Congress Blue
General Information
Congress Blue, represented by the hex code #034D98, is a dark, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It is often associated with institutions such as government, finance, and education. This color is composed of 1.2% red, 30.2% green, and 59.6% blue. In the RGB color space, it has values of 3 for red, 77 for green, and 152 for blue. Congress Blue's CMYK values are 98% cyan, 49% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. Due to its association with professionalism, the hex color can be used for branding, corporate communications, and other materials where conveying reliability is important. In web design, it should be used thoughtfully to ensure sufficient contrast and readability.
The hex color #034D98, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges primarily due to its low luminance. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires careful consideration of the background color to ensure sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet WCAG AA standards. Using lighter background colors such as whites, light yellows, or light grays can help improve readability. It's crucial to test color combinations with accessibility evaluation tools to verify compliance. When using Congress Blue for interactive elements like buttons or links, provide clear visual cues beyond just color to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. Consider adding borders, underlines, or icons to enhance distinguishability and improve the overall user experience for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2962ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a professional look while offering improved contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #003366
A darker shade of blue which can be used to create a sophisticated feel, while maintaining the dark theme.
- #0077cc
A brighter blue with a more vibrant look that can be used as a background
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue, with its deep and authoritative hue, is an excellent choice for crafting a professional and trustworthy website design. It can be effectively used in headers, footers, and navigation bars to establish a sense of stability and reliability. Employing this color for call-to-action buttons can subtly encourage user engagement, while incorporating it in charts and graphs can improve data visualization by providing a clear and calming visual representation of complex information.
Interior Design
In the realm of interior design, Congress Blue serves as a sophisticated accent color, capable of adding depth and elegance to a room. It works particularly well in studies, libraries, or living rooms, where a sense of calm and focus is desired. This hue can be incorporated through painted walls, upholstery, or decorative accessories like cushions and vases. When paired with neutral tones like beige or gray, Congress Blue can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere, lending a touch of understated luxury to the space.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue offers a versatile alternative to classic navy, lending an air of sophistication and understated elegance. This color can be utilized in a variety of garments, from tailored suits and dresses to casual sweaters and trousers. Its neutrality allows it to be easily paired with a range of colors, including whites, grays, and even bolder hues like mustard yellow or deep red. Accessorizing with Congress Blue, whether through scarves, handbags, or shoes, can add a polished finishing touch to any outfit.