Smalt
General Information about #0B3990
The color #0B3990, also known as Smalt, is a deep, saturated blue hue. It belongs to the blue color family and has a relatively low lightness value, making it appear quite dark. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.31% red, 22.35% green, and 56.47% blue. Its CMYK representation is 92% cyan, 60% magenta, 0% yellow, and 44% black. This color evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and authority. Because of it's dark nature, it can also be used for serious websites to display authority and knowlegde. It's often associated with trust, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and website design. Understanding the properties and associations of #0B3990 can assist designers in making informed decisions about its application in various contexts.
The hex color #0B3990, also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility considerations for web design. Its dark hue means that it requires careful selection of foreground text 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 to meet Level AA compliance. When using #0B3990 as a background, pairing it with light text colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light gray can provide acceptable contrast. Tools are available online to check the contrast ratio between different color combinations. It's important to test color combinations to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Also, consider providing alternative styling options that the user can customize.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #191970
Midnight Blue offers a similar deep hue with slightly better contrast ratios for certain applications.
- #000080
Navy Blue provides a more widely recognized and web-safe alternative that maintains the dark blue aesthetic.
- #003153
Prussian Blue provides a slightly lighter alternative that maintains the dark blue aesthetic.
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, #0B3990 can serve as a sophisticated background for headers or call-to-action sections, particularly on websites aiming for a professional or academic feel. When used sparingly, it creates depth and draws attention. Consider using it as a primary color for navigational elements, buttons, and icons. However, because of it's dark nature, make sure the website is still accessible and the contrast is high enough. Also consider the feeling of the website, since it is a very dark colour.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Smalt (#0B3990) can be incorporated as an accent wall color to add a touch of elegance to living rooms or bedrooms. It pairs well with neutral tones like gray or beige, creating a balanced and calming environment. It can also be used in smaller doses through accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or artwork, to provide pops of color and depth to the space. Make sure that the room is bright enough, so the colour does not make the room look small.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, #0B3990 can be used for elegant evening wear, creating a sophisticated and classic look. As a base color in an outfit, it allows accessories like gold or silver jewelry to stand out. It can also be incorporated in smaller details, such as scarves or handbags, to add a touch of depth and refinement. To make it pop even more, it should be combined with a lighter color to make the outfit more interesting.