Congress Blue
General Information
Congress Blue, represented by the hex code #063F95, is a deep, saturated blue color that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. Its name suggests a connection to governmental or official contexts. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.4% red, 24.7% green, and 58.8% blue. This color is often associated with professionalism and can be used to convey a sense of reliability and competence. In color psychology, darker blues are frequently linked to trustworthiness, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and institutional designs. Due to its low luminosity, care should be taken to ensure adequate contrast when used with text or other visual elements to maintain accessibility.
The hex color #063F95, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) requirements for sufficient contrast. Using darker text colors will likely fail accessibility checks, making content difficult for users with visual impairments to read. In user interface design, consider the size and weight of text; smaller or thinner text requires even greater contrast ratios. Alternatives might include using this color sparingly, primarily for decorative elements, or pairing it with significantly lighter shades for a more accessible design. It's crucial to test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure compliance. Remember to consider users with color blindness who may struggle to differentiate between colors with insufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter blue that provides better contrast against dark text, improving readability and accessibility.
- #808080
A neutral gray that serves as a versatile background or text color, offering good contrast with a variety of colors.
- #0845a5
A very dark blue color, that is close to #063F95, but has an increased luminosity, which improves readability on light backgrounds.
Applications
Web Design Accent Color
Congress Blue can be applied as an accent color for buttons or links, adding a touch of professionalism. When incorporating it in a website's color scheme, avoid using it for primary text on a white background, as the contrast ratio may not meet accessibility standards. It is recommended to use it more for decorative purposes, such as highlighting titles or in graphical elements. In branding, Congress Blue conveys trust, stability, and authority, making it suitable for financial institutions, legal firms, or government agencies seeking to project an image of reliability and competence. Using this color with whites and light grays creates a professional and trustworthy aesthetic.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Congress Blue can create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere when used as an accent wall color or in furniture upholstery. It pairs well with neutral tones such as beige, gray, or white, as well as with natural wood finishes. Consider using it in a study or home office to promote concentration and focus. Accessorize with metallic elements like brass or silver to add a touch of elegance. Because of its depth, it is important to balance the color with lighter and more reflective shades to keep the room from feeling too dark or somber.
Fashion
Congress Blue evokes seriousness and formality. It can be used for formal suits, for example in a business environment. It can be used for ties as well, and combines well with light shirts. In general, it is most suitable for formal occasions, where trustworthyness and reliability should be expressed. For more informal occasions, lighter colors should be considered.