Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #074891, also recognized as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. It belongs to the blue color family and has RGB values of R:7, G:72, and B:145. Its CMYK values are C:95, M:50, Y:0, K:43. The color is widely used in various contexts, from web design to fashion, due to its versatility and serious tone. In branding, it is often chosen by organizations seeking to project an image of reliability and expertise. The color is composed of 2.75% red, 28.24% green and 56.86% blue.
The hex color #074891, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility considerations. Due to its dark nature and low luminance value, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when used as a text or background color. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text against its background to meet AA compliance. For AAA compliance, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively. When using #074891 for text, pair it with a light color like #FFFFFF (white) or a lighter shade of blue to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Avoid pairing it with other dark colors or shades of gray that could reduce contrast and make content difficult to perceive. Consider using a contrast checker tool to evaluate the specific color pairings in your design to meet accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e6091
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #2979ff
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements.
- #36454f
A dark grayish-blue that works well in creating a calm and understated palette.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can be effectively used for navigation bars, headers, and other prominent UI elements. Its dark and serious tone conveys trust and stability, making it suitable for websites related to finance, education, or government. It's also suitable as background for dark mode designs or for interactive elements like buttons or links where it can contrast with lighter colors to indicate an active state.
Fashion
In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue is often found in formal wear, such as suits and dresses, due to its sophisticated and professional appearance. It's also a popular choice for accessories like ties and scarves, providing a touch of elegance without being overly loud. Congress Blue blends well with other colors such as gray, white, and burgundy for a harmonious outfit.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices as an accent wall or for furniture upholstery. It can be paired with neutral colors such as beige or gray to create a balanced look, or with metallic accents like gold or silver for a touch of luxury. Congress Blue adds depth and character to interior spaces.