Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #035195, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It belongs to the blue color family, which is generally associated with calmness, peace, and intelligence. In terms of color theory, Congress Blue is a cool color, making it suitable for designs that aim to create a sense of serenity or professionalism. It's often used in corporate branding, government agencies, and educational institutions to convey a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. The hexadecimal color code #035195 is composed of 1.18% red, 31.76% green, and 58.43% blue. In the RGB color model, it consists of these values, while its CMYK equivalent is 98, 40, 0, 42.
The hex color #035195, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges due to its relatively dark hue. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure that the text placed on top of it has sufficient contrast to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Lighter colors such as white, light gray, or pale yellow would generally provide adequate contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, clear visual cues and sufficient size are essential to aid users with visual impairments or motor disabilities. It's also important to consider users with color blindness by providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines or icons, in addition to color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2962ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast for text, making it more accessible for users with visual impairments.
- #002f6c
A darker shade of blue that can be used for backgrounds or accents, providing a strong visual contrast when paired with lighter colors.
- #1e88e5
A vibrant blue that can be used as a call to action button to drive user engagement.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can be used as a primary color for website headers, footers, and navigation bars. Its serious and trustworthy feel makes it well-suited for corporate websites, financial institutions, or government agencies. It can also be effectively used for call-to-action buttons, providing a strong visual cue for users to engage with the content. When combined with complementary colors like shades of yellow or orange, it can create a visually appealing and balanced design.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decor. It works particularly well in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It can be paired with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige for a classic look, or with bolder colors like gold or red for a more dramatic effect. Consider using it for throw pillows, curtains, or area rugs to add a pop of color to a room.
Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, Congress Blue can be used for clothing items such as suits, dresses, or shirts. It's a versatile color that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions. It can be paired with other neutral colors like black, white, or gray, or with brighter colors like pink or yellow for a more playful look. The color exudes elegance and gives the wearer an impression of self-confidence.