Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color code #01457E, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It is composed of 0.39% red, 27.06% green, and 49.41% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:1, G:69, B:126. This color is often associated with seriousness, trust, and stability, making it suitable for use in professional or institutional contexts. The color is on the darker side, which explains its low luminosity, and it has a relatively high saturation, giving it a noticeable presence without being overly bright. In the world of color theory, #01457E can be effectively paired with its complementary color, #7E3A01 (a dark orange), to create visually striking contrasts.
The hex color #01457E, also known as Congress Blue, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its dark hue results in a low luminance value, meaning it requires careful attention to contrast ratios. When used as a background color, it's crucial to pair it with light-colored text (white or very pale shades) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links also necessitates clear visual cues, such as hover effects or underlines, to ensure users can easily identify and understand their function. Avoid using this color for small text or intricate details, as its darkness can make it difficult to discern fine features, especially for users with visual impairments. Testing with accessibility tools and user feedback is always crucial to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e90ff
A slightly lighter blue, #1E90FF (Dodger Blue), provides better contrast when used with darker text and is more vibrant.
- #4682b4
For a more muted and accessible option, #4682B4 (Steel Blue) offers a balance between visual appeal and readability.
- #0077cc
The color #0077cc is another alternative that is easier to combine with brighter text, and is often used for hyperlinks
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
Congress Blue, #01457E, can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a professional and trustworthy feel. Its dark and serious tone is ideal for institutions and organizations that want to convey stability and reliability. When used sparingly in backgrounds or as accents, it can add depth and sophistication to the overall design, but should always be paired with lighter complementary colors to ensure readability and visual balance.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, #01457E can represent a key data series or highlight important trends in charts and graphs. Its distinct color makes it easily identifiable, and it can be paired with lighter shades of blue or contrasting colors like yellow or orange to create visually appealing and informative representations. When presenting complex data, the use of this color can help guide the viewer's attention and improve comprehension.
Branding
Congress Blue is used for branding applications like logos and marketing materials to convey a message of trust, reliability, and authority. It's common in the financial and professional industries. Consider this color for the web design if you want to express the same