Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #024E96, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability. It's often associated with government, finance, and corporate environments. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.78% red, 30.59% green, and 58.82% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 99% cyan, 49% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. This deep, saturated color is suitable for creating a sense of formality and professionalism. The hue is most effective when paired with lighter colors to create contrast and visual interest. In web design, it can be used for backgrounds, headers, or accents to establish a sense of reliability and confidence. Due to its darkness, care must be taken to ensure adequate color contrast for accessibility.
The hex color #024E96, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure that the foreground text or elements have sufficient contrast to be legible for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, pairing #024E96 with light colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays can help meet these requirements. Tools like contrast checkers can be used to verify compliance. It's also essential to consider users with color blindness. Avoid relying solely on color to convey information; instead, use text labels, icons, or patterns to supplement visual cues. Ensuring proper focus states for interactive elements is also important to improve keyboard navigation and overall usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #336699
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against dark text while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #0077CC
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements.
- #808080
A neutral gray which would allow the blue to stand out when used sparingly.
Applications
Financial Website Theme
Congress Blue can be used as the primary color for a financial institution's website to convey trust and stability. The deep blue hue can be incorporated into the website's header, navigation menu, and key call-to-action buttons. The color can also be paired with complementary colors in charts and graphs to visualize financial data effectively. Proper considerations for accessibility must be taken to ensure all users can navigate and interact with the content.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used to design elegant evening wear or professional business attire. The color evokes a sense of sophistication and can be paired with silver or gold accessories to create a stunning look. The textile industry could use it for corporate uniforms to imbue employees with confidence and professionalism. Depending on the context, #024E96 could even be used on formal dresses.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Congress Blue can serve as an accent wall color in a home office or study. The color promotes focus and concentration, creating a productive work environment. Complementary colors like beige or light gray can be used for the remaining walls and furniture to balance the space and prevent it from feeling too dark. It can also be incorporated into upholstery or rugs to add a touch of color and elegance.