Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color #034795, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority. It is often associated with governmental institutions, corporate environments, and professional settings. This color is composed of 1.18% red, 27.84% green, and 58.43% blue. In the RGB color model, #034795 consists of 3 red, 71 green, and 149 blue. In the CMYK color space, if used for printing, it comprises 98% cyan, 52% magenta, 0% yellow, and 42% black. Congress Blue's connotations make it suitable for designs aiming to project reliability and competence.
The color #034795, a deep shade of blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value means that text rendered in this color may not provide sufficient contrast against a white or light-colored background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #034795 for text, careful consideration must be given to the background color to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. It's advisable to use a color contrast checker to verify compliance. Conversely, if #034795 is used as a background, pairing it with white or a very light-colored text is crucial. Also, avoid using this color alone to convey important information; supplement it with text or other visual cues to accommodate users with color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5984
A slightly lighter blue that maintains a professional feel while improving contrast against white backgrounds.
- #5f9ea0
A desaturated blue that provides a softer look and may be easier on the eyes for extended reading.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant blue that can be used for accent elements, ensuring they stand out visually.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #034795 can be effectively employed for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons, conveying a sense of authority and trust. Due to its dark nature, it is recommended to pair it with lighter shades for text or background to maintain readability and visual appeal. The color can also be incorporated into website branding to foster credibility and professionalism. To ensure accessibility, confirm adequate contrast ratios, especially when layering text on the color.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue serves well as an accent color in spaces aiming for a sophisticated or nautical theme. It could be used on feature walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories. As a strong color, it's usually best balanced with lighter and neutral tones to prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Accents of brighter, complementary colors like orange or yellow can add contrast and visual interest to the overall design.
Branding
Congress Blue can be a great choice for creating professional and trustworthy brand visuals. It can be used in logos, stationery, and marketing materials to evoke feelings of stability, intelligence, and confidence. It is best paired with neutral colors, such as white, grey, or light beige, to maintain a clean and professional look. Furthermore, consider using this color for companies in the finance, legal, or technology sectors.