Congress Blue
About Congress Blue
The hex color #0B438D, often referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, muted shade of blue associated with professionalism, authority, and trustworthiness. It resides in the blue color family and conveys a sense of stability and reliability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and government-related visuals. In the RGB color model, #0B438D consists of 4.31% red, 26.27% green, and 55.29% blue. This unique blend contributes to its distinctive appearance. In the world of color psychology, blue is often linked to feelings of calmness, serenity, and intelligence. Congress Blue's darker tone can evoke a sense of formality and seriousness, making it well-suited for environments where trust and credibility are paramount.
The color #0B438D, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility considerations for web design. Its relatively dark hue means it requires careful pairing with text colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #0B438D as a background, lighter text colors like white or light shades of yellow or green are advisable to meet these standards. Tools are available online to check color contrast ratios. It's also important to consider providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines or icons, in addition to color, to convey information, as color alone should not be the only method used for communicating meaning. Ensure interactive elements using this color have sufficient contrast and are easily distinguishable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Corporate Website Design
Congress Blue can be effectively utilized in creating professional and trustworthy website designs, particularly for corporate or government-related entities. Its serious and reliable tone instills confidence in visitors, making it ideal for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons. The color pairs well with neutral backgrounds, such as white or light gray, to create a clean and easily navigable interface. In data visualizations, it can represent primary data sets or key performance indicators due to its high recognizability and readability.
Fashion and Apparel
In the realm of fashion, Congress Blue presents a sophisticated alternative to classic navy. It can be used for elegant evening wear, business suits, or even casual outerwear. The color works well with both warm and cool skin tones, adding a touch of refinement to any outfit. As an accent color, Congress Blue can be incorporated into accessories such as scarves, ties, or handbags. Pair it with neutrals like beige, gray, or white for a polished look, or with brighter colors for a more daring and contemporary style.
Interior Design
Congress Blue can bring a sense of depth and serenity to interior spaces. Use it as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a calming atmosphere. It also serves well as the primary color for upholstered furniture, such as sofas or armchairs. Pair it with lighter shades of blue, gray, or white for a balanced and harmonious look. In smaller spaces, consider using Congress Blue sparingly, as too much of it can make the room feel dark and cramped.