Gulf Blue

General Information about Gulf Blue

The hex color #080B5F, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a strong presence. It is composed of 3.14% red, 4.31% green, and 37.25% blue. In the RGB color space, it resides closer to the blue end of the spectrum. The color is often associated with depth, sophistication, and a sense of calmness. In color psychology, dark blues are often linked to trust, reliability, and professionalism, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and formal designs. Gulf Blue is a versatile color, but due to its darkness, it requires careful consideration when used in designs to ensure readability and accessibility. This color's deep hue evokes a sense of stability and is reminiscent of the deep sea or twilight skies, contributing to its perceived elegance and refined aesthetic.

The hex color #080B5F, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. When used as a foreground color, it requires a very light background color to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Using #080B5F on a dark background will make the text nearly impossible to read for many users. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to color pairings. It is crucial to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify sufficient contrast before deploying them in a web environment. Also, avoid using this color for essential visual elements without sufficient contrast, such as interactive elements or icons, to ensure usability for all users.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design Accents

  In web design, Gulf Blue can be used sparingly for background accents or as a highlight color to draw attention to specific elements. It is well-suited for creating a sophisticated and modern look, particularly in industries such as technology, finance, or luxury brands. However, due to its dark nature, it should be paired with lighter, contrasting colors to ensure readability and accessibility. Consider using it for headers, call-to-action buttons (with appropriate hover states), or decorative elements to add depth and visual interest to the overall design. Use it as a primary color in websites with dark themes where content is predominantly white or very light colored to enhance readability and reduce eye strain.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, Gulf Blue can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms or studies, where a sense of tranquility is desired. It can be used as an accent wall color, or for furniture upholstery. Complementary colors like mustard yellow or light gray can be used to balance the richness of Gulf Blue and prevent the space from feeling too dark. Accessorize with metallic elements like gold or silver to enhance the luxurious feel. Gulf Blue is very suitable for maritime or nautical themes with white or beige colors.

• Fashion and Apparel

  In fashion, Gulf Blue can be utilized for evening wear or formal attire to evoke elegance and sophistication. It can also be incorporated into casual wear as a statement color for accessories or outerwear. Pairing it with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white can create a balanced and stylish look. Gold or silver jewelry complements the depth of Gulf Blue. It can also be utilized in sportswear for athletic brands due to its color intensity and ability to hide soiling.

Complementary color

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