Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt (#074AAD)
The color #074AAD, often referred to as Cobalt, is a deep and vibrant shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and intelligence. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its rich, saturated tone. In the RGB color model, #074AAD is composed of 2.75% red, 29.02% green, and 67.84% blue. In the CMYK color model, commonly used in printing, it consists of 96% cyan, 57% magenta, 0% yellow, and 32% black. Its hexadecimal representation, #074AAD, is widely used in web design and digital media for specifying colors accurately. Cobalt blue has a significant presence in art, design, and culture, often associated with royalty, sophistication, and professionalism.
The hex color #074AAD, also known as Cobalt, presents specific accessibility considerations, particularly in web design. Its relatively low lightness value (resulting in a dark appearance) necessitates careful selection of foreground colors to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text against background colors. Using white or very light shades of yellow or green as foreground text on a #074AAD background can generally meet these requirements. Tools such as contrast checkers can accurately determine compliance. Furthermore, relying solely on color to convey information should be avoided; supplementary cues like text labels or icons should be incorporated to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. When using this color for interactive elements, ensure sufficient visual affordance to signify interactivity and state changes. It's also important to test the color scheme across different devices and browsers to confirm consistent rendering and accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5cb8
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still retains the essence of Cobalt but offers improved contrast when used as a background.
- #5f9ea0
A muted grayish-blue that can be used as a more subtle alternative for backgrounds or text, providing a calming effect.
- #003399
A deeper, richer blue that provides a strong visual presence and can be used for accents or headings.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #074AAD is frequently used for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons to create a sense of trust and authority. Its deep hue provides a strong visual anchor, guiding the user's eye to key elements on the page. When paired with lighter accent colors, such as white or light yellow, it can create a professional and sophisticated look. Additionally, it works well in data visualizations for charts and graphs, where distinct colors are needed to differentiate datasets. However, it's important to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements to meet accessibility standards.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cobalt (#074AAD) can be used as an accent color in rooms to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and studies, especially when paired with neutral colors such as gray, beige, or white. It can be incorporated through furniture, wall art, or decorative accessories. Using this color in small doses can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. For instance, cobalt blue cushions on a light gray sofa can provide a pop of color without overwhelming the space. It also blends well with natural materials like wood and stone.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, Cobalt (#074AAD) is a popular choice for clothing, accessories, and makeup. It's often used in dresses, suits, and outerwear to create a bold and confident look. It can also be found in accessories such as handbags, shoes, and jewelry. In makeup, cobalt blue can be used as an eyeshadow or eyeliner to create a striking effect. It pairs well with neutral colors such as black, white, and gray, as well as other shades of blue. It can also be combined with brighter colors such as yellow or pink for a more vibrant and playful look. Cobalt blue is a versatile color that can be adapted to suit a variety of styles and occasions.