Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #073C91, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark, saturated shade of blue. It evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority, making it a popular choice for applications where these qualities are desired. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.75% red, 23.53% green, and 56.86% blue. The CMYK values are 95% cyan, 59% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. This color is frequently used in corporate branding, web design, and graphic design to convey professionalism and reliability. Its hexadecimal representation is #073C91. Congress Blue is considered a cool color and can be associated with depth and intelligence. It is also often used in political campaigns to represent stability.
The hex color #073C91, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its darkness. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) to achieve sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. It is crucial to test color combinations with tools that measure contrast ratios to ensure compliance. When used for text, #073C91 should be paired with a much lighter background. Considering alternative, lighter shades of blue or using a contrasting color for interactive elements can improve the user experience. Also using larger fonts will improve readability for visually impaired users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter, more accessible shade of blue, providing better contrast against both light and dark backgrounds.
- #808080
A neutral gray that offers good contrast with a wide range of colors, suitable for text and backgrounds.
- #FFFF00
A bright, contrasting color which can draw attention to a button for accessibility
Applications
Web Design
Congress Blue (#073C91) can be utilized in website design to create a sense of trustworthiness and stability. It's particularly well-suited for header backgrounds or as a primary color in the navigation bar. The color can also be implemented for buttons and other interactive elements, provided sufficient contrast is ensured with the text. Furthermore, Congress Blue can be effectively incorporated into data visualizations and infographics to represent important information. The usage should be carefully balanced with lighter colors or white space to prevent the design from feeling too heavy or overwhelming. It's often used in sites that want to give a feeling of trust and security.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color in rooms to add a touch of sophistication and depth. It works well on walls (in smaller sections), upholstery, or decorative accessories like cushions and curtains. Combining it with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white can create a balanced and elegant atmosphere. It is also often used in combination with gold or silver to add a sense of luxury. The color pairs well with natural wood tones, enhancing the overall warmth and comfort of the space, especially in studies or living rooms.
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue can be used for business cards, letterheads and presentations to represent security. It can be used in backgrounds for logos to express the importance. It should be paired with contrasting colors like white or light yellow.