Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue (#080D4F)
The hexadecimal color code #080D4F, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, calmness, and sophistication. It is composed of 3.14% red, 5.1% green, and 30.98% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (8, 13, 79). This color is often associated with stability, trust, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for branding and design purposes in various industries, including finance, technology, and education. Gulf Blue's muted intensity provides a sense of seriousness and professionalism, while its underlying blue tones contribute to a sense of tranquility and reliability. The color's relative low saturation also allows it to be combined with various other colors to create different effects.
The hex color #080D4F, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very dark nature. Its low luminance results in poor contrast against typical light-colored backgrounds, such as white or light gray. This lack of contrast can make text and other visual elements difficult to read for individuals with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to use #080D4F sparingly, particularly for text or interactive elements. When using this color, always pair it with a very light color for the background or text, ensuring a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, ideally a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools are available to evaluate the contrast ratio between two colors to ensure compliance. Furthermore, consider providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or labels, to convey information in addition to color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A more vibrant blue that stands out more effectively on various backgrounds.
This color is a lighter shade, providing improved readability against white or light backgrounds, while staying within the blue family.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Gulf Blue (#080D4F) can be used as a background color for website headers or footers to create a sophisticated and calming feel. Its dark hue provides a strong visual anchor, especially when contrasted with lighter text and graphics. The deep blue evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it suitable for websites in the finance, education, or technology sectors. Moreover, it can be effectively implemented in call-to-action buttons when paired with a vibrant accent color for higher visibility and user engagement.
Invitations and Stationery
This color is ideal for creating elegant and formal invitations, such as those for weddings or corporate events. Its deep, rich tone conveys a sense of sophistication and luxury, making it a great choice for high-end brands or special occasions. When combined with gold or silver accents, #080D4F can produce a visually stunning and memorable design. It can also be used to create a classic and timeless look for stationery and business cards.
Interior Design Accents
Gulf Blue can be incorporated into interior design as an accent color for walls or furniture. It adds a touch of depth and serenity to any room, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral colors like beige, gray, and white, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. In a bedroom, it can be used for bedding or curtains to promote restful sleep. In a living room, it can serve as an accent wall color to highlight artwork or architectural features.