Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hexadecimal color code #031A5A, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue. It is composed of 1.18% red, 10.2% green, and 35.29% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:3, G:26, B:90. When converted to the CMYK color model, it becomes C:97, M:71, Y:0, K:65. The color has a strong presence of blue which is often associated with stability, trust and depth. Gulf Blue is not a very common color for natural sceneries or themes, making it stand out and have a distinct appearance. It is a color that evokes feelings of professionalism and has a touch of luxury when used correctly.
The hex color #031A5A, also known as Gulf Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background color for text. Due to its very dark nature, it requires careful consideration to ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements, particularly text. A light text color, such as white (#FFFFFF) or a very light shade of yellow or gray, is essential to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. Without adequate contrast, users with visual impairments may struggle to read the content. The contrast ratio should ideally be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools are available to check the contrast ratio between foreground and background colors. Designers should always test their color combinations to ensure readability for all users. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, hover and focus states should also be designed with accessibility in mind, providing clear visual cues for users who rely on keyboard navigation or screen readers.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #29468c
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast with dark text.
- #4169e1
A vibrant royal blue that can be used to add a pop of color while maintaining a degree of sophistication.
- #36454f
A dark grey with a blueish undertone which can be used in similar contexts but provides a slightly softer contrast.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Gulf Blue can be used to evoke a sense of trust, security, and stability. It's well-suited for financial institutions, insurance companies, and government websites where conveying reliability is crucial. It can be implemented in background elements, header sections, or as an accent color in logos and branding materials. This color creates a professional look when combined with neutral colors.
Web Design
Gulf Blue, reminiscent of deep ocean waters, can be used to create immersive and visually appealing website designs, apps and games. It's often used to emphasize certain elements on a page or in a game. Combining it with lighter, brighter shades of blue and green can create a visually appealing contrast and create depth.
Fashion Design
Due to its dark and sophisticated nature, Gulf Blue works excellently in evening wear or formal attire. It can be used as the primary color for dresses, suits, or as an accent color in accessories like ties or handbags. Combining it with silver or gold accents enhances its luxurious appeal.