Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #054693, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trustworthiness, stability, and professionalism. It is part of the blue color family and is often associated with corporate branding, government institutions, and educational organizations. The color has a low saturation and brightness, contributing to its subdued and serious character. In the RGB color model, #054693 consists of 2% red, 27.5% green, and 57.6% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 94% cyan, 53% magenta, 0% yellow, and 42% black. Its muted appearance makes it suitable for backgrounds and accents, where it provides a touch of sophistication without being too distracting.
The color #054693, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a background or text color. Due to its dark hue, it necessitates very light foreground colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using a color like white or a very pale yellow as the text color on a #054693 background is essential to meet these contrast requirements and make the content accessible to individuals with visual impairments. Avoid using this color for small text or interface elements without careful consideration of contrast ratios. Testing with accessibility tools is highly recommended.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5cb8
A slightly lighter blue that offers better readability and contrast when used as a background color.
- #032a60
A darker shade that can be used to create a stronger visual hierarchy or for decorative purposes.
- #4f6a92
A muted, desaturated blue that provides a more subtle and calming effect, useful in user interfaces where less visual intensity is desired.
Applications
Web Design
Congress Blue can serve as an accent color for websites, particularly in the technology and finance sectors. It provides a sense of trustworthiness and stability. As a background for call-to-action buttons, it can attract user attention. It can also be used in data visualizations such as charts and graphs to provide a professional aesthetic. However, remember to keep accessibility in mind and use the color carefully.
Beauty and Fashion
Congress Blue can be applied to nail polish or eyeshadow to add a sophisticated and elegant touch. The deep, muted tone is suitable for evening wear and formal occasions. It creates a statement when paired with neutral colors. In hair coloring, it can be used as an accent or highlight color, adding a unique and bold look to your hair. Remember that the color is quite dark, so it is best suited for those with dark hair.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue works best as an accent color in bedrooms or home offices, as it provides a sense of calm. It can be used for painting walls or choosing furniture. The color goes well with white, gray, and light brown. It should be used carefully, as too much Congress Blue can make a room feel small and dark. Use the color for elements such as cushions or decorative objects.