Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
Gulf Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #080955, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth and tranquility. It is composed of a small amount of red (08), a slightly larger amount of green (09), and a significant amount of blue (55), indicating its strong blue dominance. In the RGB color model, it has values of 8 red, 9 green, and 85 blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 91% cyan, 89% magenta, 0% yellow, and 71% black. This color can be perceived as both calming and sophisticated, making it suitable for various applications. It can also be used to resemble the deep depths of the ocean, or a dark night.
The hex color #080955, also known as Gulf Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, meeting 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. It is crucial to test color combinations using accessibility evaluation tools to verify compliance. Due to its darkness, using #080955 for text on a white or light background would fail accessibility tests. Thoughtful application is needed to avoid excluding users with visual impairments. Also, the dark color could cause issue for people with photophobia.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against white or light backgrounds, improving readability.
- #2e64fe
A more vibrant blue that can be used to create a bolder visual impact while maintaining sufficient contrast with appropriate text colors.
- #778899
A neutral color with subtle blue undertones that provides a softer, more understated alternative, offering good versatility in design.
Applications
Web Design
Gulf Blue can be used to create a sense of depth and sophistication in web design. It's suitable for backgrounds, headers, or accents. The color evokes feelings of trust and reliability, making it useful for business or financial websites aiming to project stability. It should be combined with lighter accent colors to achieve balance and provide readability for text elements. As an example, the color could be used as the main background of a banking website, where a user would feel comfortable knowing their data is safe.
Interior Design
This color can serve as a calming yet stylish option for interior walls or accent pieces. It is suited for bedrooms, studies, or living rooms where creating a relaxed atmosphere is desired. When paired with lighter furniture or artwork, it can make a room look more spacious and inviting. It can also be used as a feature wall to highlight a specific point in a room. As an example, this could be used in a room decorated in a maritime style.
Fashion
Gulf Blue is a striking choice for evening wear or formal attire. It provides a sophisticated alternative to black or navy, imparting a sense of elegance and poise. It can be used in combination with gold or silver accessories to amplify the luxurious feel. Due to its dark color, it may need to be combined with vibrant colors to lighten up the outfit. For example, a dark blue suit would look great at a formal gala.