Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #074094, is a deep, rich shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and professionalism. It is often associated with governmental institutions and formal settings, hence the name. In the RGB color model, #074094 is composed of 2.75% red, 25.1% green, and 58.04% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 92.55% cyan, 56.92% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41.96% black. This color is frequently used in branding and design to convey a sense of stability, reliability, and expertise. Its depth and intensity make it suitable for creating strong visual statements and emphasizing key elements.
The hex color #074094, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. 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 (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Due to its darkness, #074094 requires a very light background to meet these standards. Using online contrast checkers can help evaluate compliance. Avoid pairing it with similar dark hues, as this will likely fail accessibility checks. Consider using a lighter tint of blue or a completely different, lighter color palette to improve readability and overall user experience, especially for users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against darker backgrounds, improving readability and accessibility.
- #808080
A neutral gray that pairs well with many colors and offers a softer, more subtle aesthetic.
- #6495ed
A lighter blue alternative that maintains a professional look while enhancing visibility and meeting accessibility guidelines.
Applications
Website Headers/Footers
Congress Blue can be used in website headers and footers to create a professional and trustworthy aesthetic. It provides a sense of stability and authority, making it suitable for businesses in finance, law, or government sectors. Using it sparingly as an accent color alongside lighter, more neutral backgrounds can help highlight important sections without overwhelming the user. This color is very suitable for creating call to action buttons (CTA) as it contrasts greatly agains bright backgrounds.
Infographics
This color is ideal for creating infographics and data visualizations, particularly when presenting complex information. Its dark hue allows it to stand out and create a clear visual hierarchy. Use it for charts, graphs, and diagrams to emphasize key data points and trends. However, ensure sufficient contrast with labels and supporting text to maintain readability, especially for viewers with visual impairments.
Interior Design Accent
Congress Blue can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to interior design projects. It works well as an accent wall color in offices, studies, or libraries, creating a calm and focused environment. Pair it with lighter neutral colors like beige or gray for a balanced and inviting space. Using it in furniture upholstery or decorative accessories can also add depth and visual interest to a room, evoking a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism.