Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt (#0540AE)
The hexadecimal color code #0540AE, also known as Cobalt, represents a deep, vibrant shade of blue. It's composed of 2% red, 25% green, and 68% blue. In the RGB color model, it is created by mixing a small amount of red and green with a significant amount of blue. Cobalt is frequently associated with stability, depth, and trustworthiness, making it a popular choice in branding and design where these qualities are valued. Historically, cobalt pigments have been used in art and ceramics for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. Its strong blue hue can create a sense of sophistication and authority, although it must be used carefully to avoid feeling cold or distant. When used on the web, remember about accessibility.
The hex color #0540ae, also known as Cobalt, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text to ensure readability. A light gray or white text color would be ideal. It's important to avoid using this color for essential information if the foreground text doesn't provide sufficient contrast. Tools like the WebAIM contrast checker can be used to assess color combinations and ensure compliance with WCAG guidelines. Also consider individuals with visual impairments, to whom low contrast can be especially problematic. Furthermore, in interactive elements such as buttons, ensure the different states (hover, focus, active) maintain adequate contrast to provide clear visual feedback. Context is crucial; for purely decorative purposes, contrast might be less critical.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Development
In web development, cobalt (#0540ae) can be employed as a primary brand color for tech companies or institutions seeking to convey sophistication and trust. It can be used in website headers, call-to-action buttons, and interactive elements. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other UI elements to meet accessibility standards. It works well in combination with white or light gray for text and backgrounds. In data visualizations, it can represent a specific category or data set.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, cobalt can be used as an accent color in modern or minimalist spaces. It can be incorporated through furniture, artwork, or decorative objects. Cobalt walls can create a dramatic and sophisticated effect in living rooms or home offices, especially when balanced with lighter neutral tones. For fashion, cobalt is a popular choice for statement pieces like dresses, jackets, or accessories. It can be paired with neutral colors like black, white, or gray for a classic look or with bolder colors like yellow or fuchsia for a more vibrant effect.
Beauty, Photography and Graphic Design
In the beauty industry, cobalt is often used in eyeshadows, eyeliners, and nail polishes to create striking looks. It can be used to add a pop of color to the eyes or nails. In photography and graphic design, cobalt can be used to create visually appealing images and designs. It can be used as a background color, a accent color, or a gradient color.