Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color code #02155B, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue. It is composed of 0.78% red, 8.24% green, and 35.69% blue. In the RGB color model, this color is represented as (2, 21, 91). Gulf Blue is often associated with qualities such as depth, stability, and sophistication. In color psychology, dark blues can evoke feelings of trust, loyalty, and intelligence. It is a color that is used in corporate settings to represent these qualities. It is a color that is very dark and can be hard to work with, due to accessibility reasons, but it can be done with a proper choice of complementary colors.
The hex color #02155B, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its extremely dark hue. When used as a foreground color for text, it demands a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Given #02155B's darkness, achieving this contrast can be difficult, potentially excluding users with visual impairments. Designers must carefully select background colors, opting for shades close to white or employing contrast-enhancing techniques like text shadows or outlines. Additionally, avoid using this color for crucial interactive elements without thorough testing, as it may not meet accessibility standards for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Gulf Blue can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or footers, creating a sense of depth and formality. It pairs well with lighter accent colors to ensure readability of text and interactive elements. For branding, it can represent trustworthiness and stability, making it suitable for financial or corporate websites. However, it should be used sparingly and thoughtfully to maintain visual balance and accessibility.
Interior & Fashion Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent wall color in a study or library, creating a calming and intellectual atmosphere. It complements natural wood tones and metallic accents like brass or gold. For fashion, it can be incorporated into evening wear or accessories, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. The color can also be used as a base for brandings.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, while the color is dark, it can be useful to highlight the extreme point of a color scale. If not used carefully, it can be hard to distinguish between dark colors. It should therefore be used with caution in this context and with other colors that are easily distinguishable.