Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #06015C, often referred to as Gulf Blue, is a very dark shade of blue located in the lower range of the color spectrum. It is composed of 2.4% red, 0.4% green, and 36.1% blue. Its primary attribute is its deep, almost indigo-like hue. In the RGB color space, it's represented as (6, 1, 92), while in the CMYK color space, it translates to 93% cyan, 99% magenta, 0% yellow, and 64% black. This color is often associated with feelings of depth, mystery, and sophistication. Its darkness also means it has a very low luminance, making it essential to consider contrast when using it in design. The color is rarely found in nature, but can be evocative of the deep sea or a twilight sky.
The hex color #06015C, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.003 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, which is crucial for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #06015C as a text color on a white background (or any reasonably light background) will almost certainly fail these contrast checks. Therefore, it is essential to pair #06015C with very light hues for backgrounds or consider it primarily for decorative elements where readability is not paramount. When used, proper testing with accessibility tools is necessary to ensure compliance and inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #28237a
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against light backgrounds.
- #1e3a8a
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to provide a sense of energy and vibrancy.
- #002147
Oxford Blue is a dark shade of blue often used in formal settings, offering a balance of sophistication and readability.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Gulf Blue (#06015C) can be used sparingly as an accent color to highlight specific elements or create a sense of depth. Due to its darkness, it is not suitable for large blocks of text but can be effective for borders, subtle backgrounds, or interactive elements like buttons. When used, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements for accessibility, potentially pairing it with very light shades of white or yellow. It can evoke a sense of sophistication or mystery, depending on the context.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Gulf Blue can serve as a bold accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative items. It works well in creating a dramatic, moody atmosphere in spaces like home theaters or studies. When used in larger areas, it's important to balance it with lighter colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark or oppressive. Consider pairing it with creams, grays, or metallic accents to create a sophisticated and balanced look.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be incorporated into clothing or accessories to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. It can be used for evening wear, outerwear, or accessories like handbags or scarves. When used in apparel, it pairs well with neutral colors like black, white, or gray, allowing the blue to stand out as a statement piece. It can also be combined with other jewel tones like emerald green or ruby red for a more luxurious and vibrant look.