Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
Gulf Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #081850, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. It is composed of 3.14% red, 9.41% green, and 31.37% blue. In the RGB color space, it is closer to blue than to green or red. The color is often associated with the ocean depths or a twilight sky. Its muted nature makes it a versatile choice for various applications, from branding to web design. Gulf Blue is not a particularly vibrant color, and its low saturation suggests seriousness and professionalism. It can be used to create a sense of trust and reliability, making it suitable for corporate settings or designs aiming for a sophisticated aesthetic. It's crucial to consider contrast when using this color, as its darkness requires careful selection of accompanying colors for text and visual elements to ensure readability and accessibility.
The color #081850, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used as text on a white background or vice versa. Its low luminance value results in poor contrast, failing to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair Gulf Blue with much lighter hues to achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using online contrast checkers is highly recommended to verify compliance. Consider using Gulf Blue sparingly for decorative elements rather than essential text or interactive components. Implementing text shadows or outlines with contrasting colors can also improve readability. Additionally, always provide alternative text descriptions for images or elements using this color to accommodate users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #004250
A dark teal color that can provide a sophisticated and accessible alternative.
- #0a2863
This dark, rich blue evokes a sense of depth and sophistication, similar to Gulf Blue, but provides a subtle shift in tone.
Applications
Website Design
Gulf Blue can be used as a primary color in a website design to create a sense of sophistication and trust. The dark blue hue communicates stability and reliability, making it suitable for corporate websites or financial institutions. When used for backgrounds, it's essential to pair it with contrasting text colors, such as white or yellow, to ensure readability. Additionally, consider using lighter shades of blue or complementary colors for interactive elements and accents to create visual interest and enhance user experience. The overall design should be clean and modern, with ample whitespace to prevent the dark blue from overwhelming the user.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be applied as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral furniture and lighter-colored decor, such as beige sofas, white curtains, and wooden accents. To avoid making the room feel too dark, use ample lighting, including natural light and strategically placed lamps. Alternatively, Gulf Blue can be used for smaller decorative elements, such as throw pillows, rugs, or artwork, to add a pop of color without overwhelming the space.
Fashion
In fashion, Gulf Blue can be a stylish choice for evening wear or formal attire. A Gulf Blue dress or suit conveys elegance and sophistication, suitable for special occasions. Pair it with silver or gold accessories to enhance the look. For a more casual look, Gulf Blue can be incorporated into accessories like scarves, handbags, or shoes. Consider combining it with neutral colors like gray, black, or white to create a balanced and versatile outfit. The deep hue of Gulf Blue can complement a variety of skin tones, making it a universally flattering color choice.