Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hexadecimal color code #030255 represents a very dark shade of blue, often referred to as Gulf Blue. It is composed of 1.18% red, 0.78% green, and 33.33% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to (3, 2, 85), indicating a strong dominance of blue. The HSL representation of this color is 241 degrees hue, 95.4% saturation, and 16.1% lightness. The CMYK representation is 0.96 cyan, 0.97 magenta, 0.00 yellow, and 0.67 black. Due to its low lightness value, #030255 appears very dark, almost black to the human eye. It conveys a sense of depth, mystery, and sophistication. Gulf Blue is often associated with the ocean depths or the night sky, evoking feelings of calmness and introspection. This color is not optimal for text unless paired with very light colors due to its poor contrast against light backgrounds.
The hex color #030255, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.002 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against standard white backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Gulf Blue falls far short of these benchmarks. When using this color for text, developers must select very light foreground colors, such as white or near-white shades, and carefully evaluate the contrast ratio to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. In graphical user interfaces, using Gulf Blue for essential interactive elements should be avoided unless paired with high-contrast indicators or labels. Designers should also consider providing alternative color schemes that offer better contrast options, allowing users to customize the display to meet their individual needs. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools and real users is essential to identify and address any potential usability issues arising from the use of Gulf Blue.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
Gulf Blue can be used as an accent color to evoke a sense of depth and mystery in web design. Its dark hue can be incorporated into backgrounds, borders, or decorative elements to add subtle visual interest without overwhelming the overall design. To maintain accessibility, pair Gulf Blue with high-contrast elements like white or light yellow text. This color is best suited for websites or applications aiming for a sophisticated, nocturnal or futuristic aesthetic, for example a website about the ocean.
Corporate Branding
Gulf Blue is often associated with trust, security, and professionalism, making it an excellent choice for branding in financial institutions or tech companies. It can be applied to logos, corporate stationery, and website headers to convey a sense of reliability and stability. When using Gulf Blue in branding, consider pairing it with lighter shades of blue or neutral colors to create a balanced and harmonious visual identity.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Gulf Blue can serve as a dramatic and calming accent color, suitable for creating focal points and adding sophistication to living spaces. Use Gulf Blue as an accent wall, or integrate it via home accessories. Pair Gulf Blue with off-white neutrals and gold accents for a luxurious and balanced space.