Congress Blue
General Information
The hex color #085090, commonly referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 31.37% green, and 56.47% blue. This particular combination of red, green, and blue results in a color that is often associated with trust, stability, and authority. Congress Blue finds its place in various design applications, ranging from web development to branding. It's a popular choice for organizations seeking to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. The color is also known for its ability to evoke feelings of calmness and serenity, making it suitable for environments where these emotions are desired.
The hex color #085090, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of yellow or gray would be appropriate choices for text. It is crucial to avoid using similarly dark colors for text on this background, as it would render the text unreadable for many users, especially those with visual impairments. Designers should use contrast checking tools to verify the compliance of their color choices with accessibility standards. Considerations for users with color blindness are also necessary, confirming that vital information isn't conveyed solely through color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2962ff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still maintains a professional look but offers better contrast with darker text.
- #e0e0e0
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to ensure high contrast with both light and dark text.
- #42a5f5
For UI elements, a lighter blue can improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions, and pairs well with darker text.
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue (#085090) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a professional and trustworthy feel. Its deep tone provides a solid base for navigation menus and contact information. To ensure readability, incorporate light-colored text and icons. This color is also suited for highlighting key sections or calls to action, especially when paired with complementary colors like yellows or oranges for buttons or banners. Furthermore, consider using it as an accent color in data visualizations to draw attention to important trends or statistics, while maintaining a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design. Overall, Congress Blue is a versatile color that can enhance the visual appeal and user experience of websites across various industries.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be utilized to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. It works well as an accent wall color, providing a rich backdrop for lighter-colored furniture and décor. When paired with natural materials like wood and stone, it evokes a sense of warmth and elegance. Additionally, Congress Blue can be incorporated into textiles such as curtains, rugs, and throw pillows to add depth and visual interest to a space. To balance the dark tone, incorporate plenty of natural light and lighter shades of blue, gray, or white in other elements of the room.
Financial Web Design
Congress Blue's deep and trustworthy nature makes it an ideal choice for financial and banking websites. This color evokes a sense of security and professionalism, which is essential for building trust with users who are managing their finances online. Its use can extend to graphs and charts, where it effectively communicates financial data and insights. When paired with crisp, white or light gray backgrounds, Congress Blue lends an air of sophistication and reliability, reinforcing the brand's commitment to security and user confidence.