Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #080A55, also referred to as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a strong presence. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 3.92% green, and 33.33% blue. This significant amount of blue gives it its characteristic deep blue hue. In the CMYK color model, used primarily for printing, it consists of 91% cyan, 88% magenta, 0% yellow, and 67% black. Gulf Blue evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. Colors similar to #080A55 are often associated with sophistication and professionalism. It is widely used in different areas, from web design to fashion, to represent elegance and trustworthiness. Its darkness makes it suitable for backgrounds or accent colors when properly contrasted with lighter elements.
The hex color #080A55, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Pairing #080A55 with white (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of yellow or cyan can potentially meet these requirements. However, careful testing with accessibility evaluation tools is crucial to verify compliance. It's important to avoid using this color for interactive elements or important information if sufficient contrast cannot be achieved, as this would severely hinder usability for individuals with visual impairments. Therefore, if you need to use this color, ensure to use a color contrast analyzer to check the combination of foreground and background colors.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2962ff
A lighter shade of blue that offers better readability as a background color when paired with darker text.
- #333333
A more neutral dark color that provides a higher contrast ratio with lighter colors, improving accessibility.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant blue alternative that can be used to draw attention as an action color on websites.
Applications
Web Design and Branding
In web design, #080A55 can be used sparingly as an accent color to highlight specific elements such as headers or borders. However, due to its darkness, it is best suited for backgrounds when paired with very light text. In user interface design, this color can add a touch of sophistication to dashboards or control panels, but careful consideration must be given to contrast ratios to ensure usability. In branding, #080A55 conveys a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness, making it suitable for companies in the finance or technology sectors. It could appear on websites or marketing materials.
Interior Design, Fashion, and Beauty
In interior design, Gulf Blue (#080A55) can be incorporated as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. This dark blue hue works well with natural wood tones and light-colored furniture. In fashion, #080A55 can be used in evening wear or accessories to add a touch of elegance. It pairs nicely with metallic accents or contrasting colors like gold or silver. When used in beauty products such as eyeshadow or nail polish, Gulf Blue can create a dramatic and alluring look. To get an amazing look, combining it with neutral colors.
Print media
In print media, #080A55 can serve as a background for flyers, brochures, or posters, offering a stark contrast to brighter elements. Its use in data visualization can help highlight specific data points, especially when used in conjunction with lighter contrasting colors to draw the eye. Its depth and richness make it a good choice for formal announcements.