Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue (#090b4e)
The hex color #090b4e, also known as Gulf Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue with a strong presence and subtle depth. It is composed of 3.53% red, 4.31% green, and 30.59% blue, placing it firmly within the blue color family. This color evokes a sense of tranquility, sophistication, and stability. In color psychology, dark blues are often associated with trust, loyalty, and intelligence, making them a popular choice for corporate branding and professional designs. Gulf Blue can be used to create a sense of calmness and professionalism. It is a popular color choice for evening wear, for example.
The hex color #090b4e, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. 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. Gulf Blue often fails to meet these ratios with darker text colors, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read content effectively. Therefore, designers and developers must carefully choose contrasting colors, such as shades of white or bright yellow, and verify the contrast ratio using accessibility tools to ensure compliance and a positive user experience. Consideration should also be given to users with color blindness, as certain color combinations may further reduce readability. Proper implementation of ARIA attributes can also enhance accessibility for screen reader users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Gulf Blue can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sense of depth and professionalism. Its dark tone provides a solid base for navigation elements and call-to-action buttons, especially when paired with contrasting text and design elements. It is also suitable for backgrounds in sections where you want to highlight important information or create a distinct visual separation from other content. However, it should be used sparingly for large blocks of text to avoid readability issues and eye strain. It is perfect for high-end brands.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative items to add a touch of sophistication and tranquility to a room. It works well in bedrooms or studies, where a calming atmosphere is desired. Consider pairing it with lighter, neutral colors like beige or light gray to balance the darkness and create a harmonious color scheme. It is also suitable for smaller decorative objects.
Fashion Design
Gulf Blue can be utilized in fashion design as an elegant and versatile color for evening wear, formal attire, or accessories. It provides a sophisticated and timeless look that complements a variety of skin tones. It is also suitable for creating contrast when paired with lighter colors. Gulf Blue can be incorporated into dresses, suits, handbags, or shoes, adding a touch of refinement to any ensemble.