Smalt
General Information about Smalt
The color #083990, commonly known as Smalt, is a deep, rich shade of blue that belongs to the family of cobalt pigments. Smalt historically was produced by grinding cobalt glass containing cobalt(II) oxide into a fine powder. It has been used for centuries in various applications, from painting and dyeing to ceramics and glassmaking. The color exhibits a cool and calming aesthetic, often associated with trust, stability, and intelligence. In the RGB color model, #083990 is composed of 3.14% red, 22.35% green, and 56.47% blue. Its use in modern design conveys a sense of sophistication and professionalism, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and web design.
The hex color #083990, a deep smalt blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its dark hue results in a low contrast ratio when paired with lighter text, potentially causing readability issues for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use this color with very light shades of text such as white or very pale yellow. When using this color as a background, ensure that all interactive elements like buttons and links have sufficient contrast to meet WCAG guidelines. Moreover, avoid using this color for crucial information-carrying elements without proper contrast as it can be difficult for all users to read the content. Consider providing alternative color schemes for users who need higher contrast.
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Applications
Corporate Branding
Smalt (#083990) can serve as a primary brand color for tech companies, offering a sense of stability and innovation. In web design, it can be used for navigation bars, headers, and footers, creating a sophisticated and professional look. Further applications include data visualization, where distinct shades of blue can effectively differentiate data sets. In print media, smalt can be used in brochures and marketing materials to convey trust and reliability. The color evokes feelings of calmness and stability, ideal for financial institutions seeking to instill confidence in their customers.
Interior Design
Smalt's depth and richness make it suitable for creating luxurious interior spaces. The color can be applied as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms, providing a calming yet elegant touch. Additionally, it complements natural wood tones and metallic accents like gold and brass. Smalt can be used in furniture upholstery, such as sofas and chairs, adding a touch of sophistication to any room. Furthermore, it makes a good background color for artworks.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, smalt provides a sophisticated touch when incorporated into evening wear or formal attire. The deep blue hue can be used for dresses, suits, or accessories, creating a classic and timeless look. Smalt pairs well with neutral colors like gray, black, and white, as well as with metallic accents like silver and gold. For a casual look, smalt can be used in denim or knitted sweaters. It also finds a place in athletic wear, offering a cool, calming visual in contrast to the intensity of sports.