Congress Blue
General Information
The hex color #054796, also referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, rich shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.0% red, 27.84% green, and 58.82% blue. This color is often associated with traits such as stability, trustworthiness, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for branding and design projects that seek to convey these qualities. Congress Blue's relative darkness gives it a formal and authoritative feel, suitable for applications where a sense of professionalism is desired. It is widely used in corporate logos, government websites, and educational materials. Its hex code #054796 makes it easy to implement in digital design projects, ensuring color consistency across different platforms and devices.
The hex color #054796, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web development. Its dark hue results in a relatively low luminance value, meaning it requires careful pairing with text and other UI elements to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text against its background. When using #054796 as a background, light colors like white (#FFFFFF) or pale yellows would generally provide adequate contrast. Conversely, using it as a text color necessitates a very light background. It's crucial to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance and ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Overreliance on color to convey information should be avoided, and alternative cues like text labels or icons should be provided to enhance usability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e6091
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a professional look while offering improved visibility.
- #033573
A darker, more saturated blue, suitable for creating a strong visual impact and ensuring high contrast.
- #5f9ea0
A similar blue with a hint of grey to give a more neutral and subtle feeling. Good as background color when a desaturated look is wanted.
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue (#054796) can be used to create a sophisticated and professional website design. As a primary color in website headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons, it conveys trust, stability, and authority. When combined with white or light gray backgrounds, it provides excellent readability. Furthermore, it is a perfect choice for websites in the finance, education, or government sectors, where a sense of reliability is essential. Using this color sparingly as an accent color can also add a touch of elegance to a minimalist design.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used to create a calming and elegant space. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices as an accent wall color or for upholstery. When paired with neutral colors like beige or gray, it creates a balanced and harmonious atmosphere. Adding metallic accents like gold or silver can elevate the design and create a luxurious feel. It is also suitable for creating a nautical-themed room when combined with white and natural wood tones.
Fashion
Congress Blue projects professionalism and confidence in fashion. It's a solid selection for formal wear, such as suits, blazers, and dresses. The color exudes competence, making it suitable for professional settings. When worn as an evening dress or paired with gold or silver accessories, it can evoke elegance. It also functions well as an accent color in casual outfits, such as a sweater or scarf, to add a hint of sophistication.