Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color #0D398A, commonly known as Congress Blue, is a deep, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of authority, stability, and trustworthiness. It is often associated with institutions, government, and established organizations. In the RGB color model, #0D398A is composed of 5.1% red, 22.35% green, and 54.12% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 90.6% cyan, 58.7% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45.9% black. This color finds applications in diverse design contexts, from branding and web design to interior decor, often employed to convey reliability and sophistication. It is perceived as a cool color and works well in combination with warmer colors, in order to create vibrant designs.
The color #0D398A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds, potentially making text difficult to read for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, it's recommended to pair this color with very light shades of yellow, white, or other pale colors to ensure sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is suggested for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14 points bold or 18 points regular) to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards. For AAA compliance, strive for a contrast ratio of 7:1. When using Congress Blue for interactive elements, ensure that hover, focus, and active states have sufficient contrast and are easily distinguishable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue provides a sense of trust, intelligence, and security, making it ideal for financial institutions or tech companies wanting to project a professional image. It can be used for website headers, call-to-action buttons (when paired with a contrasting text color), and background accents. It is a versatile color that can convey both tradition and innovation. For example, it can be used for infographics to display data, or used as background for white text to make important information stand out.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It works well as an accent color in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. Consider using it for throw pillows, curtains, or a feature wall. It can also be paired with lighter neutrals like gray or beige to create a balanced and harmonious space. It brings elegance to every room and is well suited to be combined with wooden textures or metal features.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue is a versatile color that can be worn in a variety of settings. It can be used for casual wear such as jeans or t-shirts, or dressed up for more formal occasions like business attires. It is a good alternative for black, bringing some color to a formal event. It pairs well with neutral colors such as white, gray, and black, but can also be combined with brighter colors such as yellow or orange for a more vibrant look.