Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color #074A83, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark, subdued shade of blue, evoking feelings of depth, stability, and trustworthiness. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0.03 red, 0.29 green, and 0.51 blue. In the CMYK color model, often used in printing, it is composed of 93% cyan, 43% magenta, 0% yellow, and 49% black. This color is often associated with institutions, corporate environments, and conservative designs, thanks to its serious and reliable feel. Its relative darkness means it's generally best used as a background or accent color, paired with lighter shades for optimal contrast and readability. Congress Blue can lend a sense of sophistication and formality to various design projects.
The hex color #074a83, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it is crucial to select text colors that provide sufficient contrast to ensure readability for individuals 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. White or very light shades of yellow or green are good choices for text on this background. Avoid using dark or muted text colors, as they may not provide enough contrast. When using #074a83 for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that the color change on hover or focus is significant enough to be easily perceived. Providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines or borders, can further enhance accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue, with its deep and sophisticated hue, is well-suited for crafting a website design that conveys professionalism and trustworthiness. Its inherent depth adds a sense of gravity and stability, making it an excellent choice for institutions, corporate entities, and organizations seeking to establish a reliable online presence. Employing #074a83 for headers, footers, and navigation bars can create a consistent visual identity. To enhance readability and visual appeal, combine it with neutral colors like white, light gray, or beige in the background, text, and other visual elements. For highlighting essential information or calls to action, consider using complementary or contrasting colors in moderation to maintain a balance of sophistication and visual interest.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can serve as a striking accent color or a calming base for various design schemes. Its depth and richness evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, or even home offices. Using #074a83 on walls can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while incorporating it through furniture, textiles, or decorative accessories can add a touch of elegance. To complement the color, consider pairing it with warm neutrals like cream or beige, or using metallic accents in gold or silver. Additionally, introducing natural elements like wood or plants can create a harmonious and balanced living space.
Fashion
In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue is an excellent choice for formal wear, business attire, and classic pieces. Its deep hue provides a sense of sophistication and professionalism, making it suitable for suits, dresses, and outerwear. This color can also be used to create eye-catching accents and details. Using #074a83 in accessories such as ties, scarves, or handbags can add a pop of color to a more neutral outfit. When styling, consider pairing it with complementary colors like mustard yellow or burnt orange for a bold and stylish look. Alternatively, combining it with classic neutrals like white, black, or gray can create a timeless and elegant ensemble.