Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #014582, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and trustworthiness. In color psychology, dark blues are often associated with authority, intelligence, and reliability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and government institutions. This hue sits between blue and indigo on the color spectrum. It has a low saturation and a relatively low brightness, which contributes to its understated and serious character. Congress Blue derives its name from its association with the United States Congress, where it is commonly used in official seals, documents, and decorations. It is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of contexts, from professional to casual, depending on the accompanying colors and design elements.
The hex color #014582, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using darker shades for text on a #014582 background will likely fail accessibility checks. Therefore, careful consideration is needed when choosing text and interactive elements' colors to ensure readability and usability for individuals with visual impairments. Testing with accessibility tools is crucial to validate the color combinations and make necessary adjustments. For elements such as buttons and links, providing clear visual cues beyond color, such as underlines or borders, is advisable to improve accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #014582 can be used for headers or accents to give a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness. Its dark hue works best when contrasted with lighter background colors, making it suitable for interactive elements like buttons and navigational elements. It is commonly seen in governmental, financial and technological websites for communicating reliability and authority. When using as button color, please be sure to check the contrast for people with impaired vision.
Interior Design
In interior design, #014582 can be utilized to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It is a popular choice for accent walls or furniture pieces in living rooms or home offices. It pairs well with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white, and can be complemented with metallic accents like gold or silver. The color can also be used in bedrooms to promote relaxation and a sense of security.
Fashion
In fashion, #014582 is often used for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, as it conveys a sense of elegance and professionalism. It can be paired with lighter colors like white, cream, or light gray for contrast, or with complementary colors like gold or mustard for a bolder look. This color is very often used in uniform design because of its serious character.