Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#083893)
The hexadecimal color #083893, commonly known as Smalt, is a deep, muted shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 21.96% green, and 57.65% blue. This composition results in a color that conveys feelings of depth, stability, and trustworthiness. Smalt is often associated with professionalism and is suitable for applications where conveying reliability is important. Historically, smalt was a pigment made from ground cobalt glass, used primarily in paintings and ceramics. The digital representation maintains the essence of this historical pigment. When working with #083893 in digital design, it's vital to consider its interaction with other colors to achieve visual harmony and ensure readability, especially regarding text and background contrast.
The color #083893, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. When used as text against a white background, it fails to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal text (AA and AAA) and large text (AA). This means that users with low vision or color vision deficiencies may struggle to read content presented in this color. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to use a lighter color for the background or text, or consider using #083893 for decorative elements rather than essential textual content. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended to ensure readability for a wider audience. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can help verify contrast ratios.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability and overall accessibility for users with visual impairments.
- #000080
A darker shade of blue that can provide better contrast when used with lighter text, enhancing visibility and ensuring WCAG compliance for web content.
- #1e90ff
A more vibrant blue that can be used for highlights or accents while maintaining sufficient contrast with surrounding elements to ensure clear distinction and readability.
Applications
Corporate Website Design
Smalt, with its deep and rich hue, can serve as a primary color in website designs for businesses aiming to convey trust, stability, and professionalism. It's particularly well-suited for financial institutions, law firms, or corporate entities. Integrating #083893 into the website's header, navigation menu, or as a background for key sections can create a strong visual identity and enhance the user experience. However, careful consideration should be given to contrast ratios with text elements to maintain accessibility standards. The color should be thoughtfully paired with complementary or contrasting colors to create a balanced and visually appealing interface.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Smalt can be employed to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It's an excellent choice for accent walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies. The deep blue hue evokes a sense of tranquility and can be paired with lighter neutrals like gray, beige, or white to create a balanced and inviting space. #083893 can also be incorporated through furniture upholstery, decorative accessories, or artwork to add a touch of elegance and depth to the room. When using it in larger areas, ensure sufficient lighting to prevent the space from feeling too dark or enclosed.
Fashion Accent Color
In fashion, Smalt can be used as an accent color for clothing or accessories. A smalt-colored scarf can complement a neutral outfit, or it can be used for small design elements on clothing, for example, a logo or small embroidered flowers.