Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#024699)
The hex color #024699, often referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep and sophisticated shade of blue. It resides in the blue color family and carries a sense of trustworthiness, stability, and authority. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.78% red, 27.45% green, and 60% blue. This combination results in a color that is both calming and commanding. Historically, blue has been associated with royalty, intelligence, and serenity, and Congress Blue embodies these attributes. It's commonly used in branding, web design, and interior decor to evoke feelings of confidence and reliability. Due to its darker nature, it's essential to consider contrast ratios when using it for text or interactive elements on a website to ensure accessibility.
The hex color #024699, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. When used as a foreground color, it requires careful consideration of the background color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text according to WCAG guidelines. Using a light color like white or a very pale yellow as the background can significantly improve the readability. Also, avoid using this color for crucial interactive elements without proper visual cues, as it may not stand out sufficiently. Providing alternative text descriptions for images or icons using this color is helpful for screen reader users. Proper testing with accessibility tools is essential to validate the design choices.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #336699
A slightly lighter shade of blue, #336699 offers better visibility while retaining a similar aesthetic.
- #003366
A darker shade, #003366, provides a strong contrast and can be used effectively in backgrounds.
- #0047ab
The color #0047AB is similar and close to the orginal color, which can be used for a color palette.
Applications
Financial Institutions Branding
Congress Blue exudes a sense of trust and authority, making it a great choice for websites and branding materials associated with financial institutions. Its cool, calming tone inspires confidence and reliability, essential qualities for building client relationships and presenting a professional image. Using it in website headers, footers, and for call-to-action buttons can create a cohesive and trustworthy visual experience. It can also be used as an accent color in charts and infographics to present data in a clear and professional manner.
Interior Design - Creating Calming Spaces
In the realm of interior design, Congress Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It works exceptionally well in bedrooms or studies where tranquility is desired. Consider painting an accent wall or incorporating blue-toned furniture or décor to instill a sense of calm and serenity. The color pairs beautifully with neutral tones like gray, beige, and white, as well as with natural wood finishes. This elegant color can evoke depth and elegance in the room, creating a statement of refinement.
Web development
Congress Blue can be used in web development to create a sense of trust and professionalism. It's suitable for header background or used as a highlight to important information. The color conveys a sense of stability, which is important in industries like finance, education and government. It can also be combined with lighter colors to produce a balanced and modern look, enhancing the user experience with a harmonious feel and modern look.