Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hex code #0A4491, is a deep, muted shade of blue with a slight hint of gray. It evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority, making it a popular choice for institutions, government agencies, and organizations that want to project an image of reliability. The color's relatively low saturation gives it a subdued and sophisticated appearance, distinguishing it from brighter, more vibrant blues. In the RGB color model, #0A4491 consists of 4% red, 27.1% green, and 56.9% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 91% cyan, 52% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. Its subtle depth makes it versatile for various applications, providing a sense of both calmness and strength.
The hex color #0A4491, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as text against a white background. Its relatively low luminance value of 14 results in insufficient contrast, failing to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal text (AA) and even large text (AA). A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider using #0A4491 for larger graphical elements or pairing it with lighter background colors like whites, light grays, or pale yellows. When using #0A4491 for text, ensure a significantly lighter text color is used to achieve sufficient contrast and adhere to accessibility best practices. Tools like contrast checkers can help you verify and adjust color combinations to meet accessibility standards, promoting inclusivity and usability for a broader audience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue can be used as a primary color in website designs for institutions or organizations that want to convey a sense of trust, authority, and stability. It can be applied to navigation bars, headers, and footers to create a professional and reliable look. Using it sparingly and combined with lighter accent colors can help maintain a balanced and visually appealing design. Additionally, the color is effective in creating call-to-action buttons that draw attention without being overly aggressive, contributing to a user-friendly experience.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can serve as an accent color to bring a touch of sophistication and depth to a space. It works well in studies, libraries, or living rooms where a calm and intellectual atmosphere is desired. It can be used on walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative items such as cushions and artwork. When paired with neutral colors like grays, whites, and creams, it adds a subtle pop of color that enhances the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the room. It brings a sense of elegance when coupled with golden accents.
Fashion Design
Congress Blue can be incorporated into fashion designs to create elegant and professional outfits. It is well suited for business attire, such as suits, blazers, and dresses, conveying a sense of confidence and reliability. It can also be used as an accent color in accessories like scarves, ties, and handbags to add a touch of sophistication to an ensemble. Combining Congress Blue with neutral colors like white, beige, or gray creates a balanced and stylish look, suitable for various occasions, from office meetings to formal events. Furthermore, this blue can be combined with strong colors such as gold or bordeaux.