Congress Blue

General Information about Congress Blue

The color #004A99, commonly referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0% red, 29.02% green, and 60% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 100% cyan, 51% magenta, 0% yellow, and 40% black. This combination results in a color that is often associated with trustworthiness, stability, and authority. It is a popular choice for corporate branding, government institutions, and educational organizations. The hex code #004A99 is a specific representation of this blue within the hexadecimal color system, widely used in web design and digital media to ensure accurate color reproduction across different devices and platforms. This color is part of a broader family of blues, each with its subtle variations and unique psychological effects.

The hex color #004a99, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web development. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires careful selection of the background color to ensure sufficient contrast. 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 level compliance. Using a very light color like #FFFFFF (white) as background would provide a good contrast and make the text easily readable. Tools such as WebAIM's Contrast Checker can be used to verify contrast ratios. Also, avoid using this color alone to convey important information. Always provide alternative cues, like labels or icons, to ensure usability for users with color vision deficiencies. Ensure interactive elements using this color have sufficient visual cues for focus and hover states.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design

  In web design, Congress Blue is often employed for navigation bars, headers, and call-to-action buttons due to its trustworthy and reliable associations. Its depth evokes a sense of stability, making it suitable for corporate websites, financial institutions, and government portals. It can be effectively paired with lighter shades of blue or neutral tones to create a professional and balanced aesthetic. Utilizing this color strategically can enhance the user experience by guiding attention and reinforcing brand identity. Moreover, it works well in charts and graphs to represent data clearly and concisely.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, #004A99 can serve as an accent color in spaces intended to inspire confidence and tranquility, such as home offices or libraries. Consider using it on a feature wall or in decorative accessories like cushions and artwork. When paired with warm neutrals or natural wood tones, it creates a balanced and inviting atmosphere. It can also be incorporated into textiles, such as curtains or rugs, to add a touch of sophistication and depth to a room. When considering this color for a larger space, ensure that there is ample lighting, as dark blues can sometimes make a room feel smaller if not properly illuminated.

• Fashion

  In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue projects an air of sophistication and professionalism. It is a great option for creating professional attire and outerwear, since it goes well with a variety of skin tones and hair colors. Consider using this color for business suits, blazers, or elegant dresses. Pairing it with complementary colors such as tan or gold can create a striking and fashionable contrast. Incorporating this shade into accessories like scarves, ties, or handbags can add a refined touch to any ensemble. For a more relaxed style, mix Congress Blue with denim or khaki.

Complementary color

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