Gulf Blue
General Information
The hex color #0A154D, also known as Gulf Blue, is a deep, dark shade of blue with a hint of purple. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with sophistication, depth, and mystery. In the RGB color model, #0A154D is composed of 3.92% red, 8.24% green, and 30.2% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 93% cyan, 73% magenta, 0% yellow, and 70% black. This color is commonly used in various design applications, including web design, graphic design, and interior design, to create a sense of elegance and calmness. Gulf Blue can be used to create a professional look and is often combined with lighter colors to make the design pop.
The hex color #0A154D, also known as Gulf Blue, presents considerable accessibility challenges due to its very dark hue. When used as a background color, it necessitates 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 to meet AA standards. Given the darkness of #0A154D, achieving these ratios can be difficult without using nearly white text. It is crucial to test color combinations with accessibility tools to avoid creating barriers for users with visual impairments. Consider offering alternative color schemes that provide better contrast or using this color sparingly for decorative elements rather than essential text or interactive components. Ensuring proper color contrast enhances the user experience and promotes inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #202A5F
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still evokes a sense of depth but provides better contrast.
- #1E3A8A
A more vibrant blue that can be used to highlight specific elements while maintaining a sophisticated feel.
- #343A40
A dark grayish-blue that offers a more neutral alternative while keeping a similar tonal value.
Applications
Web, Fashion, and Interior Design
In web design, Gulf Blue can be used as a background color for headers or footers to create a sophisticated and professional look. It works well with light-colored text and can be complemented by brighter accent colors. Consider using it for interactive elements like buttons or links to make them stand out. In fashion, Gulf Blue can be used as a base color for outfits or as an accent color for accessories. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as brighter colors like yellow or orange. In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used as a wall color in bedrooms or living rooms to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. It can also be used as an accent color for furniture, curtains, or rugs.
Branding, Data Visualization and Mobile App Design
Gulf Blue can serve as a dominant hue in creating a sense of depth and sophistication in branding materials. It's particularly effective for companies aiming to project reliability and trustworthiness, such as financial institutions or tech firms. In data visualization, use #0A154D sparingly for specific data points or categories needing emphasis, contrasting it with lighter, more neutral colors for the bulk of the information to maintain clarity. In mobile app design, Gulf Blue can be used for navigation bars or status bars, providing a consistent and calming presence without overwhelming the user interface. Combine it with a brighter accent color for interactive elements to ensure usability.
Cosmetics, Digital Art, and Graphic Design
Gulf Blue can be used as a base for creating aesthetically pleasing cosmetics packaging, promoting a sense of luxury and elegance. In digital art, Gulf Blue is suitable to create shadows and depth to 3D objects. It can also be used as a base to draw realistic landscapes, such as the sea or the sky. Its dark tone makes it especially good to depict night scenes. In graphic design, Gulf Blue is suited for minimalist designs that want to showcase an elegant and refined aesthetic. This can be combined with lighter colors such as white, off-white or very light shades of yellow.