Smalt
General Information about #073991 (Smalt)
The hex color #073991, also known as Smalt, is a deep, dark shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with feelings of trust, loyalty, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, #073991 is composed of 2.75% red, 22.35% green, and 56.86% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 95% cyan, 61% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. Smalt, historically, was a blue pigment made by grinding cobalt glass, imparting a rich blue hue to various artistic mediums. This particular shade of blue can evoke a sense of depth and tranquility, making it a popular choice for various design applications. Its hexadecimal code provides a standardized way to represent this color in digital environments, ensuring consistency across different platforms and devices. The color is very popular for classic styles.
The hex color #073991, also known as Smalt, presents certain accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background color for text. Due to its dark nature, it requires a light-colored text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #073991, it's crucial to verify that the chosen text color meets these contrast requirements to accommodate users with visual impairments. Tools like contrast checkers can be invaluable in making this determination. Furthermore, avoid using this color for crucial interactive elements without proper visual cues, as its darkness might obscure affordances. Providing sufficient visual differentiation is essential to ensure usability for all users, including those with color blindness or low vision. Consider adding borders or shadows to interactive elements to enhance their visibility.
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Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #073991 can be used for website headers or navigation bars to create a sense of sophistication and depth. Its deep blue hue pairs well with lighter shades of gray or white for text, ensuring readability. It can also be used for call-to-action buttons, especially when paired with a contrasting color like yellow or orange to draw attention. However, it's important to use this color sparingly, as too much dark blue can make a website feel heavy and overwhelming. Consider incorporating it as part of a larger color palette with lighter and more neutral tones to create a balanced and visually appealing user interface. It is also perfect for backgrounds in combination with transparency.
Interior Design
In interior design, #073991 can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms or living rooms, especially when paired with warm neutral colors like beige or cream. It can be used on walls, furniture, or as an accent color in decorative items like pillows or rugs. The deep blue hue evokes a sense of tranquility and can help create a relaxing environment. It also can be used for a wallpaper theme with golden accents to create a luxurious atmosphere. The color is very dark so in small rooms it is important to have enough light sources.
Fashion
In fashion, #073991 can be used to create elegant and classic looks. It's a versatile color that can be worn in various settings, from casual to formal. It works well in dresses, suits, or as an accent color in accessories like scarves or handbags. The deep blue hue evokes a sense of sophistication and can be paired with a variety of other colors, such as gold, silver, or white. It’s a strong color so needs to be balanced well with a lighter secondary color.