Congress Blue

General Information about Congress Blue

Congress Blue, with the hex code #0B4590, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trustworthiness, stability, and authority. It is a color often associated with governmental institutions, financial organizations, and academic environments. Its relative darkness makes it suitable for use as a background color, especially when paired with light-colored text, but it can also be used effectively as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements in a design. The color sits firmly in the blue color spectrum, leaning towards the darker end, and can be seen as a classic and timeless choice, lending an air of seriousness and competence to any visual representation. Its depth allows for a sense of sophistication and professionalism. The name 'Congress Blue' itself suggests a connection to formality and officialdom.

The hex color #0B4590, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using a light color like white or a very pale yellow for text on a #0B4590 background is necessary to meet these standards. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can help verify compliance. In situations where achieving optimal contrast is difficult, consider providing alternative styling options or using supplementary cues like icons or labels to enhance usability for individuals with visual impairments. Furthermore, avoid relying solely on color to convey important information, as this can exclude users who are colorblind.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Corporate Branding

  Congress Blue, #0B4590, evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority, making it suitable for branding materials in the finance or legal sectors. It can be used for logos, website headers, and call-to-action buttons to convey professionalism and reliability. The deep blue also works well in data visualizations and charts where clarity and distinction are important. In user interfaces, it could be applied as a primary color for navigation menus or informational panels to maintain a sense of order and control. The psychological impact of the color can reinforce a sense of security and confidence among users.

• Website Design

  This shade of blue, #0B4590, can be effectively used in website design to create a professional and trustworthy atmosphere. It's great for backgrounds, headers, and call-to-action buttons. When combined with complementary colors or neutral tones, it can establish a balanced and visually appealing layout. The color's depth also allows for the effective use of white or light-colored text, which is crucial for readability and overall user experience. Moreover, it can be used to highlight important sections of the website, drawing the user's attention to key information or features.

• Interior Design

  The deep, sophisticated hue of Congress Blue, #0B4590, lends itself well to interior design, particularly in spaces where a sense of calm and formality is desired. It can be used as a wall color in offices, studies, or libraries to create a focused and productive environment. When paired with lighter, warmer tones like beige or cream, it can create a balanced and inviting space. The color also works well as an accent in furniture, rugs, or artwork, adding depth and visual interest to a room without being overwhelming. It can also work in combination with metallics like gold or silver.

Complementary color

Buttons