Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue (#020855)
The hex color code #020855, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark, saturated shade of blue that falls within the blue color family. It has a low red component (2/255), a slightly higher green component (8/255), and a dominant blue component (85/255). This combination creates a deep, almost navy-like blue hue. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0.8% red, 3.1% green, and 33.3% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 97% cyan, 91% magenta, 0% yellow, and 67% black. This color conveys feelings of trust, authority, and stability, often associated with corporate branding or sophisticated design elements. Its darkness lends it a serious and formal tone.
The hex color #020855, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely low luminance value of approximately 0.004 means that text using this color on a white background (or vice versa) will likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. This is because sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to distinguish text from the background. To ensure accessibility, it's imperative to use #020855 sparingly, particularly for text or interactive elements. When used, it should be paired with very light colors (like whites or very pale yellows) or very dark colors (almost black) to achieve an acceptable contrast ratio. Tools such as contrast checkers can help determine if the combination meets the minimum required ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Avoid using #020855 for crucial information, links, or interactive controls without careful consideration of contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent color for headers or background elements, provided sufficient contrast is maintained with text and interactive elements. It's particularly effective for creating a sophisticated and modern feel, suitable for websites in the tech or finance industries. However, it should not be the primary color for text or critical UI components due to accessibility concerns. Consider pairing it with a light contrasting color like #f0f8ff (Alice Blue) for a balanced and accessible design.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well as a wall color in bedrooms or studies, or as an accent color in furniture and decor. When using it in larger spaces, consider balancing it with warmer colors and natural materials to prevent the room from feeling too cold. It also pairs beautifully with metallic accents like gold or brass for a touch of luxury. Using it in smaller doses, like in throw pillows or artwork, avoids overwhelming the space.
FinTech Branding
Gulf Blue evokes a sense of depth and stability, making it suitable for financial technology branding. It can be used in logos, website designs, and marketing materials to convey trust and innovation. Pair it with light, complementary colors to ensure visual clarity and enhance user experience. Avoid using this as the main text color to ensure optimal readability.