Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, with the hexadecimal code #004C98, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. It is often associated with governmental institutions, financial services, and academic environments. In terms of color theory, it sits firmly within the blue family, known for its calming and serene properties. The color is created by a combination of 0% red, 29.8% green, and 59.6% blue in the RGB color model. Its CMYK values are 100% cyan, 0% magenta, 0% yellow, and 62.4% black. Congress Blue is versatile, suitable for both digital and print media, and is often used in branding and marketing materials to convey reliability and authority. It's a color that can add a touch of formality and seriousness to any design project.
The hex color #004c98, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as text against a white background. Its relatively low luminance value of 12 makes it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to perceive clearly. 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 compliance. Congress Blue often falls short of these ratios with lighter backgrounds, requiring careful consideration of text size and weight. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with lighter, contrasting colors like white or yellow for text, or using it for larger graphical elements where readability is less critical. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure sufficient contrast for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web UI Design
Congress Blue, represented by the hex code #004C98, is a versatile color suitable for a variety of web development applications. In UI design, it can be used for navigation bars, buttons, and headers to create a professional and trustworthy feel. Its depth makes it an excellent choice for backgrounds in sections where important information is highlighted. When used sparingly for text, it can draw attention to key points, but care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with the background to maintain accessibility. Furthermore, it is often used in data visualization to differentiate categories or highlight trends.
Interior Design
In interior design, #004C98 can be incorporated to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms or studies, where a sense of tranquility is desired. The color can be used for accent walls, upholstery, or decorative items such as cushions and vases. When paired with neutral colors like gray or beige, it adds a touch of elegance without overwhelming the space. It also complements natural materials like wood, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Consider using it in combination with metallic accents to add a touch of luxury and modernity to the interior.
Fashion Design
Congress Blue, #004C98, finds a place in the fashion industry by exuding sophistication. Garments in this hue are ideal for creating formal and business-casual looks. It can be incorporated into suits, dresses, or blouses to convey professionalism and trustworthiness. The color also works well for accessories like scarves, ties, or handbags, adding a subtle pop of color to an outfit. When paired with neutral tones like white, black, or gray, it creates a classic and elegant ensemble. This color is not limited to just adults' fashion, it also adds a touch of elegance to children's clothing.