Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #02105B, also known as Gulf Blue, is a very dark shade of blue. It is composed of 0.78% red, 6.27% green, and 35.69% blue. In the RGB color model, this color is represented as (2, 16, 91). The corresponding CMYK color code is (98, 82, 0, 64). This particular shade of blue evokes feelings of trust, loyalty, and calmness. It is often associated with corporate branding, finance, and security. Gulf Blue is a color that can bring a sense of peace and order, making it a versatile choice for various applications where stability and reliability are important messages to convey. It is also a non-assertive, calm color that is well suited to professional websites.
The hex color #02105B, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value (very dark) necessitates very light foreground colors to achieve sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #02105B as a background color requires careful selection of foreground colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of yellow or cyan to meet these standards. Failure to ensure adequate contrast can severely impact users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Therefore, it's crucial to use contrast checkers and accessibility tools during the design process to validate color choices and provide an inclusive user experience. Consider also that very high contrast might fatigue some users, so testing on real users is always advisable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast with both light and dark text.
- #4169e1
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color while maintaining good accessibility.
- #4682b4
For situations requiring higher luminosity while remaining in the blue hue, consider this lighter color
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #02105B can be effectively utilized as a background color for website headers or footers, creating a sense of depth and sophistication. However, careful consideration must be given to the color of the text and other elements placed on top of it to ensure sufficient contrast and readability. It can also be used sparingly for decorative elements such as borders, lines, or icons to add visual interest without compromising accessibility. It is also suitable for loading bars or status indicators where its darkness gives impression of progress.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral colors such as white, gray, and beige, as well as metallic accents such as gold or silver. It's particularly effective in creating a nautical or coastal-themed room. Consider using it as color for sofas or armchairs.
Fashion
In fashion, this deep hue can be incorporated into evening wear, formal suits, or accessories like handbags and shoes. It evokes a sense of elegance and power. The color is especially suitable for the colder seasons. Combine this color with white or brighter colors to add a striking contrast.