Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#034A87)
The hex color code #034A87 represents a deep shade of blue, often referred to as Congress Blue. It is composed of 1.18% red, 29.02% green, and 52.94% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as (3, 74, 135). This color is part of the blue color family, known for its calming and trustworthy associations. The color is often used in corporate branding, government-related materials, and academic institutions to convey a sense of authority, stability, and professionalism. Its specific hue evokes feelings of confidence and reliability, making it a popular choice for establishing a strong and trustworthy brand image. It is important to note that, its darkness requires contrast considerations in design to be fully accessible.
The hex color #034A87, also known as Congress Blue, has accessibility considerations that web developers should be aware of. Due to its relatively dark nature, the contrast ratio against a white background may not meet the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) requirements for text legibility, particularly for smaller font sizes. Developers should ensure sufficient contrast by using a lighter text color on this background or employing a lighter shade of blue for the background itself. Testing with accessibility tools is crucial to verify compliance. When using this color for interactive elements, developers should also provide alternative visual cues beyond color alone, such as underlines or icons, to ensure that users with color vision deficiencies can still understand the meaning and functionality of these elements. Thoughtful color choices greatly enhance usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2979ff
A slightly lighter blue that still provides a professional look, but with better contrast against white.
- #cccccc
A neutral gray that pairs well with Congress Blue and can be used for backgrounds or text.
- #003366
A dark navy blue alternative that provides a similar aesthetic but might offer improved accessibility in certain contexts.
Applications
Corporate Website Design
Congress Blue can be employed to evoke a sense of trust and professionalism. Its deep, calming tone makes it suitable for website headers and footers, providing a consistent and reliable branding element. In user interface design, this color can be used for primary buttons and call-to-action elements, conveying a sense of authority and importance. Additionally, this color works well in charts and graphs, especially in the financial sector, where it helps establish credibility and confidence in presented data.
Elegant Invitations
This shade of blue is a great option for creating sophisticated and elegant invitations. Using it as a background color or for text details like RSVP or event date will make it look luxurious. Moreover, it serves as a beautiful color for a watercolor-themed design on an invitation.
Fashion Accent Color
Congress Blue serves as a striking accent color in fashion design, especially when contrasted with lighter neutrals. This color can be used to add a touch of sophistication to garments, or even serve as the primary color for professional wear.