Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue
The hex color #0C0750, also known as Gulf Blue, is a deep, dark shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is composed of 4.71% red, 2.75% green, and 31.37% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (12, 7, 80). Gulf Blue is often associated with feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. It can evoke a sense of calmness and seriousness, making it suitable for various design applications where a sense of trust and reliability is desired. Dark blue shades have a historical association with royalty and formality, further adding to its connotations of importance and dignity. It is important to consider its darkness when using this color, as it can easily overpower other colors if not used carefully.
The hex color #0C0750, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure readability. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of #0C0750, careful consideration must be given to the foreground text color to meet these standards. Tools like contrast checkers are highly advisable to verify compliance. Furthermore, relying solely on color to convey information should be avoided; supplementary cues like text labels or icons can greatly improve accessibility for all users, especially those with color vision deficiencies. This dark hue is unsuitable for interactive elements like links or buttons without clear visual affordances.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1E2A78
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast with both light and dark text.
- #2962FF
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color without the same accessibility concerns as #0C0750.
- #333333
A dark gray alternative that is often used in user interfaces as a neutral alternative to black.
Applications
Sophisticated Website Background
In web design, #0C0750 can be effectively used as a background for sections where a sense of depth or sophistication is desired. Consider pairing it with a minimalist design and ample white space to prevent it from feeling overwhelming. For example, a technology company might use it as the background for a hero section showcasing their cutting-edge products. The color evokes feelings of innovation and trust. Careful attention should be paid to contrast ratios for accessibility. The color is also suitable for decorative elements such as lines.
Corporate Branding
#0C0750, evoking a sense of calm and depth, can be used in branding for companies dealing with technology, consulting or finances, for example in logos, websites, and marketing materials. It conveys a sense of trustworthiness and reliability. Furthermore, a darker hue can be used in the background for mobile applications to communicate to users the elegance and simplicity of the application. The usage of a dark background reduces the perceived complexity of the displayed elements and helps focus users on the app functionality and content.
Fashion applications
This dark blue can be incorporated in fashion to create a statement piece (e.g. evening dress, suite), or as a complementary color for less dominant articles of clothing. The dark hue is also suitable as an accent color for accessories such as scarfs and ties.