Gulf Blue
About Gulf Blue (#071550)
The hexadecimal color code #071550, often referred to as Gulf Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue located within the blue color family. It is characterized by its low brightness and high chroma, giving it a rich and intense appearance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.75% red, 8.24% green, and 31.37% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 91% cyan, 74% magenta, 0% yellow, and 69% black. This color is reminiscent of deep ocean waters or a twilight sky. Gulf Blue is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and depth. It is a popular choice for designs aiming to convey sophistication and trustworthiness. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast when used with text or other critical elements.
The hex color #071550, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. When used as a foreground color against a white background, it fails all WCAG contrast ratio tests, including AA and AAA levels for normal and large text. This means that users with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness, may find it extremely difficult to read text or distinguish elements using this color. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to pair Gulf Blue with a much lighter color that provides sufficient contrast. Consider using shades of white, yellow, or light gray as foreground colors. Tools like contrast checkers can help ensure that the chosen color combination meets accessibility standards. Avoid using this color for essential interactive elements without proper contrast, as it can exclude a large portion of users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Gulf Blue can be used sparingly as an accent color to add depth and richness to a layout. However, due to its low contrast, it should not be used for primary text or interactive elements without careful consideration of accessibility. It could be effective for background elements or decorative graphics, especially when paired with contrasting colors like white or light yellow. For example, it could be used in a website's header or footer, or as a subtle background for call-to-action buttons, provided the text on those buttons is highly legible.
Interior Design Accent Wall
In interior design, Gulf Blue can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, reminiscent of deep ocean waters. It's well-suited for accent walls in bedrooms or living rooms, providing a sense of tranquility and depth. When incorporating Gulf Blue into a space, it's important to balance its intensity with lighter, neutral colors like creams, grays, or whites to prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Metallic accents, such as gold or silver, can also complement the color and add a touch of elegance.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be used to create elegant and sophisticated looks, especially for evening wear or formal attire. The deep, rich hue can add a sense of depth and luxury to fabrics like velvet, silk, or chiffon. It's a versatile color that can be paired with a range of accessories, from metallic jewelry to neutral-toned shoes and handbags. To make a statement, consider pairing Gulf Blue with pops of contrasting colors like gold, silver, or even a vibrant yellow. For a more understated look, stick to neutral tones like black, white, or gray.