Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #03145B, commonly referred to as Gulf Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue with a subtle hint of purple. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its relatively low brightness and high chroma. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 1.2% red, 7.84% green, and 35.69% blue. This color evokes feelings of trust, stability, and sophistication, making it a popular choice for various applications in design and branding. The darkness of this color makes it well suited for use as a background color when paired with lighter text, or as an accent color to add depth and visual interest. This deep color is mostly used to make something appear trustworthy and safe, with a professional look.
The hex color #03145B, also known as Gulf Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) 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 the darkness of Gulf Blue, careful consideration must be given to font sizes and weights. Additionally, it's important to avoid using this color for essential graphical elements or controls without providing high-contrast alternatives, especially for users with visual impairments. Testing with accessibility tools is highly recommended to validate the color's usability for a wide range of users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Development
In web development, Gulf Blue can be used as a background color for headers or footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It pairs well with white or light gray text for a modern and professional look. However, it should be used sparingly for large blocks of text due to readability concerns. For interactive elements, consider using it for hover or active states to add subtle visual cues. It is suitable for websites with a serious or corporate feel. It's especially good for financial or engineering websites because of the professional look.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be employed as an accent color for walls or furniture to evoke a sense of calmness and sophistication. It complements neutral tones like beige or gray and can be paired with metallic accents for a luxurious feel. It is not recommended to use this color for entire rooms, as it can make the space feel smaller and darker. In kids rooms or play rooms, use it in smaller quantities.
Branding
Gulf Blue is suitable for creating elegant and professional branding materials, such as logos, business cards, and brochures. It conveys a sense of trust and stability, making it ideal for companies in the financial, technology, or consulting industries. It also works well for educational organizations. When used in logos, consider pairing it with a lighter secondary color to create a balanced and visually appealing design. It's also a very suitable colour for app icons or UI elements.