Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0C3F8F, is a deep, muted shade of blue reminiscent of the color often associated with governmental institutions and formal settings. It evokes feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.71% red, 24.71% green, and 56.08% blue. The CMYK color model equivalent is approximately 91% cyan, 56% magenta, 0% yellow, and 44% black. This color is often used in corporate branding, web design, and graphic design to convey a sense of authority and reliability. Its depth and subtlety make it a versatile choice for creating a sophisticated and understated aesthetic. Congress Blue is also effective when used in contrast with lighter colors to draw attention to key elements in a design.
The color #0C3F8F, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text. Its dark hue results in low contrast against similarly dark backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. To ensure readability, it is crucial to pair Congress Blue with light backgrounds such as white (#FFFFFF), light gray (#D3D3D3), or even light yellow (#FFFFE0). Using a color contrast checker is highly recommended to verify that the contrast ratio meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, aiming for a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using Congress Blue for interactive elements like buttons or links, provide clear visual cues such as hover effects or underlines to make them easily distinguishable. In scenarios where Congress Blue is used as a background, avoid placing critical information on top of it without ensuring sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Development
In web development, Congress Blue can be used for navigation bars and headers to provide a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness. It pairs well with white or light gray for text, creating a clean and readable interface. However, it should be used sparingly for large blocks of text due to its low contrast on dark backgrounds. Consider using it for accent elements such as buttons or icons, ensuring that these elements have sufficient contrast against their backgrounds. In data visualization, Congress Blue can represent a primary data series, making it distinguishable from other data sets, provided that the other colors used offer sufficient contrast.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can serve as an accent color in a room, adding a touch of sophistication and depth. It works well in studies, libraries, or bedrooms, where a sense of calm and focus is desired. It can be used on walls, furniture, or decorative accessories. Pairing Congress Blue with lighter neutrals such as beige or cream can create a balanced and inviting space. Metallic accents, such as gold or silver, can also complement Congress Blue, adding a touch of elegance. Consider using it in combination with natural materials such as wood or stone to create a warm and organic atmosphere.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue can be a versatile color for both casual and formal wear. It can be used for dresses, suits, or outerwear, providing a classic and timeless look. It pairs well with a variety of colors, including white, gray, and even brighter hues such as red or yellow. Accessorizing with gold or silver jewelry can enhance the richness of the color. For a more casual look, Congress Blue can be combined with denim or khakis. When using Congress Blue in fashion, consider the fabric and texture, as these can significantly impact the overall appearance of the color.