Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #0A4680, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0 Red, 70 Green, and 128 Blue. It’s often associated with professionalism and is commonly used in corporate branding and governmental contexts. Its hex code representation, #0A4680, provides a precise way to define it in digital design, ensuring consistency across different platforms and mediums. The color falls under the broader category of cool colors, offering a sense of calm and reliability. Congress Blue has a low saturation which makes it easy on the eye for longer texts. It is also related to the broader family of navy blues which typically carry a nautical or formal association.
The hex color #0A4680, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a background or text color. Due to its relatively low luminance, it needs to be paired with a very light foreground color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. It's advisable to use tools that measure color contrast to verify compliance. When used for interactive elements like buttons or links, sufficient contrast is crucial to ensure they are easily identifiable. Using a lighter shade of blue or a completely different, brighter color for hover or focus states can improve usability. Proper semantic HTML and ARIA attributes can further enhance accessibility, especially when used in complex user interfaces. Considering these factors will help create a more inclusive web experience for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design for Corporate Sites
Congress Blue evokes feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. In web design, it can be used for the headers and footers of corporate websites to convey a sense of reliability. Buttons and call-to-action elements can also benefit from this color, provided they are paired with a contrasting color for text. It's a safe choice for backgrounds in data visualizations or charts where a calm, non-distracting color is needed to allow the data to stand out. This color is well-suited for sites relating to finance, government, education, or other areas where seriousness and authority are desired.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color in rooms to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It works well with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white. Consider using it for cushions, curtains, or wall art in a living room or bedroom. It also makes a great color for cabinetry in a kitchen or bathroom, especially when paired with light countertops and hardware. This color can bring a touch of elegance and depth to a space without being too overpowering. The psychological effect is that it lowers stress and increases productivity.
Fashion and Apparel
Congress Blue can be used in fashion to create a classic and timeless look. It is a versatile color that can be worn in both casual and formal settings. A Congress Blue blazer or dress can be paired with neutral accessories for a polished look. It is also a great color for accessories such as scarves, handbags, or shoes. In menswear, it can be used for suits, shirts, or ties. As a deep, muted tone, it serves as a more approachable alternative to black, offering versatility for many skin tones and styles.