Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #014F9A, is a deep, rich shade of blue. It belongs to the family of blue colors and evokes feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. Its name suggests a connection to government and official settings, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and institutional design. The RGB values for Congress Blue are R:1, G:79, B:154, while its CMYK values are C:99, M:49, Y:0, K:40. This color is often used in designs where a sense of authority and reliability is desired. Its distinctive hue sets it apart from lighter blues, giving it a formal and serious tone.
The hex color #014F9A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its low luminance value of 0.026 does not provide sufficient contrast against standard white text. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Congress Blue falls significantly short of these recommendations, potentially causing readability issues for users with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies. To improve accessibility, it is advisable to pair Congress Blue with very light colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or light yellows. Using this color for decorative elements, rather than functional text, will minimize accessibility concerns.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue is often used for navigation bars, headers, and footers to create a professional and trustworthy impression. Its deep hue conveys stability and authority, making it suitable for corporate websites, government portals, and educational platforms. When used as a background color, it is essential to ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain readability and usability. Congress Blue can also be effectively used for call-to-action buttons and icons to draw attention and guide users through the interface.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It works well in offices, studies, and bedrooms, promoting concentration and relaxation. As an accent color, it can be paired with neutral tones such as beige, gray, and white to add depth and visual interest. Congress Blue can be incorporated through painted walls, upholstery, curtains, and decorative accessories, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. Its versatility allows it to complement both modern and traditional design styles.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue is a versatile color that can be worn in various settings. It is often used for business attire, such as suits, blazers, and dresses, conveying professionalism and confidence. It can be paired with neutral colors like black, white, and gray for a classic and sophisticated look, or with brighter colors like yellow or red for a more daring and fashionable ensemble. Congress Blue is also suitable for casual wear, such as jeans, sweaters, and t-shirts, providing a timeless and stylish option for everyday outfits.