Gulf Blue
General Information
The hex color #071257, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue. It is composed of 2.75% red, 7.06% green, and 34.12% blue. In the RGB color model, it translates to (7, 18, 87). This color is often associated with depth, stability, and sophistication. Its dark nature makes it suitable for creating a sense of formality or mystery. In color theory, it is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of calmness and serenity. Due to its low brightness value, it requires careful consideration when used in design, particularly regarding contrast and readability. Gulf Blue can be a powerful tool for creating visually appealing and impactful designs when used thoughtfully and strategically.
The hex color #071257, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark hue. When used as a background color, it requires extremely light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. #071257 will likely fail these contrast tests with most commonly used text colors like grey or lightblue. Therefore, it is crucial to pair it with colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or very light yellow to meet accessibility requirements. Careful consideration should also be given to users with visual impairments, who may struggle to differentiate between this dark blue and black. Avoid using this color for important information or interactive elements unless paired with adequate contrast. Using a contrast checker tool during development is highly recommended to ensure accessibility compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast against both light and dark text.
- #1e40af
A more vibrant blue that can be used to draw attention to specific elements.
- #333333
A neutral dark gray which provides a high level of contrast against lighter elements, and ensures a broader degree of accessibility.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #071257 can be used sparingly for elements like navigation bars or headers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. However, due to its darkness, it should be paired with brighter accent colors and plenty of whitespace to avoid overwhelming the user. It's particularly suitable for websites aiming for a formal, professional, or even mysterious aesthetic. It works well on sites for financial institutions or security services. Ensure all text on backgrounds of this color have sufficient contrast.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent wall color in a room with plenty of natural light. It can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, especially when paired with neutral furniture and warm metallic accents. It's suitable for bedrooms, studies, or libraries. When used as the dominant color, it is best used in larger open spaces to avoid it being too overwhelming.
Fashion
In fashion, #071257 can be used for elegant evening wear or as a base color for more daring and bold outfits. It is a great alternative to black and lends itself well to being combined with jewel tones and other strong saturated colours.