Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color code #01439A, commonly known as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability. It is composed of 0.4% red, 26.3% green, and 60.8% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as (1, 67, 154). This color is frequently associated with governmental organizations, educational institutions, and financial services due to its serious and reliable connotations. Congress Blue is often used in branding materials, web design, and interior design to convey a sense of professionalism and credibility. It's a versatile color that can be paired with various other colors to create different moods and effects, ranging from sophisticated elegance to understated confidence.
The hex color #01439A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily related to color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for level AA and ideally AAA compliance. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Due to its darkness, it's not suitable for elements like buttons or links without careful consideration of the foreground color. Using online contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Avoid using this color for essential visual information without providing alternative cues, such as labels or icons, to support users with visual impairments. It's also crucial to consider users with color vision deficiencies, so testing with color blindness simulators is advisable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue (#01439A) can be employed in website headers and footers to impart a sense of professionalism and reliability. Its depth and sophistication make it suitable for financial institutions' websites, corporate portals, and academic institution sites. It pairs well with clean, minimalist designs, serving as a strong anchor color that doesn't overwhelm the user interface. The color can also be used for call-to-action buttons, provided the text is highly contrasting to ensure readability and accessibility.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent wall color in offices or studies to promote focus and concentration. It brings a calming yet authoritative presence to the space. When used in textiles, such as upholstery or curtains, it adds a touch of elegance and depth. Complementary colors like mustard yellow or coral can be used as accents to brighten up the space and prevent it from feeling too somber.
Fashion
In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue makes for an excellent choice for formal wear, such as suits or evening gowns. It's a versatile color that complements a wide range of skin tones and can be paired with both silver and gold accessories. For a more casual look, it can be used in denim or knitwear, lending a touch of sophistication to everyday outfits. When combined with lighter colors like white or beige, it creates a classic and timeless ensemble.