Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #090954, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a subtle, understated elegance. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its association with calmness, stability, and trustworthiness. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.53% red, 3.53% green, and 32.94% blue. The high concentration of blue gives it a distinct depth and richness. In the CMYK color model, it comprises 89% cyan, 89% magenta, 0% yellow, and 67% black. This indicates that it is a highly saturated color. Gulf Blue is often used to evoke feelings of peace, serenity, and sophistication. It is a versatile color that can be incorporated into various design contexts, from branding to interior design.
The hex color #090954, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low lightness value. When used as a foreground color for text or interactive elements, it necessitates a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA standards. Testing with accessibility tools is crucial to verify compliance. Using this color for purely decorative purposes is less problematic, but any functional elements must adhere to accessibility standards. Consider providing alternative high-contrast themes for users with visual impairments. Careful selection of font weight and size can also improve readability, but is insufficient to overcome a poor color contrast ratio.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability and accessibility.
- #000080
A deeper, richer blue that maintains a sense of sophistication while offering slightly improved contrast compared to Gulf Blue.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant blue color to provide a more eye-catching alternative, suitable for highlighting important elements.
Applications
Website Design
Gulf Blue can be used in website headers and footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. Its calming nature makes it suitable for websites focused on relaxation, meditation, or mental health. When paired with lighter, contrasting colors for text and interactive elements, it can create a visually appealing and user-friendly experience. Consider using it as a background color for sections with minimal text or as an accent color for buttons and icons to draw attention without overwhelming the user.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used to create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. It is well-suited for bedrooms, bathrooms, or reading nooks. When combined with natural materials like wood and stone, it evokes a sense of calm and connection to nature. Use it as an accent wall color or for upholstery to add a touch of sophistication. Balance it with warm neutrals or complementary colors to prevent the space from feeling too cold or sterile.
Branding
Gulf Blue is a popular choice for branding in industries such as finance, technology, and healthcare, where trust and stability are valued. It can be used in logos, marketing materials, and website designs to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. Pair it with complementary colors like orange or yellow to create a visually appealing and memorable brand identity. Ensure that the color is used consistently across all platforms to maintain brand recognition.