Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#073291)
The hex color #073291, also known as Smalt, is a deep, saturated blue hue. It belongs to the blue color family and evokes feelings of sophistication, trustworthiness, and depth. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.75% red, 19.61% green, and 56.86% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 95% cyan, 66% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. Smalt, historically, was a pigment made from potassium glass colored with cobalt, used for centuries in paintings and ceramics. This hex code represents a digital approximation of that traditional color, offering a rich and stable blue for modern design applications.
The hex color #073291, a deep shade of blue also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to select foreground text colors that offer sufficient contrast to ensure readability. White or very light shades of yellow and green would likely be the best choices. Tools like the WebAIM contrast checker can be invaluable in determining if the contrast ratio meets WCAG guidelines for different levels of compliance (AA or AAA). It is necessary to avoid using this color for text as it would be very difficult to read against a light background. Considering users with visual impairments or color blindness is essential, ensuring your color choices do not exclude a portion of your audience. Also consider providing alternative styling via CSS for high contrast mode.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e90ff
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast for text and other elements.
- #000080
A darker blue that can be used for backgrounds and elements requiring higher visual prominence.
- #4682b4
A similar blue with a slightly different hue, offering a variation while maintaining the overall aesthetic.
Applications
Website Design
Smalt (#073291) can be effectively used as a primary color in website designs for businesses in the tech or finance sectors. Its depth conveys professionalism and trustworthiness. Use it for headers, navigation bars, and key call-to-action buttons. To create a balanced and visually appealing website, pair it with neutral colors like light gray or white for the background and complementary colors for accent elements. This color is also great for generating a dark themed user interface for applications.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Smalt can be used for creating elegant evening wear or sophisticated business attire. Imagine a flowing evening gown in this deep blue, paired with silver accessories for a touch of glamour. For business wear, a Smalt blazer or skirt can add a touch of color to a classic black or gray ensemble. This color works particularly well with cool skin tones and can be accessorized with silver, white gold or diamond jewlery.
Interior Design
Smalt can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in interior design. It's particularly well-suited for bedrooms or studies, where a sense of tranquility is desired. Use it as an accent wall color, paired with light gray or beige for the other walls. Accessorize with natural materials like wood and linen to create a warm and inviting space. Smalt is also a great color for velvet furniture, such as sofas or armchairs.