Gulf Blue
General Information About Gulf Blue
The hexadecimal color #040E53, commonly referred to as Gulf Blue, is a very dark shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 1.57% red, 5.49% green, and 32.55% blue. This indicates a strong dominance of blue, contributing to its deep and cool tone. Gulf Blue is often associated with sophistication, depth, and tranquility. It's a color that can evoke feelings of calmness and stability, making it suitable for various design applications where a sense of trust and professionalism is desired. In the CMYK color model, its composition is 95% cyan, 83% magenta, 0% yellow, and 67% black. This further emphasizes its strong blue and cyan components, while the high black percentage contributes to its darkness.
The color #040E53, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially concerning text legibility. Its very dark hue results in low contrast against standard light backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with significantly lighter text colors, such as white or very light yellows. Additionally, increasing the font size and weight can help improve readability. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend specific contrast ratios for text and interactive elements. Ensure that any use of #040E53 meets these guidelines to provide an inclusive experience for all users. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Furthermore, avoid using this color for critical information or calls to action without sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Headers/Footers
Gulf Blue can be effectively used as a background color in website headers or footers to create a sophisticated and professional look. Its deep tone evokes a sense of trust and stability, making it suitable for corporate websites. However, it's crucial to use contrasting text colors, such as white or light yellow, to ensure readability and accessibility. Avoid using this color for body text or interactive elements without proper contrast adjustments. Furthermore, consider using it in conjunction with lighter shades of blue or complementary colors to create a balanced and visually appealing design.
Fashion and Interior Design
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be used for elegant evening wear or sophisticated outerwear. Its dark and rich tone exudes a sense of luxury and can be paired with metallic accessories or lighter fabrics to create a striking contrast. For interior design, it can serve as an accent wall color in a study or living room to create a cozy and calming atmosphere. When using it in interior spaces, balance it with lighter furniture and decor to prevent the room from feeling too dark. Furthermore, Gulf Blue can be a unique color for branding materials, conveying a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism.
Data Visualization
Gulf Blue can be used in data visualization to represent different categories, however it is more suited to backgrounds or less-important data. Since the color is dark, consider using lighter and brighter colors for more important or critical datapoints, which helps ensure that critical information does not get lost. Avoid using this color for critical information without sufficient contrast.