Congress Blue
General Information
The color #0C3B8C, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue residing in the blue color family. It's characterized by its deep, rich tone, evoking feelings of stability, trustworthiness, and authority. In the RGB color model, #0C3B8C is composed of 4.71% red, 23.14% green, and 54.9% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.78, 0.58, 0.0, 0.45, indicating a high concentration of cyan and magenta, with minimal yellow and a moderate amount of black. This color is often associated with professionalism, making it a popular choice for corporate branding, governmental institutions, and academic environments. Its hex code provides a precise way to define the color in digital applications, ensuring consistency across various platforms and devices. The color's depth also allows it to be used effectively as a background color, although careful consideration of text contrast is necessary to maintain readability.
The hex color #0C3B8C, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as text against a white background. Its relatively low luminance (darkness) can result in insufficient contrast, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. To improve accessibility, it is recommended to use #0C3B8C with lighter background colors or as a background for white or very light-colored text. Tools like contrast checkers can help ensure that color combinations meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios, typically aiming for a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Considering these guidelines is crucial for creating inclusive and user-friendly designs. When this color is used for decorative purposes and doesn't convey crucial information, accessibility requirements are less strict, but thoughtful color choices are always preferable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue (#0C3B8C) is a sophisticated and trustworthy color suitable for branding in the finance or legal sectors. Its depth conveys stability and reliability. It can be effectively used in logos, website headers, and marketing materials to project an image of professionalism and competence. The color's association with authority makes it a strong choice for companies aiming to build trust with their clients and partners. Furthermore, it works well in data visualizations to represent important metrics and trends, providing a visual anchor without being overly distracting. Consider pairing it with lighter, complementary colors for a balanced and accessible design.
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can be used to create a calming and professional atmosphere. It works well as a primary color for navigation bars, buttons, and other interactive elements. Due to its darkness, it's essential to ensure sufficient contrast with text and background colors to maintain accessibility. Using it sparingly as an accent color against a light background can create a sophisticated and modern look. Alternatively, consider using it as a background color with white or very light text for a dramatic effect. It is also effective for highlighting important information or calls to action, guiding users through the website's content effectively.
Interior Design
Congress Blue (#0C3B8C) can evoke a sense of formality and sophistication when incorporated into interior design. It is well-suited for creating accent walls in offices, studies, or living rooms, providing a backdrop that is both elegant and grounding. Pairing it with lighter neutral tones, such as beige or gray, helps to balance the darkness and creates a harmonious space. In furniture, it can be used for upholstery or painted surfaces, adding a touch of refinement to the overall aesthetic. Accessorizing with metallic elements, such as gold or silver, can further enhance the luxurious feel of the color scheme.