Gulf Blue
General Information About Gulf Blue
Gulf Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #040E5D, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, mystery, and sophistication. It belongs to the blue color family and has a relatively low luminance value, making it a deep and intense color. The color is composed of 1.57% red, 5.49% green, and 36.47% blue. Its RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values are R:4, G:14, B:93. In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color model, it is composed of 95.69% cyan, 84.95% magenta, 0% yellow, and 63.53% black. This color is often associated with the ocean depths or a twilight sky. When used in design, it can convey a sense of stability, trust, and authority. However, due to its darkness, it's essential to use it carefully to maintain good contrast and readability.
The color #040E5D, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its very low luminance. Its dark nature means it offers very little contrast when paired with other dark colors, making text or elements using this color difficult to read for individuals with visual impairments. For web design, it's crucial to use Gulf Blue sparingly, if at all, for text or important interactive elements. When this color is unavoidable, ensure it's paired with very light colors, such as white or pale yellow, to provide sufficient contrast ratio as defined by WCAG guidelines. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Using tools that check color contrast can help verify accessibility. Additionally, consider providing alternative high-contrast themes to ensure all users can access content comfortably. Avoid using it for crucial visual cues without providing redundant indicators.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #191970
Midnight Blue offers a similar deep blue aesthetic while providing slightly better contrast than Gulf Blue in certain contexts.
- #000080
Navy Blue is a classic dark blue that often provides better readability and accessibility due to its slightly lighter tone compared to Gulf Blue.
- #003153
Prussian Blue, while a darker shade, can sometimes offer a nuanced alternative depending on the surrounding color palette.
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, Gulf Blue can be used as a background color for specific sections to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, it should always be paired with light-colored text or elements to ensure readability. It could be ideal for website headers or footers, or as an accent color in a minimalist design. Avoid using it for large blocks of text or important interactive elements due to accessibility concerns. Also, it can work very well when designing a website for a company related to water or the ocean.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be utilized in evening wear or formal attire to evoke a sense of elegance and mystery. It works well as the main color for a dress or suit, and can be complemented with silver or gold accessories. The color also works well for patterns, for example when creating a scarf. Be careful when combining this color with other dark colors, it might look to messy.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent wall color in a bedroom or living room to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. It can be paired with lighter shades of blue or gray to create a cohesive color palette. It might also be useful for painting a door.