Congress Blue
About Congress Blue (#035094)
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #035094, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. It is often associated with governmental institutions, financial organizations, and educational environments due to its serious and authoritative nature. This color is created by mixing a very small amount of red and green with a significant amount of blue in the RGB color model. In the CMYK color model, commonly used in printing, Congress Blue is composed of a high percentage of cyan, magenta, and black, with a very small amount of yellow. Its deep hue makes it suitable for backgrounds, text, and accents in various design applications, from web design to interior decoration, providing a sense of reliability and competence.
The hex color #035094, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against lighter backgrounds, which can pose readability issues for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for text and interactive elements to ensure they are perceivable. For text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #035094 for text or interactive elements, it's imperative to pair it with a very light background color, such as white (#FFFFFF) or a pale yellow, to meet these contrast requirements. Tools like online contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Additionally, avoid using this color for crucial information without providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or labels, to ensure accessibility for all users, including those with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design for Professional Services
Congress Blue (#035094) can serve as a sophisticated background color for websites in the financial or legal sectors, providing a sense of trust and stability. It can also be used for button backgrounds, especially when paired with white or light-colored text to ensure readability and accessibility. In charts and graphs, this color can represent a primary data series, especially in reports related to government or policy. The deep blue evokes a sense of professionalism and can improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the user interface, fostering a sense of confidence in the information presented. It could also be used to highlight key elements, drawing the user's eye and focusing their attention on important details.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Congress Blue (#035094) works exceptionally well in accent walls or as the primary color for furniture upholstery. It provides a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in living rooms or studies. The color pairs nicely with natural wood tones and metallic accents like gold or silver, offering a sense of luxury and comfort. Moreover, it's a great choice for office spaces where a serious and focused environment is desired. Accessorize with lighter blues or creams to avoid overwhelming the space and to ensure a balanced and visually appealing interior design.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Congress Blue (#035094) offers a versatile option for formal wear, such as suits or dresses. It can also be used as an accent color in accessories like ties or scarves to add a touch of elegance to an outfit. This shade of blue is suitable for creating a professional and sophisticated look. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, white, and beige, and can be combined with brighter colors like yellow or coral for a more vibrant and fashionable appearance. The color evokes a sense of refinement and can be used to create various fashion styles, from classic to modern.