Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#08458F)
The hexadecimal color #08458F, commonly referred to as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, authority, and trustworthiness. It is formed by a combination of 3.14% red, 27.06% green, and 56.08% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 8 red, 69 green, and 143 blue. The color is widely used in various applications, particularly in branding and design contexts where a sense of reliability and professionalism is desired. Its CMYK representation is 94.41% cyan, 51.75% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43.92% black. The color also has properties in the HSL color space, with a hue of 213.71°, a saturation of 89.19%, and a lightness of 29.61%.
The hex color #08458F, also known as Congress Blue, presents specific accessibility considerations for web developers. Its dark nature implies a low luminance value, necessitating careful selection of foreground text colors to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text against the background color. White (#FFFFFF) or light shades of yellow would generally be suitable choices for text to meet these contrast requirements. Developers should utilize contrast checking tools to verify compliance and ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Additionally, it's important to avoid using this color as the sole indicator of interactive elements, such as links or buttons, as colorblind users may not be able to distinguish them. Supplementing color cues with text labels, icons, or underlines can improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2962ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still evokes a sense of professionalism but offers better readability with darker text.
- #808080
A neutral gray that provides a high contrast ratio with most text colors, making it a versatile alternative for backgrounds.
- #007bff
A more vibrant blue color to draw attention to your design.
Applications
Corporate Website Design
Congress Blue exudes professionalism and trustworthiness, making it an excellent choice for corporate websites, especially those in finance, law, or government sectors. Its deep hue conveys stability and reliability. Use it for primary branding elements such as headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons to establish a strong visual identity. Ensure sufficient contrast with text and other UI elements to maintain accessibility and readability for all users. Complementary colors like light grays or yellows can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
Fashion and Apparel
In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue can serve as a sophisticated alternative to classic navy. It lends itself well to both formal and casual wear, projecting an image of confidence and competence. Consider using it for suits, dresses, or even accessories such as ties or scarves. Pair it with neutral colors like white, beige, or gray for a balanced look, or add pops of color with accents in complementary shades like gold or yellow.
Interior Design
Congress Blue can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in interior design. Use it as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to evoke a sense of tranquility and elegance. It pairs well with natural wood tones, metallic accents, and soft textures like velvet or linen. Consider incorporating it into upholstery, curtains, or decorative pillows to add depth and visual interest to a space. Balance it with lighter neutrals to prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming.