Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue (#071356)
The hex color #071356, often referred to as Gulf Blue, is a deep, dark shade of blue with a hint of purple. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its low saturation and luminance. In the RGB color model, it consists of 7 red, 19 green, and 86 blue. This color evokes feelings of calmness, trust, and sophistication. It is often associated with the sea, sky, and corporate professionalism. Due to its darkness, it is important to consider accessibility when using it in design, ensuring sufficient contrast with text and other elements. Gulf Blue can be found in various applications, from web design and branding to interior design and fashion.
The hex color #071356, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance value of 1.64 makes it difficult to read text against a white background. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio is far below the minimum requirement for normal text (4.5:1) and large text (3:1). To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair this dark blue with very light colors. Using white or very pale yellow text on a #071356 background can provide sufficient contrast. Additionally, consider increasing the font size or using a bolder font weight to further enhance readability. Avoid using this color for essential UI elements or interactive components without careful consideration of contrast and alternative styling options for users with visual impairments. Providing high contrast alternatives ensures inclusivity and usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e2987
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast and readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #f0f0f0
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to provide better contrast with text elements.
- #FAF9F6
A light color such as this beige provides a gentler contrast and can be effective for backgrounds when a softer look is desired.
Applications
Web Design and Branding
Gulf Blue can be incorporated into website designs to evoke feelings of trust and stability. It's particularly well-suited for financial institutions or corporate websites that want to project a sense of professionalism. Use it sparingly as an accent color or in backgrounds to create a sophisticated and reliable image. Pair it with lighter neutrals to ensure readability and accessibility. In branding, Gulf Blue is useful for logos and other visual elements where trust and credibility are important. Its deep and calming tone can resonate with customers seeking security and dependability.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, #071356 can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in bedrooms or studies. Consider using it as an accent wall color, paired with lighter shades of gray or beige to prevent the room from feeling too dark. It works well with natural wood tones and metallic accents like gold or copper. In fashion, Gulf Blue can be used for elegant evening wear or professional attire. It pairs well with silver jewelry and accessories. Consider using it in small doses, such as in a scarf or handbag, to add a touch of sophistication to an outfit.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, a dark color such as Gulf Blue can add a strong element to the display. Gulf blue can be used to represent the most extreme or most important values, as it is not a common color for everyday use, and therefore can draw special attention when deployed in charts and graphs. When using Gulf Blue to colorize your data be sure to use other high contrast options such as white, yellow, or light green for labels and secondary data points.