Congress Blue

General Information about #034A84

The hex color #034A84, often referred to as Congress Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue. It is composed of 1.18% red, 29.02% green, and 51.76% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as (3, 74, 132). The color has a relatively low saturation and brightness, contributing to its somber and serious appearance. In the CMYK color space, it is composed of 97.73% cyan, 43.94% magenta, 0% yellow, and 48.24% black. Congress Blue is often associated with qualities such as stability, trust, and authority, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and governmental institutions. Its hex code makes it easily adaptable for digital use, ensuring consistency across various platforms.

The hex color #034A84, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, sufficient contrast with foreground text is crucial for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, pairing #034A84 with lighter text colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or light grays is essential to meet these standards. Tools like contrast checkers can verify compliance. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that hover and focus states also provide adequate contrast to maintain usability for all users, including those with low vision. This might involve darkening or lightening the color upon interaction, coupled with clear visual cues like underlines or borders.

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Applications

• Web Design

  In web design, Congress Blue can serve as a sophisticated background for headers or call-to-action sections, particularly for websites aiming for a professional or corporate feel. Its depth evokes trust and stability. When used for buttons, ensure sufficient contrast with the text to maintain readability. Consider using it as a secondary color in a broader palette to avoid overwhelming the user. Combining it with lighter accent colors such as pale yellows or light grays can create a balanced and visually appealing interface. It's also effective for charts and graphs, where its distinctness can help differentiate data sets. Careful attention to color contrast is essential for accessibility.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, #034A84 can be used as an accent wall color in offices or studies to promote a sense of calm and focus. Pair it with lighter, neutral colors such as beige or cream for the remaining walls to balance the depth of the blue. Consider using it for upholstery on furniture pieces like sofas or armchairs to add a touch of elegance to a living room. Accessories like cushions and throws in complementary colors, such as gold or mustard yellow, can enhance the overall aesthetic. When incorporating it into bedrooms, ensure adequate lighting to prevent the space from feeling too dark or enclosed.

• Fashion

  In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue lends itself well to creating elegant and sophisticated looks. This color is suitable for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, as it projects an image of authority and professionalism. Consider incorporating it into accessories like scarves or handbags to add a pop of color to a neutral outfit. It pairs well with metallic accents such as silver or gold, enhancing the overall look. For a more casual approach, consider using it in denim or knitwear, as its versatility extends to everyday wear. Ultimately, #034A84 is a reliable choice for garments.

Complementary color

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