Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #055093, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2% red, 31.4% green, and 57.6% blue. Its CMYK values are 95% cyan, 44% magenta, 0% yellow, and 42% black. The color is often associated with governmental institutions, financial corporations, and educational establishments due to its serious and dependable nature. Its usage in design can create a sense of importance and formality. The color is part of the cool color family and is a popular choice for creating a calming and professional atmosphere. Congress Blue is named so because it reflects the traditional colors often associated with political institutions. It can also be used in nautical themes.
The hex color #055093, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark hue. When used as a background color, it necessitates light-colored text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to 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 against a background. This color may not meet these ratios when paired with moderately dark text colors. Therefore, designers should carefully evaluate the contrast ratio using accessibility tools. Conversely, when used for text on a light background, its darkness ensures excellent readability. Considerations should also be given to users with visual impairments; providing alternative styling options, such as high-contrast mode, can further enhance accessibility. Colorblindness should also be considered when choosing colors to pair with Congress Blue. It's crucial to test color combinations for users with different types of colorblindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter blue that provides better contrast against white or other light backgrounds, enhancing readability.
- #1e90ff
A more saturated blue that can add vibrancy while still maintaining a professional appearance.
- #000080
Navy blue is darker and may have higher contrast depending on the used color palette.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue exudes professionalism and trustworthiness, making it ideal for corporate branding. Its deep tone conveys stability and reliability, perfect for logos, websites, and marketing materials aiming for a sophisticated image. It works well in financial institutions and government agencies. The color can also be incorporated into interior design in office spaces to promote calmness and focus.
Web Design
In web design, #055093 can be used for headers, footers, and navigation bars to create a clear visual hierarchy. It pairs effectively with lighter shades of blue or neutral colors to provide a balanced and accessible user interface. Ensure sufficient contrast when using this color for text or interactive elements.
Fashion
Congress Blue is a classic and elegant color choice for formal wear. It is suitable for suits, dresses, and accessories. It can be combined with neutral tones like gray, white, or beige to create a sophisticated and timeless look. Accents of gold or silver can add a touch of luxury.