Gulf Blue

General Information about Gulf Blue (#02145C)

The hexadecimal color code #02145C, also known as Gulf Blue, represents a very dark shade of blue. It is composed of 0.78% red, 7.84% green, and 36.08% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:2, G:20, B:92. This color is typically perceived as a deep, saturated blue and is far from white, so it is more of a dark color. In the HSV (or HSB) color space, #02145C has a hue of 221 degrees, a saturation of 97.8% and a brightness of 36.1%. Due to its high blue component and low red and green components, this color tends to evoke feelings of calmness, stability, and depth. It is often associated with trust, intelligence, and authority, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and designs aiming for a professional and reliable image. The color is best used sparingly as it is very dark, or used on larger surfaces as it creates depth.

The color #02145C, a deep, dark blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text contexts. Its extremely low luminance value (very close to black) means that it requires very light foreground colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is necessary for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Using this color for text without careful consideration of contrast will likely fail accessibility standards, making content difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to read. When using this color, prioritize pairing it with white (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of gray. Tools like contrast checkers can help assess the compliance of color combinations. Also, avoid using #02145C for interactive elements without clear visual cues, as color alone should not convey meaning.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Development Accent Color

  In web development, this dark blue (#02145C) can be used sparingly for headers or accents on a light background. Due to its deep hue, it should not be used for large blocks of text or interactive elements without ensuring sufficient contrast. It is suitable for creating a sense of sophistication and depth in the overall design. Careful consideration is crucial to avoid accessibility issues. A good approach could involve using it as a background for a hero section with white text or in a website's footer to create a visual anchor. Furthermore, it could be used for decorative elements like lines or borders, where its low contrast has less impact on readability. When used for buttons or links, ensure a very light or bright hover state to provide clear feedback to the user.

• Fashion and Interior Design

  In the realm of fashion, Gulf Blue (#02145C) can serve as a sophisticated base color for evening wear or formal attire. Its deep hue evokes a sense of elegance and depth, making it suitable for dresses, suits, or even accessories like handbags or shoes. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver, and contrasts beautifully with lighter, brighter colors such as white or cream. In interior design, this dark blue can be used to create a dramatic and moody atmosphere in a room. Consider using it as an accent wall color in a study or bedroom. It works well with natural materials like wood and leather, and can be complemented by warm lighting to prevent the space from feeling too cold or austere.

• Beauty and Makeup

  In the beauty industry, especially for makeup, #02145C can be used as a deep shade for eyeliner or eyeshadow to create a smoky or mysterious look. It can be paired with lighter shades of blue or silver to create depth and dimension. This dark blue can also be used for nail polish to give a sophisticated and bold statement. It works especially well on shorter, well-manicured nails. The color should be applied with a glossy topcoat to enhance its depth and longevity. When working with this color, remember that less is more, and it is important to balance with other lighter elements.

Complementary color

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