Smalt
General Information about #072A91
#072A91, also known as Smalt, is a deep, saturated blue hue that conveys feelings of sophistication, stability, and depth. It belongs to the blue color family, which is often associated with calmness, trust, and intelligence. In the RGB color model, #072A91 is composed of 2.75% red, 16.47% green, and 56.86% blue. Its hexadecimal representation makes it easy to use in digital design and web development. Smalt, historically, was a pigment made by grinding cobalt glass. Its modern usage extends to branding, digital interfaces, and even fashion, where a rich, deep blue is desired.
The color #072A91, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its dark hue. Its low luminance value results in poor contrast when used with lighter text or interface elements, potentially causing readability issues for users with visual impairments. To ensure inclusivity, it is crucial to use #072A91 with sufficiently contrasting colors, such as bright yellows or whites, adhering to WCAG guidelines for color contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, consider providing alternative visual cues or text labels alongside color-coded information to cater to users who may have difficulty distinguishing colors. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is essential to validate the color choices and ensure a positive user experience for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter blue that provides better contrast on white backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility.
- #333333
A dark grey that can serve as a neutral alternative, ensuring sufficient contrast with various text colors.
- #1e40af
Similar to #072A91 but slightly lighter and brighter, ensuring a better contrast ratio for accessibility while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #072A91 can be used for website headers, navigation bars, or as an accent color to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, due to its dark nature, it should be paired carefully with lighter colors for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It can also be used for creating background elements that recede visually, allowing other elements to pop and be more easily noticeable by users. It can be effective for conveying stability and professionalism.
Interior Design
In interior design, #072A91 can be employed as a wall color in studies or libraries to evoke a sense of tranquility and intellectual focus. It pairs well with natural wood tones and metallic accents such as gold or silver. As a dark color, it works best in well-lit rooms or as an accent wall to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed. Cushions and decoratives elements are other possibilities.
Fashion
In fashion, #072A91 can be incorporated into evening wear or formal attire to project an image of elegance and authority. It can be used in suits, dresses, or accessories like ties and scarves. It is often paired with lighter colors or metallic accents to provide contrast and visual interest. It also serves well as a base for other colors, allowing accessories with brighter colors to really pop.