Gulf Blue
General Information
The color #060558, also known as Gulf Blue, is a very dark shade of blue in the RGB color space. It is composed of 2.4% red, 2% green, and 34.5% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 93% cyan, 94% magenta, 0% yellow, and 66% black. This color is often associated with feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. Its hexadecimal representation #060558 makes it easy to use in digital design and web development, where it can be specified as a background color, text color, or border color. However, the low luminance of Gulf Blue means that attention must be paid to ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements to maintain readability and accessibility standards.
The hex color #060558, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its very low luminance value of 0.004 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against standard light backgrounds like white (#FFFFFF). According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. #060558 struggles to meet these criteria, necessitating careful consideration of foreground text colors. Lighter shades of yellows, oranges, or even very bright greens would be necessary to provide adequate contrast. Using contrast checking tools is essential to validate color pairings and ensure accessibility compliance. In user interface design, avoid using this color for essential interactive elements without proper contrast considerations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Gulf Blue can be used as a background color for website sections, particularly those containing multimedia content. Its dark hue creates a sophisticated backdrop that allows images and videos to stand out. When used in website design, it is crucial to pair it with appropriate text colors (e.g. yellow or white) to ensure optimal readability and accessibility. It can also work well in combination with lighter blues to produce a visually attractive website experience. Furthermore, it can be used to highlight certain web elements on a website.
Fashion and Interior Design
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be used as a complementary color for accessories like handbags or scarves. Its deep, enigmatic hue can add an element of depth to an outfit, making it suitable for formal and semi-formal occasions. For interior design purposes, Gulf Blue can be used for accent walls or decorative items in living rooms, study rooms, or bedrooms. It has the potential to introduce a calming atmosphere to a room, especially when paired with neutral colors like beige or gray. However, care should be taken not to make a room too dark with Gulf Blue.
Branding and Marketing
In branding, Gulf Blue is often used to convey a sense of trust, stability, and professionalism. This color is a good choice for businesses in finance, technology, or consulting that want to communicate a sense of reliability and expertise. When using Gulf Blue in marketing materials, be sure to complement it with colors that enhance its sophistication, such as silver or gold, and use legible typefaces that will be visible on dark backgrounds. With proper implementation, Gulf Blue is a strong asset for brand image.