Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
Gulf Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #080B4F, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, sophistication, and calmness. It belongs to the blue color family and exhibits a low saturation, giving it a muted yet elegant appearance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 4.31% green, and 30.98% blue. The CMYK color model representation is 90% cyan, 86% magenta, 0% yellow, and 69% black. This color is often associated with trustworthiness, stability, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for branding and design in various industries. Its dark nature also gives it a sense of mystery and intrigue. The color is often used to represent the ocean or other big masses of water.
The color #080B4F, a deep, dark blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low luminance. When used as a background color, it requires extremely light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet WCAG AA standards. Testing with accessibility tools is crucial to verify compliance. Avoid pairing it with mid-tone colors, as they will likely fail contrast checks. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, providing clear visual cues beyond color alone (e.g., underlines, borders, or icons) is essential to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. Careful consideration of font weight and size can also improve readability against this dark background. Designers should be mindful that this color may not be suitable for all users, especially those with low vision or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Gulf Blue can establish a sense of sophistication and trust, ideal for financial or corporate websites. It works best when used sparingly, as an accent color for headings or call-to-action buttons, against a lighter background. Its dark nature lends itself well to dark mode interfaces, where it can provide a visually comfortable experience while maintaining a premium feel. Combining it with contrasting colors like yellow or white can create visually striking designs, however, contrast has to be checked.
Beauty & Cosmetics
In the beauty industry, Gulf Blue can be used for packaging designs to convey luxury and elegance, particularly for skincare or fragrance products targeting a sophisticated audience. The color can also be incorporated into eye makeup, such as eyeliner or eyeshadow, to create a dramatic and captivating look. When creating such products, it is important to be aware of the heavy pigmentation of the color.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can serve as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white, as well as metallic accents like gold or silver. Furniture in lighter shades can provide a pleasant contrast against the deep blue backdrop, thus creating an elegant space.