Gulf Blue
General Information
Gulf Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #01105C, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth and sophistication. It's a color that leans towards the cooler side of the spectrum, reminiscent of the deep ocean or a twilight sky. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.4% red, 6.3% green, and 36.1% blue. This combination gives it a distinct, almost navy-like quality. Gulf Blue is not a commonly used color in mainstream design due to its low luminance, which can present accessibility challenges. However, it can be effectively used as an accent color to add a touch of elegance and drama to a design palette when paired with lighter, contrasting hues.
The hex color #01105C, also known as Gulf Blue, presents considerable accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.002 means text rendered in this color against a white background will have a very poor contrast ratio, far below the WCAG recommended minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This makes it difficult for users to read and can cause eye strain. Similarly, using white text on a Gulf Blue background will also fail accessibility standards. To improve accessibility, consider pairing Gulf Blue with much lighter colors to ensure sufficient contrast. Alternatives include using Gulf Blue sparingly for decorative elements only, or providing alternative color schemes that offer better contrast ratios for users who require them. It is crucial to test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, ensuring readability while retaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark gray that can be used as a more accessible alternative for text, offering better contrast than Gulf Blue.
- #0077cc
A brighter blue tone that ensures a better readability of text while keeping the aesthetics of a blue tone.
Applications
Web Design Accent
Gulf Blue can be used as an accent color in website designs to draw attention to specific elements without overwhelming the user. For example, it can be used for button backgrounds, link highlights, or small decorative elements. However, it should be used sparingly and paired with lighter, more accessible colors for text and primary content areas to ensure readability and a positive user experience. This color can evoke a sense of depth and mystery, making it suitable for sites related to technology or scientific themes.
Interior Design Accent Wall
In interior design, Gulf Blue can serve as a bold accent wall color in a modern or minimalist space. When complemented by neutral tones like gray, white, or beige, it can create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It can also be used in smaller doses, such as for decorative pillows, throws, or artwork, to add a pop of color to a room without being overpowering. Consider the lighting in the space, as Gulf Blue can appear darker in low-light conditions.
Beauty and Fashion accent color
In the beauty industry, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent color for graphic design, such as posters or social media content. It can also be used for clothing designs to give some garments a sophisticated, yet modern look. Because of the strong dark blue it can evoke feelings of trust and security, something that can be used for advertising in different contexts.