Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #0A3D91, commonly known as Congress Blue, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its relatively low saturation and luminance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.92% red, 23.92% green, and 56.86% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 93% cyan, 58% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. The color is often associated with qualities such as stability, trust, and intelligence. Its depth and sophistication make it a popular choice for various applications, including branding, web design, and interior decor. Congress Blue evokes a sense of authority, making it an excellent choice for organizations that want to project a trustworthy and reliable image.
The hex color #0A3D91, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its relatively low luminance. When used as a background color, sufficient contrast with text is crucial to ensure readability, especially for users 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. This color may require careful pairing with lighter text colors to meet these contrast requirements. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the combination meets accessibility standards. Additionally, avoid using this color to convey critical information without alternative cues, such as labels or icons, as color blindness can affect perception. Consideration of colorblindness simulation tools can help assess how this color is perceived by individuals with different types of color vision deficiencies. Ensuring text remains legible and information remains accessible to all users should be a priority.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter blue that offers improved contrast and better accessibility when paired with dark text.
- #808080
A neutral gray that provides a safe and accessible background color for various content types.
- #2e5cb8
A slightly desaturated blue, providing a good contrast ratio for text and user interface elements. Its muted tone is easy on the eye, making it suitable for extended reading and content consumption.
Applications
Branding and Design
Congress Blue can be utilized as a primary brand color for businesses aiming to convey trust, stability, and professionalism. Its depth and richness make it suitable for logos, websites, and marketing materials. In web design, it can serve as a background for headers or call-to-action buttons, especially when paired with contrasting text colors like white or yellow. For interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent wall color to add a touch of sophistication and depth to a room. Moreover, it would be well-suited as the primary color in nautical-themed artwork or designs.
Data Visualization
In the realm of data visualization, Congress Blue can effectively highlight specific data points or categories in charts and graphs. Its distinct hue helps create visual separation and directs the viewer's attention to crucial information. This color is particularly useful in depicting trends or patterns, and when contrasted with lighter colors, it helps enhance the overall clarity and impact of visual data representations. Its usage in this field helps in easily understanding the data for a broad audience.
Fashion and Apparel
Congress Blue can be a key component in creating stylish and sophisticated clothing ensembles. This color works well in both formal and casual wear, offering a refreshing alternative to black and grey. In fashion, it can be used in dresses, suits, and outerwear, as well as accessories such as scarves and ties. It can be easily paired with neutral tones like white, beige, or grey. Also, it can be used in a wide range of materials like cotton, silk, or wool.