Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #010B5C, also known as Gulf Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue with a strong presence. It's composed of 0.4% red, 4.3% green, and 36.1% blue, in the RGB color model. In the CMYK color model, it's composed of 99% cyan, 91% magenta, 0% yellow, and 64% black. This color evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and depth, similar to the ocean depths or the night sky. Gulf Blue is often associated with trust, authority, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and professional designs. Due to its dark nature, it is important to use it carefully to ensure readability. In cultural contexts, blue is often linked to royalty, peace, and spirituality, adding layers of meaning to its use.
The hex color #010B5C, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark hue. When used as a background color, it requires extremely light text to achieve sufficient contrast for readability, ideally a pure white (#FFFFFF). According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is necessary for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given its low luminance, #010B5C will likely fail these requirements with most text colors except the very lightest. Therefore, it is essential to use a contrast checker to ensure compliance. Furthermore, consider users with visual impairments who may struggle to differentiate between shades of dark blue. Providing alternative visual cues and ensuring that interactive elements have sufficient focus indicators are crucial for inclusive design. Avoid using this color for essential information without adequate contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2c3e50
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains the richness of Gulf Blue while improving contrast with text.
- #34495e
A desaturated blue that offers a more subtle and versatile background option.
- #ADD8E6
A light shade of blue that will offer much better readability when used as a background color.
Applications
Website Background for Financial Platform
Gulf Blue can evoke a sense of depth, sophistication, and mystery, making it suitable for websites or applications aiming for a premium or exclusive feel. It could be used in the background of a financial platform's website to convey trust and security. It's also suitable for nighttime or space exploration related themes.
Fashion Accessory Color
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be incorporated into evening wear or accessories to add a touch of elegance and intrigue. For example, a silk scarf or a velvet handbag in this color could complement a neutral-toned outfit. Furthermore, it can be used as an accent color in sportswear to offer contrast.
Accent Wall Color
In interior design, Gulf Blue can create a dramatic and moody atmosphere, especially in rooms with ample natural light. It can be used as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, paired with lighter furniture and decor to balance the darkness. Consider using it in a home theatre to give the space a cinema-like immersive atmosphere.