Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color code #0A468C, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep shade of blue with a touch of sophistication and seriousness. It is composed of 3.92% red, 27.45% green, and 54.9% blue. In the RGB color space, it closely resembles navy blue or dark blue, evoking feelings of trust, stability, and authority. The color is often associated with governmental and institutional settings, as well as corporate environments where professionalism is important. The color provides a solid base for visual design, offering strong contrast when used with lighter colors, and can convey a sense of importance and formality in a variety of applications.
The hex color #0A468C, also known as Congress Blue, has a dark hue, which presents accessibility considerations for web design. When using this color for text, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. A light background color is necessary to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. Using online contrast checkers can help determine if the contrast ratio between text and background meets accessibility requirements, typically a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, avoid using this color as the sole indicator for interactive elements; supplement it with other visual cues like underlines or icons to ensure users with color vision deficiencies can identify links and controls. Remember to test your designs with users who have visual impairments to ensure accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e64fe
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a professional feel while improving contrast against darker backgrounds.
- #4682b4
A more neutral, muted blue that can serve as a less intense alternative for backgrounds or accents.
- #36454f
A dark shade of grey that matches the low luminocity of the original color, but offers a neutral appearance.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue (#0A468C) can be used as a primary color for headers and navigation bars to convey trust and authority. It's particularly suitable for websites in the fields of finance, education, and government. When using it as a background color, ensure that the text is white or a very light shade to maintain readability and accessibility. In UI design, this color can highlight important call-to-action buttons or form elements, drawing the user's attention to critical interactive components, especially if it is combined with its complementary color.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It's well-suited for accent walls in living rooms or bedrooms, especially when paired with neutral colors like beige or gray. Furniture upholstered in this color can add a touch of elegance to a space, while accessories like cushions and throws can introduce subtle pops of color. It can also be a great choice for home office areas, as it promotes concentration and reduces visual distraction, creating a productive environment.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, Congress Blue can be used for formal wear, such as suits or evening gowns, to exude confidence and sophistication. It also works well for casual wear like jeans or sweaters, providing a versatile and timeless option. Accessorizing with items in complementary colors like gold or mustard yellow can create a visually appealing contrast. As a dark, neutral color, Congress Blue is perfectly applicable to professional clothing.