Congress Blue
General Information
The color #004F98, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated blue hue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It's a popular choice for branding and design projects where conveying a sense of professionalism and reliability is important. In color psychology, blue is often associated with intelligence, calmness, and efficiency. Congress Blue's slightly muted tone adds a touch of sophistication, making it versatile for various applications. The color hexadecimal code consists of 6 characters with the first two characters '00' representing the red component, '4F' representing the green component, and '98' representing the blue component. When combined in this way, the overall color becomes #004F98.
The hex color #004F98, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web developers. Its relatively low luminance means it requires careful pairing with text and background colors 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 (14pt bold or 18pt regular). When using #004F98 as a background, it's advisable to use light-colored text to meet these contrast requirements. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios and ensure compliance. Insufficient contrast can make content difficult to read for users with low vision or color blindness. Furthermore, avoid using color alone to convey important information; supplement color cues with text labels or other visual indicators.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #6699CC
A lighter blue that provides better contrast against dark text, making it a more accessible choice for backgrounds.
- #003366
A darker shade of blue suitable for text, offering a strong contrast against light backgrounds.
- #336699
A more vibrant blue that can be used to add a pop of color while maintaining readability.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can be used for navigation bars, headers, or as an accent color to create a professional and trustworthy feel. Its association with authority and stability makes it suitable for websites related to finance, education, or government. When used sparingly and combined with complementary colors like light grays or yellows, it can create a visually appealing and user-friendly experience. It is important to maintain contrast with the text added in top to improve readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as a wall color in offices or studies to promote focus and concentration. It pairs well with natural wood tones and metallic accents, creating a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. This color is very versatile and can be combined with various colors and tones.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, to convey a sense of confidence and professionalism. It complements neutral colors like white, gray, and black, and can be accessorized with pops of color like red or gold. It can be used in many different materials and is a great color for suits.