Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #0A4A80, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It belongs to the blue color family, which is often associated with calmness, intelligence, and security. In the RGB color model, #0A4A80 consists of 3.92% red, 29.02% green, and 50.2% blue. The corresponding CMYK values are 78.21% cyan, 42.2% magenta, 0% yellow, and 49.8% black. This color is often used in corporate branding and website design to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. Its depth and richness make it versatile for various applications, from backgrounds to accent colors. The blue tone works well on screen and print, providing a clean and confident aesthetic.
The hex color #0A4A80, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily concerning text legibility. When using this color as a background, it's crucial to select a text color with sufficient contrast to ensure readability for all users, including those with visual impairments. White (#FFFFFF) or a very light gray are generally good choices. Tools like the WebAIM contrast checker can be used to verify compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Small text may require even higher contrast ratios to remain legible. Avoid pairing #0A4A80 with dark or similarly muted colors, as this will likely result in insufficient contrast, making content difficult to read. Careful consideration of color combinations is essential to provide an inclusive and accessible user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e6496
A slightly lighter shade offers improved contrast when paired with darker text, enhancing readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #062e50
A darker shade provides a stronger, more commanding presence, suitable for backgrounds or accents where a deep, rich color is desired.
- #5f9ea0
A muted grayish blue offering a softer, more neutral tone while maintaining a similar cool feel.
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue can be used as a background color for website headers or footers to create a professional and trustworthy feel. The color evokes a sense of stability and reliability, making it suitable for businesses in finance, law, or government sectors. It can also be used for call-to-action buttons, paired with a contrasting color for the text to make it stand out and encourage user interaction. Visual elements such as icons and illustrations can also incorporate this color to maintain a consistent brand identity throughout the website. To add more depth, consider a gradient of congress blue.
Fashion and Interior Design
Congress Blue can be incorporated into clothing design, such as for suits, dresses, or casual wear. It's a versatile color that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions. In interior design, it can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or décor items to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. The color pairs well with neutral tones like gray, white, and beige, as well as metallic accents like gold and silver. It brings a relaxing and safe ambient into the room and works well in combination with plants.
Data Visualizations
Congress Blue is well suited for data visualization applications, especially within business intelligence or reporting dashboards. The color provides a calming and professional visual aesthetic, ensuring data remains the primary focus. As a color to depict values, it provides a subtle alternative to brighter colors, while still providing sufficient variation for comparison. It could also effectively show different aspects of the same concept.