Gulf Blue
General Information about Gulf Blue (#0C1451)
The hex color #0C1451, often referred to as Gulf Blue, is a deep, dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. It belongs to the blue color family and has a relatively low luminance value, making it appear subdued and reserved. In the RGB color model, #0C1451 is composed of 4.71% red, 7.84% green, and 31.76% blue. This composition contributes to its cool, calming aesthetic. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 90% cyan, 75% magenta, 0% yellow, and 68% black. This indicates that it's a heavily saturated color. Gulf Blue is often associated with trust, authority, and professionalism, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and website design. It is a very dark desaturated blue.
The hex color #0C1451, also known as Gulf Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its low luminance of 2.64 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Gulf Blue often fails to meet these standards when paired with common background colors like white or light gray. To improve accessibility, consider using Gulf Blue sparingly for decorative elements or larger graphical components where contrast is less critical. When using it for text, it's essential to choose a very light background color or, preferably, a contrasting color like yellow or orange that provides a high contrast ratio. Tools like contrast checkers can help ensure compliance with accessibility standards, making content usable for individuals with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Gulf Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It's often employed in the headers and footers of websites to establish a professional and trustworthy brand identity. It works well with minimalist layouts and can be paired with lighter shades of blue or neutral colors to achieve a balanced visual hierarchy. However, it's important to use it judiciously, as excessive use can make the website feel monotonous. In UI design, Gulf Blue can be used for interactive elements such as buttons and progress bars, but careful attention should be paid to contrast to ensure readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, Gulf Blue can be used to create a serene and relaxing ambiance. It works particularly well in bedrooms and bathrooms, where it can evoke a sense of tranquility and peace. When used as a wall color, it's best to pair it with lighter furniture and accessories to prevent the room from feeling too dark or oppressive. Gulf Blue can also be used as an accent color in cushions, rugs, and artwork to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to a space. It complements natural materials such as wood and stone, as well as metallic accents like gold and silver.
Fashion Design
The color works great in fashion design, especially for clothes and accessories. It represents reliability and responsibility. The color can be used as a background or as a foreground with white text on top. It is an easy color to combine with many others.