Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt (#0841A9)
The hex color #0841A9, commonly known as Cobalt, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with feelings of stability, trust, and knowledge. In the RGB color model, #0841A9 consists of 3.14% red, 25.49% green, and 66.27% blue. This combination results in a rich and impactful hue. Cobalt is a popular choice for branding and design, particularly in industries seeking to convey professionalism and reliability. Its cool undertones make it a versatile color that can be paired with a variety of other colors, from warm neutrals to vibrant complementary shades. Understanding the properties and associations of Cobalt blue can help designers and artists effectively utilize its visual power.
The hex color #0841A9, also known as Cobalt, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires careful consideration of the foreground text or elements. Due to its darkness, a very light color, such as white or a very pale yellow, is necessary to achieve sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal text (4.5:1 contrast ratio) and large text (3:1 contrast ratio). Using colors with insufficient contrast can make content difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to perceive. It's crucial to test color combinations using accessibility tools to ensure compliance and provide an inclusive user experience. Furthermore, avoid relying solely on color to convey information, as colorblind users may not be able to distinguish it effectively. Provide alternative cues like text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e90ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still provides a sense of depth but offers better contrast with darker text.
- #4682b4
A more muted blue that can be easier on the eyes for prolonged viewing and works well with a wider range of accent colors.
- #2962ff
A brighter, more vibrant blue that can be used as an alternative for headings or active elements to draw attention without sacrificing readability
Applications
Web Design
Cobalt (#0841A9) can be used in website design to create a professional and trustworthy atmosphere. Its depth evokes a sense of stability, making it suitable for financial institutions or corporate websites. It can be applied to navigation bars, headers, or as an accent color to highlight important information. The dark tone requires careful pairing with lighter colors to maintain readability and ensure accessibility. The addition of white or light gray text on a cobalt background can create a clean and modern look, while brighter accent colors like yellow or orange can add a pop of energy to the overall design.
Interior Design
In interior design, cobalt can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to a room. It works well as an accent color on walls, furniture, or decorative items. A cobalt blue sofa, for example, can serve as a focal point in a living room, while cobalt blue cushions can add a pop of color to a neutral-toned bedroom. When using cobalt in interior design, it's essential to balance it with lighter colors to prevent the space from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Cream, white, or light gray walls can provide a beautiful backdrop for cobalt accents.
Data Visualization
Cobalt, due to its inherent association with water and vastness, lends itself well to data visualizations portraying large datasets. When employed strategically, for instance, in bar charts depicting numerical values, the deep hue can emphasize magnitude differences. Its strong visual presence ensures that even subtle variations in data are easily perceived. However, it is crucial to use it with lighter or contrasting colors to avoid overwhelming the viewer and maintain a visually balanced presentation of the information.