Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #08144F, often referred to as Gulf Blue, is a deep, dark shade of blue situated within the blue color family. It is composed of 3.14% red, 7.84% green, and 30.98% blue. In the RGB color model, it has values of R:8, G:20, B:79. This color is generally associated with feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. In color psychology, dark blues are often linked to trust, authority, and intelligence. Gulf Blue finds applications in various design contexts, ranging from corporate branding to website design, where it can convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. Its low lightness value gives it a certain gravitas, making it suitable for applications requiring a sense of seriousness or formality.
The hex color #08144F, also known as Gulf 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. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This dark blue shade likely fails to meet these ratios with most text colors other than white or very light shades of yellow or green. Designers should carefully test color combinations using contrast checkers to ensure compliance. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential UI elements like buttons or links without adequate contrast, as it can severely impact usability for individuals with visual impairments. Providing alternative high-contrast themes can also improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against both light and dark text, providing more flexibility in design.
A more saturated blue that can be used to draw attention while still maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.
A brighter blue, close to the original, offering better readability when used as a background or for smaller texts.
Applications
Corporate Web Design
In web design, Gulf Blue can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or hero sections, particularly for websites targeting a corporate or mature audience. Its depth evokes feelings of trust and stability. However, it's crucial to pair it with high-contrast text, such as white or a light yellow, to ensure readability. Consider using it sparingly for accents to prevent overwhelming the user interface. Furthermore, this color can be strategically employed in data visualizations to represent a particular category, but ensure colorblind-friendly palettes are also considered.
Elegant Interior Accents
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. Pair it with lighter neutrals, such as beige or cream, to balance the darkness and prevent the space from feeling too enclosed. Accessorize with metallic elements like gold or silver to enhance its elegance. This color can also be incorporated into furniture upholstery, such as sofas or armchairs, to add a touch of luxury to the room.
Fashion and Branding
Gulf Blue lends itself to elegant fashion statements. A dark blue dress in this shade exudes sophistication. It could be used in branding for financial firms to represent stability. It would also be appropriate as the background in an informational dashboard to create a calm and clear environment.