Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#0C4A8C)
The color #0C4A8C, known as Congress Blue, is a deep, rich shade of blue often associated with authority, stability, and trust. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.7% red, 29% green, and 54.9% blue. Its calming and sophisticated nature makes it a popular choice for corporate branding, government institutions, and educational materials. Congress Blue evokes feelings of confidence and reliability, making it suitable for situations where conveying trustworthiness is paramount. It is commonly used in logos, websites, and marketing materials to create a sense of professionalism and integrity. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 91% cyan, 45% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45% black.
The hex color #0C4A8C, also known as Congress Blue, presents certain accessibility considerations for web developers. Its relatively dark hue means that it requires careful attention to contrast ratios to ensure readability for users, especially those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between text and background colors is crucial. For normal text (size 12-14), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text (18 and above), it should be at least 3:1. When using #0C4A8C as a background, developers should opt for light text colors like white or pale yellow to meet these standards. Tools like contrast checkers can assist in verifying compliance. Also, avoid relying solely on color to convey important information, as colorblind users might miss it.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2E86C1
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers a more subtle and accessible option while maintaining a professional feel.
- #082E54
A muted, darker shade of blue which can be used for backgrounds where high contrast is required.
- #4682B4
Steel Blue offers a brighter alternative while retaining the cool and dependable feel of #0C4A8C, enhancing visibility and clarity in designs.
Applications
Corporate Website Design
Congress Blue, #0C4A8C, is an excellent choice for website headers and footers, especially for corporate or government-related sites. Its deep, authoritative tone inspires confidence and professionalism, making it suitable for establishing a strong brand identity. The color also works well for call-to-action buttons when paired with a contrasting color like white or yellow to ensure visibility and user engagement. This specific shade provides a sense of stability and trust, essential for sectors needing to convey reliability and trustworthiness. Furthermore, it can be applied to create data visualization elements such as charts and graphs, where its richness helps differentiate data sets effectively.
Banking and Finance
This shade of blue conveys trust and stability, making it ideal for bank cards or financial application interfaces. The association with reliability assures customers about the security of their transactions. It is often used in the banking sector, in branding, logos and promotional material. It's often combined with gold, silver, or white to communicate value and dependability. For interface design, #0C4A8C provides a solid background color that ensures readability and user comfort, contributing to a streamlined and efficient user experience.
Fashion Design
Congress Blue, #0C4A8C, can also be used in fashion, especially for professional or formal attire. It is a classic color for suits, blazers, and dresses, lending an air of sophistication and seriousness. The color is easily paired with neutral shades like gray, black, and white for a timeless look, or with brighter accent colors like red or yellow for a more contemporary style. Accessories in this color, such as handbags or shoes, can add a touch of elegance to any outfit. It is also a popular choice for uniforms, conveying a sense of authority and professionalism.