Gulf Blue
General Information
The hex color #091754, often referred to as Gulf Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of sophistication, depth, and tranquility. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.53% red, 9.02% green, and 32.94% blue. Its darkness gives it a formal and serious character, making it suitable for designs that need to convey trust and stability. It is not a very common color, offering a unique and less predictable choice than more standard blues. In color psychology, deep blues are often associated with intelligence, trustworthiness, and efficiency. Due to its low brightness value, it's essential to consider contrast ratios when using it in visual communication to ensure readability and accessibility, especially when pairing it with text elements.
The hex color #091754, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using #091754 with dark text would fail these guidelines, making content difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to perceive. Therefore, it's crucial to pair this color with a light color, such as #FFFFFF (white) or a very light gray, to meet accessibility standards. Testing the color combination with accessibility tools is highly recommended to ensure compliance and optimal user experience. Furthermore, consider providing alternative color schemes for users with specific visual needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e3a8a
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast when paired with darker text elements.
- #1e40af
A more vibrant blue, offering better visibility and perceived brightness.
- #374151
A lighter shade that may be preferred in UI contexts where subtle highlighting is required. It is closer to gray and is a good starting point for developing a blue-themed color palette.
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, Gulf Blue can serve as a sophisticated background color for headers or footers, especially in themes aiming for a professional or corporate feel. Given its darkness, it is essential to use contrasting light-colored text and elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It could be employed for interactive elements like buttons or links, where a hover effect can introduce a lighter shade of blue to provide clear visual feedback to the user. However, prolonged usage as a primary background is not recommended due to potential eye strain. Instead, consider utilizing it sparingly to highlight key sections or accent elements within a page layout.
Fashion and Apparel
In the realm of fashion, Gulf Blue can be incorporated into evening wear or formal attire to convey elegance and depth. It works well with metallic accessories like silver or gold, enhancing its luxurious appeal. The color can also be used as an accent in casual wear, such as in printed patterns or as a solid color for accessories like scarves or hats. For makeup, an eyeshadow in a similar hue can add a striking touch to evening looks, especially when paired with neutral lip colors to maintain balance. Gulf Blue's versatility allows it to be adapted across various fashion styles, from high-end couture to everyday outfits.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #091754, or a similar shade, can be used as an accent wall color in a room with lots of natural light. This deep, cool tone can add depth and sophistication without making the space feel too dark, especially when paired with light-colored furniture and accents. The color is well-suited for upholstery in a home theater or study room setting, as it creates a cozy and focused environment. It could also be used for decorative accessories like vases, cushions, or artwork to add a touch of elegance and color to a living space. In smaller doses, it can serve as a contrast element in a room with a primarily neutral color palette, adding visual interest and preventing the space from feeling bland.