Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt
Cobalt, represented by the hexadecimal color code #074FAD, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It is often associated with qualities like stability, trust, and intelligence. In color psychology, blue is known for its calming effect, promoting a sense of peace and order. Cobalt is frequently used in corporate branding to convey professionalism and reliability. The color is created by mixing a small amount of green and red with blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is known for its depth and intensity. In web design, Cobalt can be employed as an accent color to draw attention to interactive elements or emphasize key information. However, its relative darkness means that careful consideration is needed when selecting contrasting colors for text or other visual elements, ensuring accessibility and readability.
The hex color #074FAD, also known as Cobalt, presents specific accessibility considerations for web design. Due to its relatively low luminance, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when used as text or background. A light text color such as white (#FFFFFF) is recommended to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards for contrast ratio (4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Avoid pairing this color with dark text or background colors, as it can strain readability. To improve accessibility, consider increasing font sizes, using bold text for emphasis, and providing alternative styling options for users with visual impairments. Furthermore, always test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance with contrast ratio requirements, ensuring a usable and inclusive experience for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it suitable for user interface elements and text.
- #003366
A darker shade of blue that can be used for creating a strong visual hierarchy or to provide emphasis to certain design elements.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant alternative, ensuring sufficient contrast with both light and dark text, maintaining readability and visual appeal across varied design contexts.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Cobalt (#074FAD) can serve as an accent color, highlighting interactive elements such as buttons or links. Its professional and trustworthy feel also makes it suitable for headers or navigation bars. When using Cobalt, it's vital to balance it with neutral background colors like white or light gray to prevent the interface from becoming overwhelming. It is often used in combination with other shades of blue or complementary colors such as yellow-orange to create visual interest. Considering its depth, Cobalt can also create a sense of sophistication on websites or apps in finance and technology. Cobalt also works well for data visualization as it is easily distinguishable from other colours.
Interior Design
In interior design, Cobalt (#074FAD) makes a striking statement when used as an accent color in spaces such as living rooms or bedrooms. It can be incorporated through textiles, artwork, or painted accent walls. The color pairs well with neutral hues like gray, white, or beige. Cobalt creates a feeling of depth and luxury. When using Cobalt, balance is critical; avoid overusing it to maintain an inviting, comfortable atmosphere. Incorporating natural materials, such as wood or stone, can also complement the coolness of Cobalt and create a balanced, visually appealing interior.
Beauty
In the beauty industry, Cobalt (#074FAD) can add a pop of color to eye makeup looks, such as eyeshadow or eyeliner. The rich, jewel-toned shade can enhance eye color and create a bold statement. When incorporating Cobalt into beauty looks, balance the intensity of the color with softer shades on the rest of the face. Using it in nail polish can also add an interesting touch to any look. Its depth and sophistication render cobalt products an attractive choice for cosmetic and fashion lines, elevating product visibility and boosting sales in the competitive beauty market.