Gulf Blue
General Information
The hex color #010D57, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue that evokes a sense of depth and mystery. It belongs to the blue color family and has very low saturation and brightness, making it appear almost black in certain lighting conditions. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0.4% red, 5.1% green, and 34.1% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 99% cyan, 85% magenta, 0% yellow, and 66% black. This color is often associated with sophistication, trust, and stability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and websites. Due to its dark nature, it's essential to consider contrast and accessibility when using Gulf Blue in design to ensure readability and usability.
The hex color #010D57, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for text-based content. Its extremely low luminance value creates insufficient contrast against both white and light-colored backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Gulf Blue typically fails to meet these ratios, making it difficult for many individuals to distinguish text from the background. To improve accessibility, it's essential to pair Gulf Blue with very light or white text, and even then, careful testing is needed to confirm sufficient contrast. Using this color for important visual elements like buttons or links should be avoided unless accompanied by clear, high-contrast indicators. Designers should always prioritize accessibility and perform contrast checks using online tools to ensure content is usable by everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
Gulf Blue can be used as an accent color in web design to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It is best suited for backgrounds or non-critical elements due to its low contrast. When used sparingly, it can evoke a sense of trust and professionalism. For instance, it could be used in a website header or footer, paired with white or very light text to ensure readability. Furthermore, this color is often found in finance or security websites, in combination with white or light-gray to build trust with the user.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Gulf Blue can create a moody and relaxing ambiance. It is suitable for accent walls or furniture pieces in bedrooms or living rooms. Pair it with lighter shades of blue or gray, and natural wood tones, to balance the darkness and create a cohesive look. This color helps reduce the activity in the room and allows to relax, and therefore it is often used in spaces with relaxing purposes.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be used for formal wear or accessories. It is a versatile color that can be paired with neutral tones or bright colors to create different looks. In evening dresses or suit accents, Gulf Blue adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Using golden or silver accessories in combination with the dark blue is a popular style. It can also be used as the main color for a tie or scarf. In general, this color offers versatile styling options for fashion.