Congress Blue
About Congress Blue (#064595)
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #064595, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It is often associated with governmental institutions, corporate environments, and educational settings. The color's depth and richness make it a popular choice for designs where a sense of seriousness and professionalism is desired. It's a versatile color that can be used in various contexts, from branding to web design, and even in fashion and interior design. Its name 'Congress Blue' further reinforces its association with formal and established entities.
The hex color #064595, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or a very pale yellow) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA standards. For AAA standards, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. Given the darkness of #064595, it's crucial to test the color combination with accessibility tools to ensure compliance. Using it for interactive elements like links or buttons necessitates clear visual cues beyond color alone, such as underlines or icons, to assist users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that still conveys a sense of professionalism but offers better contrast against dark text.
- #808080
A neutral gray that provides a versatile background for various text colors and content types.
- #008080
A dark teal color that provides similar depth and calmness as Congress Blue, while providing a better contrast ratio with lighter text.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can serve as an excellent header or sidebar background for corporate websites, educational platforms, or governmental portals. Its serious tone conveys trust and stability. However, care should be taken to use appropriate contrasting text colors (e.g., white or light yellow) to ensure readability. Consider using it in conjunction with lighter, complementary colors for a balanced and visually appealing design. It also works well for charts and graphs requiring a sophisticated and professional look.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used for formal wear, such as suits, blazers, or dresses, to project an image of authority and competence. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, white, or beige, as well as metallic accents like silver or gold. Accessorizing with pops of brighter colors, such as coral or yellow, can add a touch of personality and prevent the overall look from being too somber. The color can also be found in sporty wear such as jogging suits.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be employed as an accent wall color or for upholstery in living rooms, studies, or offices to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. When using it, it's important to balance the dark shade with lighter colors for walls, ceilings, and flooring. Incorporating metallic or wooden elements can add warmth and texture to the space. Accents of brighter colors can prevent the room from appearing too monotone. It works best in spaces where relaxation is key.