Gulf Blue
General Information
The hexadecimal color #08144E, commonly referred to as Gulf Blue, is a deep, dark shade of blue residing in the RGB color space with the values Red: 8, Green: 20, and Blue: 78. It is a color that evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication, reminiscent of the deep ocean or a twilight sky. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of Cyan: 90%, Magenta: 74%, Yellow: 0%, and Black: 69%. This color is often used in designs to convey a sense of trust, professionalism, and reliability. Gulf Blue is not a commonly occurring color in nature but can be associated with certain gemstones or deep-sea marine life. Its rich and subdued character makes it well-suited for various applications.
The hex color #08144E, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its low lightness value results in very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds. Consequently, foreground text using this color would be difficult for users with visual impairments to read, violating WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. To improve accessibility, it is highly recommended to pair Gulf Blue with much lighter colors. White (#FFFFFF), light yellows (#FFFFE0), or pale shades of green (#90EE90) could provide the necessary contrast. Utilizing tools that assess color contrast is crucial to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines, benefiting all users by making content more readable and user-friendly. Avoid using it for essential UI elements or informational text without careful consideration of contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar deep-sea feel.
- #1e40af
A more vibrant blue that stands out more on various backgrounds, improving visibility.
- #F5F5DC
If #08144E is used for background, this beige can improve the legibility of the foreground texts.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Gulf Blue can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or navigation menus, lending a sense of depth and professionalism. It pairs well with lighter accent colors like white or gold to create a visually appealing contrast. However, care must be taken to ensure that text layered on top of Gulf Blue has sufficient contrast for readability, in accordance with accessibility guidelines. Used sparingly, it can enhance the overall aesthetic of a website, particularly for businesses aiming to project an image of trustworthiness and stability. It's also suitable for data visualization, highlighting specific data points in charts and graphs.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent wall color to create a calming and serene atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. It complements natural wood tones and metallic accents like brass or copper. The color can also be incorporated through textiles such as curtains, rugs, or throw pillows. Consider using Gulf Blue in spaces where relaxation and focus are desired, such as home offices or reading nooks. It evokes a sense of tranquility and sophistication, making it a versatile choice for creating a stylish and inviting interior.
Fashion
Gulf Blue can be incorporated into fashion through evening wear, accessories, or as a base color for patterned fabrics. It pairs elegantly with silver or gold jewelry and can be used to create both formal and casual looks. The color is also suitable for outerwear, such as coats or jackets, adding a touch of sophistication to everyday attire. Designers often use Gulf Blue to evoke a sense of luxury and refinement, making it a popular choice for high-end fashion brands. The depth of the hue allows it to be versatile, fitting well in a range of garments and styles.