Web Design - Formal and Trustworthy UI
In web design, #053093 is used to create a sense of depth and formality. It is suitable for header backgrounds, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons on websites related to finance, education, or government. However, its usage requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability and accessibility, especially for body text. When incorporated in UI elements, the color evokes trust and professionalism but needs balancing with lighter shades to avoid overwhelming the user experience.
Interior Design - Elegant Accent Color
In interior design, #053093 brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to spaces. It can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a calming and serene environment. The color pairs well with neutral tones such as gray, beige, and white, as well as metallic accents like gold or silver. However, excessive use of this dark shade can make a room feel smaller, so it should be balanced with lighter elements and good lighting.
Data visualization
Smalt (#053093) can be effectively used in data visualization to represent significant or critical data points. Due to its strong visual presence, it effectively draws attention to specific areas in charts and graphs, especially when used sparingly against lighter backgrounds. To maintain clarity, it's recommended to use this color for key data elements while employing lighter or more neutral colors for supporting information. This ensures the data is both informative and aesthetically pleasing, avoiding visual clutter and improving user engagement.