Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #0D3D8A, commonly known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority. In the RGB color model, it consists of 5.1% red, 23.9% green, and 54.1% blue. Its use can bring a touch of elegance and seriousness to any design. Congress Blue is often associated with governmental, educational, and financial institutions. Its hex code makes it easy to replicate across various digital platforms. The color is not part of the set of web-safe colors, so it might be displayed a little bit differently, depending on the used display and the operating system. The name Congress Blue suggests a connection to governmental settings.
The hex color #0D3D8A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially regarding color contrast. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires careful consideration of the background color. To ensure readability and compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), it's crucial to use a light background color to achieve a sufficient contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios and help in selecting appropriate color combinations. Using this dark blue with equally dark shades will cause readability issues. Designers should ensure sufficient contrast for users with visual impairments. Consideration should also be given to those with cognitive disabilities. Therefore, using this color should be carefully planned.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can be used for headings, navigation bars, or as an accent color to convey a sense of trust and stability. However, due to its darkness, it is best used sparingly and paired with lighter, contrasting colors to ensure readability. For example, using it for a website's header with white text can create a professional and eye-catching look. Also, the color can be used for buttons, if the text color is contrasting and bright enough.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decor. It pairs well with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Consider using it for a feature wall in a living room or bedroom, or for upholstery on chairs or sofas. Avoid using it in small rooms, because it may create a dark and small atmosphere.
Mobile Applications
The color #0D3D8A can be used for creating calm and trustworthy apps. It can be used for coloring headers or smaller elements. Because the color is quite dark, it should be avoided as background color of the application.