Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hexadecimal color code #010F5C, commonly referred to as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.39% red, 5.88% green, and 36.08% blue. When represented in the CMYK color model, it consists of 99% cyan, 83% magenta, 0% yellow, and 64% black. This indicates that Gulf Blue is a highly saturated, deep color that tends to absorb light. It has a wavelength of approximately 470 nm. The color is often associated with depth, stability, and a sense of trust. It is not naturally occuring. It's commonly used in corporate branding and can evoke a sense of professionalism and reliability. Gulf Blue is generally considered a cool color, which makes it well-suited to a variety of design applications where a calming or authoritative tone is desired.
The hex color #010F5C, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value creates very poor contrast against both white and light backgrounds, potentially making text illegible for users with visual impairments. 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 meet AA compliance. Gulf Blue is unlikely to meet these ratios with lighter colors. To enhance accessibility, web developers should avoid using #010F5C for text or important graphical elements. If it's crucial to use this color, pair it with very light foreground colors, and test the contrast ratio using online tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Alternatives might include increasing the color's lightness or using a different color altogether that offers better contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Corporate Branding
In branding, Gulf Blue can evoke feelings of trust, security, and professionalism. It's suitable for financial institutions, law firms, or technology companies that want to project an image of stability and reliability. The color can be incorporated into logos, website designs, and marketing materials to create a consistent brand identity. However, careful consideration should be given to its limited visibility on screens and printed materials. If used as a background, ensure foreground elements are sufficiently light to provide adequate contrast, and for logos, consider using it sparingly or combining it with lighter, more visible colors.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can create a sense of calm and sophistication in a room. It works well in bedrooms, studies, or libraries where a relaxing and focused atmosphere is desired. The color can be used on walls, furniture, or accent pieces to add depth and visual interest to the space. When pairing Gulf Blue with other colors, consider using lighter shades of blue, gray, or white to create a harmonious and balanced palette. Avoid using too much dark colors, as this could make the room feel gloomy and uninviting.
Fashion design
Gulf Blue is a trending color in fashion design because of the versatility. It can be styled with warmer tones such as coral or yellow for a spring-summer look or with cooler tones such as silver or gray for fall-winter looks. Gulf Blue can be applied to dresses, sweaters, and pants for a pop of elegance. It can also be used for casual looks such as denim.