Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #0A4A88, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It is often associated with professionalism and is commonly used in branding for financial institutions, government agencies, and educational organizations. This color resides in the blue color family, known for its calming and reliable qualities. The hex code #0A4A88 breaks down into its RGB (Red, Green, Blue) components as follows: Red: 10 (0x0A), Green: 74 (0x4A), and Blue: 136 (0x88). In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) color model, it translates to approximately 93% Cyan, 46% Magenta, 0% Yellow, and 47% Black. This combination results in a color that is both impactful and reserved, making it a versatile choice for various design applications.
The hex color #0A4A88, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility considerations, particularly in web design. Its relatively dark hue means that careful attention must be paid to color contrast. When used as a background color, it's crucial to ensure that any text or interactive elements layered on top have sufficient luminance contrast ratio, ideally meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA or AAA standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. When #0A4A88 is used for text, a lighter background color is required to meet accessibility standards. Using color contrast analysis tools during the design process is essential to verify compliance and provide an inclusive experience for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. It's also good to provide alternate ways to convey the information that isn't only by the color alone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e64fe
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still offers a professional and calming feel, but with improved contrast against white backgrounds.
- #1e90ff
A more vibrant blue alternative that can be used to draw attention to key elements, providing a brighter visual impact.
- #4682b4
A desaturated blue which offers a softer aesthetic and better contrast against darker elements.
Applications
Website Design for Financial Institutions
Congress Blue conveys trust, stability, and authority. In website design, it's ideal for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons for financial institutions or government agencies. Its depth evokes reliability, encouraging user confidence. The color can be applied as a background for text-heavy sections, providing a calming and professional visual aesthetic. Using Congress Blue sparingly as an accent color helps to add sophistication without overwhelming the user. Incorporating lighter shades of blue for interactive elements can maintain a cohesive and user-friendly design.
Interior Design for Home Offices
Congress Blue can be applied in interior design to make small rooms appear more spacious. The deeper tone absorbs light, and is well suited for offices or living rooms. Use the color for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative elements to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Pairing it with lighter colors, like beige or light gray, will provide balance and prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Metallic accents, such as silver or gold, can complement the richness of the color.
Fashion Design for Formal Attire
Congress Blue makes a statement in fashion, conveying elegance and sophistication. It's suited to create a chic outfit, be it a dress, jacket or pair of trousers. This color can be used as the primary color in professional attire. It also serves well for formal events, due to its dark and rich characteristics. Accessorizing with neutral colors allows the dark blue to stand out.