Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #030656, often referred to as Gulf Blue, is a very dark shade of blue falling into the blue-violet color spectrum. It is composed of 1.18% red, 2.35% green, and 33.73% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as RGB(3, 6, 86). Its HSL values are 236 degrees for hue, 93% saturation, and 17% lightness. The color is characterized by its deep, intense saturation and very low lightness, contributing to its overall darkness. This color is often associated with depth, stability, and sophistication. Gulf Blue finds applications in various design contexts, but its darkness requires careful consideration of contrast and readability to ensure accessibility and visual appeal.
The hex color #030656, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.003 makes it a very dark color. When used as a background, it necessitates extremely light text colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. For example, using white text (#FFFFFF) provides a contrast ratio of approximately 70:1, which far exceeds the minimum requirement of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt or 14pt bold). However, less intense light colors might fall short. Designers should avoid pairing this color with mid-tone grays or any dark hues as text colors. In user interface design, using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links requires careful consideration to ensure sufficient visual distinction and to provide clear focus indicators for keyboard navigation.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast with both light and dark text, while still maintaining a deep blue aesthetic.
- #2563eb
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color without compromising readability.
- #4169E1
This lighter tint of blue ensures better readability when used as background color in web design.
Applications
Web Development Accent
In web development, Gulf Blue can be used sparingly as an accent color for headers, borders, or call-to-action buttons. Its deep hue evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it suitable for financial or corporate websites. However, it should be used judiciously, paired with lighter background colors and ample white space to avoid overwhelming the user. For instance, a website for a wealth management firm could use #030656 for its logo and navigation bar against a clean white or light gray background. The text should be in a light color to meet accessibility standards.
Interior Design Accent Wall
In interior design, Gulf Blue can serve as a bold statement wall color in a study or home office. It creates a sophisticated and calming atmosphere, conducive to concentration and focus. When using it in this manner, balance the darkness with lighter furniture and decor, such as cream-colored sofas and light wood accents. Metallic elements like gold or brass can add a touch of luxury and prevent the space from feeling too somber. Consider also using natural light to brighten the space and highlight the richness of the color.
Packaging Design
The color's deep and evocative nature makes it suitable for packaging designs for premium products, lending an air of sophistication and exclusivity. Imagine a high-end skincare line using #030656 for its packaging, complemented by minimalist typography in gold or silver. The color would communicate quality, luxury, and effectiveness, appealing to consumers seeking premium and indulgent products.