Congress Blue
General Information
The hex color #0D478A, commonly referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, rich shade of blue within the blue color family. It is composed of 5.1% red, 27.8% green, and 54.1% blue. In the RGB color model, it is represented as (13, 71, 138). The color is associated with characteristics such as stability, trustworthiness, and authority, making it a popular choice for various applications. In terms of CMYK, it consists of 90.5% cyan, 48.6% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45.9% black. This color evokes feelings of calmness and professionalism, often used by corporate entities seeking to project reliability and sophistication.
The hex color #0D478A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a foreground color on a white or light background. Its low luminance value (relative to pure white) results in a low contrast ratio, potentially failing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for text readability. For instance, normal-sized text (smaller than 18pt) may not meet the minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 required for WCAG AA compliance. To improve accessibility, consider using #0D478A with lighter background colors that provide sufficient contrast. Alternatively, if #0D478A is the background, use a very light color like white or a very pale yellow for the text. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the color combinations meet accessibility standards, ensuring content is usable for people with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e90ff
A slightly lighter blue, #1E90FF (Dodger Blue), offers better visibility and contrast, making it a more accessible choice for text and user interface elements.
- #003366
For a similar deep blue feel, consider #003366, which provides a strong, professional look and can be paired with lighter accents for sufficient contrast.
- #4682b4
The color #4682B4, also known as Steel Blue, is another, much lighter alternative that has a more neutral and calming feel.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue is a popular choice for websites and applications aiming for a professional, trustworthy, and authoritative aesthetic. Its deep hue evokes feelings of stability and reliability, making it suitable for financial institutions, government agencies, and corporate entities. It can be effectively used in navigation bars, headers, and as a background color for important sections. When paired with complementary colors like gold or yellow, it creates a visually appealing contrast that enhances user engagement. Furthermore, this color is also often found in academic settings, such as universities.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, especially when combined with neutral tones like gray, beige, or white. It can be incorporated through paint, furniture, or decorative elements such as cushions, curtains, or rugs. Congress Blue provides depth and richness to the space, making it feel more luxurious and inviting. Furthermore, it also has a gender-neutral appeal.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue is a versatile color that can be worn in various styles and occasions. It is suitable for formal wear, such as suits and dresses, as well as casual outfits like jeans and sweaters. It complements a wide range of skin tones and can be paired with different accessories, such as scarves, belts, and jewelry. Congress Blue provides a sense of sophistication and elegance, making it a popular choice for both men and women. Therefore, it can be found in clothing, shoes and accessories.