Smalt

General Information about Smalt

The hexadecimal color #062896, commonly known as Smalt, is a deep shade of blue. It is derived from the mineral smalt, a potassium cobaltosilicate glass containing cobalt, which was used to produce blue pigments in ceramics, glass, and paintings, particularly during the 17th and 19th centuries. Smalt blue is associated with qualities such as depth, stability, and sophistication. In color psychology, blue often represents trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It is a calming color that can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Smalt's particular depth gives it a sense of formality and can evoke feelings of respect and authority. It's a color that can be effectively used to represent professionalism and integrity in design and branding.

The color #062896, a deep smalt blue, presents some accessibility challenges primarily due to its low luminance. When used as a background color, it requires light-colored text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text, as per WCAG guidelines. Using tools to check contrast ratios is crucial. For individuals with visual impairments, especially those with low vision or color blindness, insufficient contrast can render text illegible. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, it's important to provide additional visual cues, such as underlines or borders, to enhance discernibility. Consider users who may be accessing the content in bright sunlight or on devices with low-quality screens, as this can further reduce visibility. Ensuring proper color contrast will lead to a more inclusive and user-friendly design.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design

  Smalt can be used to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere in web design. Its depth makes it suitable for backgrounds, headers, or accent colors. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige. It can be used for websites related to finance, technology, or education, where a sense of trust and reliability is important. In UI design, it can be used for primary buttons or navigation elements, especially when combined with a lighter secondary color to create visual interest. Also, because of it's resemblance of dark ocean water, it could be used for webpages about diving or travel.

• Fashion & Beauty

  Smalt can be used as an accent color in fashion, particularly in evening wear or formal attire. It can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to an outfit. When used in accessories such as scarves or handbags, it can complement neutral-colored clothing. Its association with royalty and luxury makes it suitable for high-end fashion brands. This color can also be used in cosmetic packaging, particularly for products aimed at mature consumers. In interior design, it is often used as a calming color in bedrooms or to create a focal point in living rooms. Overall it is a very versatile color in fashion and beauty.

• Branding

  In branding, smalt can convey trustworthiness, intelligence, and stability. It's a suitable color for financial institutions, tech companies, and educational organizations seeking to establish credibility. The color can be used in logos, websites, and marketing materials to create a cohesive brand identity. It pairs well with gold or silver accents for a luxurious touch, or with lighter blues and greens for a more approachable feel. When combined with modern typography and clean design, smalt can create a professional and sophisticated brand image that resonates with its target audience. It is often seen in corporate styleguides.

Complementary color

Buttons