Gulf Blue
General Information
The hex color #080E55, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a subtle depth. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 5.49% green, and 33.33% blue. The corresponding CMYK color code is (100, 83, 0, 80). This color is frequently utilized in branding, web design, and interior decoration to convey a sense of trust and reliability. Due to its darkness, it requires careful consideration of contrast to ensure readability when used with text. Its specific shade evokes a sense of luxury and calm, making it versatile for a variety of applications.
The color #080E55, also known as Gulf Blue, presents accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. When used as a foreground color, it requires a very light background 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. Insufficient contrast can make content difficult or impossible to perceive. Therefore, designers should carefully consider color pairings and provide alternative high-contrast themes or adjustable color settings to accommodate users with diverse visual needs. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance with accessibility standards. Additionally, avoid using this color for essential visual elements such as links or buttons without proper text labels or ARIA attributes to provide semantic meaning and improve accessibility for screen reader users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Gulf Blue's deep hue makes it suitable for website backgrounds, especially for themes related to technology, finance, or corporate services. It creates a sense of stability and trustworthiness. However, it is essential to pair it with contrasting text colors such as white or light yellow to ensure readability and accessibility. The color can also be used for graphic elements like icons and buttons, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design. Use this color carefully and test how it shows up on different devices.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent color in bedrooms or living rooms to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, and white. The color can be incorporated through wall paint, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories such as cushions and vases. Because it is a dark color, it works best in rooms with lots of natural light, or combined with bright pops of color.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be used for evening wear or formal attire, providing an elegant and sophisticated look. It can be paired with metallic accessories such as silver or gold to enhance its appeal. The color is also suitable for creating brand merchandise like shirts, hoodies, and tote bags, offering a stylish and unique brand identity. Consider how the material will affect the final color result.