Smalt
General Information about #0F368C
The hexadecimal color #0F368C, also known as Smalt, is a dark, saturated blue. It's part of the blue color family and evokes feelings of trust, stability, and knowledge. In the RGB color model, #0F368C is composed of 5.88% red, 21.18% green, and 54.9% blue. This composition gives it a strong blue dominance, resulting in its deep hue. In the HSV (or HSB) color space, it has a hue of 222 degrees, a saturation of 89.3% and a brightness of 54.9%. The CMYK representation is 90% cyan, 61% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45% black. Smalt, as a color name, historically refers to a pigment made from potassium glass colored with cobalt, which has been used since the 15th century. Its hex code representation makes it suitable for digital applications across all kinds of creative fields.
The color #0F368C, a deep, saturated blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text. Its low lightness value of approximately 16% means that it requires a very light foreground color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using #0F368C for text on a white background (or similar) would fail these contrast tests. Therefore, it's crucial to pair this color with lighter shades like white (#FFFFFF), light grays (#D3D3D3), or very pale yellows to achieve acceptable contrast. In situations where #0F368C is used for interactive elements, such as buttons or links, ensure that hover and focus states are clearly distinguishable through changes in color or the addition of visual cues like underlines or borders.
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Digital Color Formats
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Applications
Web Development
In web development, #0F368C can be employed to create a sense of sophistication and trust, often seen in financial or corporate websites. It works well for primary brand colors, call-to-action buttons (paired with a contrasting hover state), and header backgrounds. Using it sparingly as a background for text requires careful attention to contrast ratios. In UI design, consider using it for navigational elements or data visualizations where a strong, authoritative color is desired. Furthermore, #0F368C can provide a visually appealing, yet serious, background for data-heavy dashboards.
Interior Design
In interior design, this color could be utilized as an accent wall color in a study or library to promote focus and concentration. Due to its depth, it's best suited for rooms with ample natural light or layered artificial lighting. Additionally, #0F368C can be incorporated through textiles such as rugs, curtains, or throw pillows, adding a touch of elegance to a living space. The deep hue creates a relaxing atmosphere, and is perfectly suited to be incorporated into a bedroom or home office for maximum serenity and concentration.
Fashion
In fashion, #0F368C can be used as a striking color for evening wear or formal attire. It's a versatile color that can be paired with neutrals such as black, white, or gray for a classic look, or with complementary colors like yellow-orange for a bolder statement. Accessories like scarves, handbags, or jewelry in this shade can also add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. It can be used as the primary color for a dress, or simply be an accent color in a simple scarf.