Smalt

General Information about #0C398F

The hex color #0C398F, known as Smalt, is a deep, saturated blue hue. It belongs to the blue color family and carries a sense of depth and sophistication. Smalt is historically significant as a pigment derived from potassium glass colored with cobalt. In modern applications, #0C398F can evoke feelings of trust, stability, and intelligence. Its dark nature makes it suitable for creating a sense of formality or elegance. The color is composed of 4.7% red, 22.4% green, and 56.1% blue. It’s a color often associated with corporate branding, academic institutions, and formal events due to its serious and dependable nature. It falls under the broader category of dark blues and is often used to represent knowledge and power.

The hex color #0C398F, also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its dark hue results in low contrast against lighter backgrounds, making text and interface elements difficult to read. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring readability. To improve accessibility, consider pairing #0C398F with very light colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays. It's advisable to conduct thorough accessibility testing with diverse user groups and utilize tools that evaluate color contrast to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Providing alternative color schemes for users who need them can be a good solution.

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Applications

• Web Design

  In web design, #0C398F can serve as a primary color for navigation bars or headers, conveying a sense of trust and authority. It pairs well with clean, minimalist layouts and can be complemented by lighter accent colors to draw attention to key elements. However, careful consideration must be given to contrast ratios to ensure readability, particularly for text-heavy sections. It could also be used sparingly as a highlight color in data visualizations to emphasize important data points.

• Fashion and Interior Design

  In the realm of fashion, #0C398F can be used in creating sophisticated and elegant evening wear. The deep blue evokes a sense of luxury and pairs beautifully with metallic accents like gold or silver. In interior design, it can be applied as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, providing a calming and serene atmosphere. To avoid overwhelming the space, balance it with neutral tones and natural textures.

• Branding and Marketing

  In branding and marketing, #0C398F can be employed to convey professionalism, stability, and trustworthiness. It's particularly suitable for financial institutions, law firms, or technology companies seeking to establish a credible image. This color can be used in logos, website designs, and marketing materials to create a consistent and recognizable brand identity. Furthermore, this color evokes confidence.

Complementary color

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