Congress Blue

General Information about Congress Blue

Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #054996, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It is often associated with governmental institutions, educational settings, and professional environments. The color's depth and richness make it a popular choice for branding and design projects that require a sense of seriousness and reliability. In color psychology, dark blues are often linked to intelligence, confidence, and loyalty. The color is composed of 2% red, 28.6% green and 58.8% blue. It has a hue angle of 216.7 degrees, a saturation of 93.5% and a lightness of 30.4%.

Congress Blue (#054996) presents accessibility challenges due to its low luminance. When used as text, it requires a very light background to meet WCAG standards for contrast ratio. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is needed for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). If used as a background, text needs to be white or a very light shade. For users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, insufficient contrast can make content difficult or impossible to read. Therefore, it's essential to use contrast checking tools during design to ensure compliance and optimal readability. Consideration should also be given to providing alternative color schemes to accommodate user preferences and accessibility needs. Using this color for decorative purposes, where it does not convey critical information, is less problematic.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Design for Institutions

  Congress Blue, with its deep and dignified hue, can be effectively used in website headers and navigation bars for educational institutions or government-related sites. Its serious tone conveys trust and stability. When paired with a clean, white background and legible typography, it creates a professional and accessible user experience. This color can also be used for call-to-action buttons, ensuring that they stand out without being overly aggressive. To maintain accessibility, ensure that text on Congress Blue backgrounds has sufficient contrast.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color in living rooms or studies to create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well on accent walls, upholstery, or decorative pillows. When combined with neutral colors like gray or beige, it adds a pop of color without being overwhelming. Consider using it in rooms with plenty of natural light to enhance its depth and richness. To avoid a dark or gloomy feel, balance it with lighter elements and textures.

• Fashion and Apparel

  In fashion, Congress Blue can be used to create elegant and professional outfits. It can be incorporated into suits, dresses, or accessories. When paired with neutral colors like black, white, or gray, it creates a sophisticated look. It also works well with metallic accents like silver or gold. Consider using it in formal wear or business attire. To add visual interest, experiment with different textures and patterns.

Complementary color

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