Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #000C57, also known as Gulf Blue, is a deep, dark shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with sophistication, depth, and calmness. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0 red, 12 green, and 87 blue. In the CMYK color model, used for printing, it is composed of 100% cyan, 86% magenta, 0% yellow, and 69% black. This color is often used to convey trust, stability, and authority, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional websites. Its low luminance also means that it is not ideal for applications where high visibility is required, such as warning signs or call-to-action buttons without adjustments for accessibility.
The hex color #000c57, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its low luminance value of 0.008 makes it difficult to provide sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, failing WCAG's AA and AAA compliance for normal text sizes. To ensure readability, it is essential to use significantly lighter colors for foreground elements, such as text or icons, with a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Furthermore, consider avoiding using this color for critical interactive elements without proper contrast, as users with visual impairments may struggle to perceive them. Using color contrast checking tools during development can help verify compliance and improve the overall user experience. Employing techniques like text shadows or borders can mitigate contrast issues to some extent but may not be sufficient for full accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade that maintains a similar aesthetic while providing improved contrast against white backgrounds.
A more saturated version to enhance visibility, especially useful in digital displays.
Use #2600FF as a brighter alternative to provide better visibility and contrast, especially for interactive elements.
Applications
Web Design
Gulf Blue, with its deep and serene tone, can be effectively used in website backgrounds or header sections to create a sense of calm and sophistication. It pairs well with lighter shades of blue, gray, or white for text and other foreground elements. In UI design, this color can be used for secondary elements like progress bars or non-interactive icons to maintain visual interest without distracting from the primary call to action. Ensure sufficient contrast is maintained to keep your site accesible.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used to create a relaxing and elegant atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. It works well as an accent color on walls or furniture, particularly when paired with neutral colors like beige or cream. Consider using it in decorative elements such as cushions, curtains, or artwork to add depth and sophistication to the space. A few examples are a dark navy living room with pops of yellow or a dark blue feature wall in a study.
Graphic Design
Gulf Blue offers a dramatic backdrop for night sky-themed graphics or ocean-inspired designs. Its depth adds weight and emotion. It works nicely as a darker shade within a palette of blues and greens, providing a sense of depth and sophistication. Its is especially powerful for creating visually striking artwork.