Smalt
General Information about #053B93 (Smalt)
#053B93, also known as Smalt, is a dark shade of blue with a strong presence. It belongs to the blue color family and exhibits a high level of saturation. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.0% red, 23.1% green, and 57.6% blue. The CMYK values are 97% cyan, 60% magenta, 0% yellow, and 42% black. Smalt's hexadecimal code is #053B93. Historically, smalt was a pigment made by grinding cobalt glass, giving it a distinctive blue hue. This color evokes feelings of depth, tranquility, and sophistication. Its usage in design requires careful consideration of contrast due to its darkness, which can impact accessibility if not paired with appropriate light colors. It is often used to convey trust, stability, and authority.
The color #053B93, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 4% means that text rendered in this color requires extremely high contrast ratios against light backgrounds to be legible. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is necessary for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet Level AA conformance. Given #053B93's darkness, it is advisable to use it sparingly for text and to ensure that it is paired with a very light background color such as white (#FFFFFF) or a very light gray. Careful consideration should be given to link states (hover, focus, active) to maintain sufficient contrast. For non-text elements, a contrast ratio of 3:1 is required against adjacent colors. Employing tools like contrast checkers can help ensure compliance and improve accessibility for all users.
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Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #053B93 can be used as a background color for headers or footers to create a sophisticated and professional look. It can also be employed as a highlight color for buttons or links, provided that sufficient contrast is maintained with the text color. Avoid using it as the primary text color due to accessibility concerns. Instead, combine it with lighter accent colors to balance visual appeal and usability. Consider using it for data visualizations where a deep, saturated blue is needed to represent specific data points.
Interior Design
In interior design, #053B93 (Smalt) can add a touch of elegance and depth to a room. It works well as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a calming and sophisticated ambiance. Pair it with lighter neutrals like beige or gray to prevent the space from feeling too dark. Additionally, it can be used for upholstery, cushions, or decorative accessories to introduce a pop of color without overwhelming the space. Metallic accents, such as gold or silver, can complement the richness of Smalt.
Fashion
In fashion, #053B93 can be used for evening wear or formal attire, offering a sophisticated and timeless look. It can be incorporated into dresses, suits, or accessories like scarves and handbags. Pair it with neutral colors like black, white, or gray for a classic ensemble. For a bolder statement, consider combining it with complementary colors like gold or yellow. The deep, saturated blue can also be used as an accent color in jewelry or other embellishments.