Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #004994, is a dark shade of blue often associated with sophistication, stability, and trust. Its RGB values are R:0, G:73, B:148, and its CMYK values are C:100, M:51, Y:0, K:42. In the HSV color space, Congress Blue has a hue of 211 degrees, a saturation of 100%, and a value of 58%. This color is frequently used in corporate branding, government websites, and educational materials to convey a sense of authority and professionalism. It evokes feelings of calmness and reliability, making it a popular choice for businesses and organizations aiming to project a strong and dependable image. Congress Blue is a versatile color that works well with a variety of other colors, including whites, grays, and lighter shades of blue.
The color #004994, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as text on a white background. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between #004994 and white is insufficient to meet the minimum requirements for normal text (4.5:1). This means that users with visual impairments may find it difficult to read text displayed in this color. To improve accessibility, consider using #004994 for larger text elements, graphical elements, or as a background color paired with a lighter text color. Ensure that any interactive elements using this color have sufficient contrast for focus states and that color is not the only means of conveying information. Using tools like contrast checkers during the design process will help in making informed decisions about color pairings and enhancing overall usability for all users. It's also recommended to get feedback from users with visual impairments to validate design choices.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #337ab7
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast on white backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility.
- #808080
A neutral gray that works well as a background or text color, providing good contrast and readability.
- #191970
Midnight Blue is a good alternative if you need a dark blue, but with better contrast with lighter colors than Congress Blue.
Applications
Web Design for Professional Services
Congress Blue (#004994) can be used to create a professional and trustworthy aesthetic. It's a good choice for backgrounds, headers, and accents when designing websites for financial institutions, law firms, or government agencies. Combining it with lighter shades of gray or white can ensure readability and visual appeal. It is also well suited for data visualization, where it can represent different data categories in charts and graphs. This can include, but not be limited to, bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It's suitable for painting walls in bedrooms or home offices, or for choosing furniture upholstery. You can complement it with neutral tones like beige or gray for a balanced look. This dark blue can also be used in decorative elements, such as cushions, curtains, or artwork, to add a touch of elegance to a space. It works especially well in nautical-themed or coastal-inspired designs.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Congress Blue can be used to design a variety of clothing items, from formal wear like suits and dresses to casual wear like jeans and shirts. The color is great for creating a classic and timeless look. It pairs well with neutrals like white, beige, and gray, as well as with brighter colors like yellow or pink for a pop of contrast. It can also be used in accessories like scarves, hats, and handbags to add a touch of sophistication to an outfit.