Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#0A4D8E)
The color #0A4D8E, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.92% red, 30.2% green, and 55.69% blue. In the CMYK color model, used in printing, it consists of 93% cyan, 46% magenta, 0% yellow, and 44% black. This color is often associated with corporate branding, government institutions, and academic environments due to its serious and professional connotations. Its hexadecimal representation makes it easy to use in digital design, allowing designers to create a consistent visual identity across various platforms. The color name 'Congress Blue' suggests a connection to governmental or political contexts, further reinforcing its association with trustworthiness and reliability.
The hex color #0A4D8E, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web development. Its dark nature means it requires careful pairing with text and other elements to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is necessary for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #0A4D8E as a background, light colors such as white, light grey, or even pale yellows or oranges are recommended for text to meet these contrast requirements. Tools are available to check contrast ratios, ensuring that content is perceivable for users with visual impairments. Additionally, avoid relying solely on color to convey information; use text labels or icons alongside color cues to improve accessibility for all users.
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Digital Color Formats
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Applications
Corporate Website Design
Congress Blue (#0A4D8E) can be used as a primary color in website designs for businesses in the financial or legal sectors. Its serious and trustworthy feel helps establish credibility. It is also a suitable base for creating a dark theme for the website, as a dark blue creates a more subtle background than pure black. Combine it with a light gray or white for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It's a modern and understated color choice that enhances the user experience while instilling confidence in the brand.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #0A4D8E can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. Pair it with neutral furniture and metallic accents to bring out its richness. This color works particularly well in studies or home offices where a sense of focus and tranquility is desired. When balanced with lighter elements, Congress Blue can transform a space into a stylish and serene retreat.
Fashion and Apparel
This color can be used in fashion design for elegant evening wear or sophisticated business attire. It offers a more subtle alternative to black, conveying authority and style. In graphic design it is also an excellent choice for logo design, packaging and branding materials.