Congress Blue
General Information
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #014F97, is a dark, muted shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.4% red, 30.98% green, and 59.22% blue. This color is often associated with qualities such as professionalism, trust, and authority. It is named similarly to other 'congress' colors as it evokes a sense of seriousness. In the CMYK color model, Congress Blue consists of 99% cyan, 48% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. This color is most effective when used sparingly, as its depth can easily overwhelm designs. It's a popular choice for brands aiming to convey reliability and stability.
The color #014F97, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially regarding contrast. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for Level AA and ideally AAA. Using darker text on this background would likely fail contrast checks, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read the content. Similarly, if used as a text color, it needs to be placed on a very light background. Web developers should use contrast checking tools to verify that the contrast ratio meets accessibility standards before deploying content using this color. Furthermore, avoid using this color for essential UI elements like buttons or links without careful consideration of the surrounding colors, as it could make these elements hard to distinguish.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e86c1
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against both light and dark text.
- #003366
A darker shade of blue that is often used in corporate settings for a professional look and feel.
- #0077cc
A vivid, brighter blue offering better visibility and improved contrast for user interface elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can be used to establish a sense of trust and authority, often used in the headers and footers of corporate websites. Due to its depth, it can create a sophisticated, professional ambiance. However, caution must be exercised to ensure the text and interactive elements on this background are easily readable for all users. Its a great option for backgrounds or accents on government or educational websites.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent wall color to bring a sense of calm and sophistication to a room. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, and white, or can be accented with brighter colors like yellow or orange to create visual interest. The color can make a room feel more spacious and airy, especially when paired with light-colored furniture and decor, making it a versatile option for different design styles from traditional to modern.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue is suitable for creating elegant and formal outfits. It can be used in dresses, suits, and outerwear, often paired with silver or gold accessories to enhance its richness. It is considered a power color, suitable for business or professional settings. It projects confidence and dependability, making it a popular choice for both men's and women's wear, offering an alternative to black or navy.