Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #0A4191, often referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue with a hint of green undertone. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its associations with trustworthiness, stability, and intelligence. In the RGB color model, it consists of 4% red, 25.5% green, and 56.9% blue. Its hexadecimal representation makes it easily usable in digital design and web development. Congress Blue is often employed in contexts where a sense of authority and professionalism is desired. Its depth and richness evoke feelings of confidence and reliability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and governmental institutions.
The hex color #0A4191, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its dark hue means it requires very light text for sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, using #0A4191 as a background color necessitates a foreground color like white (#FFFFFF) to achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. For AAA compliance, the contrast ratio should be 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text. When using this color, ensure all interactive elements such as buttons and links have distinct visual cues beyond color alone, such as underlines or borders, to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is recommended to validate compliance and ensure readability for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682B4
A lighter blue that provides better contrast with dark text, making it more accessible for a wider range of users and easier to read.
- #808080
A neutral gray that works well with many colors and provides a safe option for text and background combinations, ensuring good readability.
- #1E90FF
A brighter, more vibrant blue that can draw attention and still offer decent contrast depending on the specific text color used.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue, #0A4191, evokes feelings of trust and professionalism, making it ideal for corporate websites and branding materials. Its deep, authoritative tone is perfect for financial institutions, law firms, and government agencies. Use it sparingly as a primary color to maintain sophistication, and combine it with lighter accent colors for balance. In web design, it can serve as a strong background for call-to-action buttons or headers to draw attention. In print, it works well for creating a sense of stability and competence.
Interior Design
In interior design, #0A4191 can be used as an accent wall color in a study or office to promote concentration and calm. It pairs well with natural wood tones and metallic accents like gold or silver for a sophisticated look. Consider using it in upholstery for chairs or sofas to add a pop of color to a neutral space. This deep blue can also be incorporated into artwork or decorative accessories to create a cohesive and refined atmosphere.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Congress Blue can be a versatile color for both formal and casual wear. It can be used in suits, dresses, or sweaters to create a classic and elegant look. Pair it with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white for a sophisticated outfit, or combine it with brighter colors like yellow or pink for a more playful ensemble. This color is also suitable for accessories such as scarves, handbags, and shoes, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit.