Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #09478F, commonly referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority. It belongs to the blue color family, which is often associated with calmness, intelligence, and security. In the RGB color model, Congress Blue is composed of 3.53% red, 27.84% green, and 56.08% blue. Its CMYK values are 94% cyan, 50% magenta, 0% yellow, and 44% black. This color is often used in corporate branding, government websites, and educational materials to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. Its depth and richness make it a popular choice for creating a sophisticated and trustworthy image. The color is perceived as cool and collected, and it can work well as an accent or primary color in design projects.
The hex color #09478f, also known as Congress Blue, presents certain accessibility challenges, primarily due to its low lightness value. When used as a foreground color against a white background, it may not provide sufficient contrast for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Congress Blue, being a dark shade, may fall short of these recommendations, making it difficult for some users to read. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider color combinations and provide alternative styling options, such as larger fonts or thicker font weights, to improve readability. Additionally, providing alternative text descriptions for images using this color can enhance accessibility for screen reader users. Using a color contrast checker is highly recommended to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and to provide an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can be used as a background color to provide sufficient contrast with Congress Blue text.
- #191970
Midnight Blue offers a similar deep hue with potentially slightly better contrast depending on the specific implementation.
Applications
Web Design for Financial Institutions
In web design, Congress Blue can be used to create a sense of trust and stability, making it suitable for financial institutions or government websites. It can serve as the primary color for navigation bars, headings, and other important elements, conveying a professional and reliable image. The deep blue can be paired with lighter shades of blue or neutral colors to create a balanced and visually appealing design. However, careful consideration must be given to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other interactive elements to meet accessibility standards. The color's depth is also helpful in drawing the eye towards key interactive components.
Interior Design for Home Offices
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It is suitable for accent walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices, adding a touch of elegance and depth to the space. The color can be paired with lighter neutral tones like beige or cream to create a balanced and harmonious color palette. Additionally, incorporating metallic accents like gold or silver can enhance the luxurious feel of the room. Consider the lighting when using Congress Blue, as darker colors tend to absorb more light.
Fashion and Apparel Design
In fashion, Congress Blue offers a versatile base for both casual and formal wear. It is a good color for suits, blazers, or dresses. It can be paired with white, gray, or beige for a professional look, or with brighter colors such as yellow or red for a bolder statement. The color works well for accessories like scarves and handbags. Consider the fabric and texture when using Congress Blue; it complements fabrics like velvet and silk for elegant outfits.