Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #0C408F, commonly known as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.71% red, 25.1% green, and 56.08% blue. This color is often associated with corporate branding, government institutions, and academic settings due to its serious and reliable nature. It's a versatile color that can be used effectively in various design applications. Congress Blue is a part of the broader family of blue hues, sharing characteristics with navy blue, royal blue, and other similar shades. Its depth and richness make it a popular choice for creating a sense of depth and sophistication in visual designs and can also be used in combination with lighter hues to establish a balanced palette.
The hex color #0C408F, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it is crucial to select text colors that provide sufficient contrast to ensure readability for individuals with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Lighter colors like white or light yellows are generally recommended for text on a #0C408F background. Avoid using similar dark shades for text, as they will likely fail accessibility standards. Furthermore, it's important to consider users with color vision deficiencies. Ensure that color is not the sole means of conveying important information. Provide alternative cues such as text labels or icons to supplement color-coding. Tools like color contrast checkers can help evaluate the accessibility of color combinations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue (#0C408F) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a professional and trustworthy aesthetic. It evokes feelings of stability and reliability, making it suitable for businesses in finance, law, or government sectors. When paired with a clean, minimalist design, this color can help establish a strong brand identity and improve user experience. It is also suitable for use in charts and infographics to represent data in a clear and sophisticated manner. In addition, #0C408F works well with lighter accent colors to highlight important elements and call-to-actions.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, studies, or living rooms where a sense of tranquility is desired. The color can be incorporated through wall paint, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories like cushions and throws. When paired with natural materials like wood and linen, it creates a balanced and harmonious space. This color also works well in contrast with metallic accents like gold or copper for a touch of elegance. Ensure ample lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark or somber when using such a deep shade.
Fashion
Congress Blue can be used in fashion to create a timeless and elegant look. It's suitable for professional attire, such as suits and dresses, conveying a sense of authority and sophistication. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, white, and black. For a more vibrant look, combine it with jewel tones like emerald green or ruby red. Accessorize with silver or gold jewelry to enhance the look. This color is versatile and can be incorporated into both casual and formal outfits. It can be used in outerwear like coats and jackets, as well as in accessories like scarves and handbags.