Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color code #0D4B8A, commonly known as Congress Blue, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It is composed of 5.1% red, 29.4% green, and 54.1% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to the values of R:13, G:75, and B:138. This particular shade of blue is often associated with feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. In terms of color theory, #0D4B8A belongs to the cool color family, making it a versatile choice for various design applications. The CMYK values for Congress Blue are C:91, M:46, Y:0, and K:46, indicating a high concentration of cyan and moderate magenta, with minimal yellow and a significant amount of black to achieve its depth. This color is suitable for creating a sense of seriousness, intelligence, and reliability.
The hex color #0d4b8a, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low luminance value of 0.069 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, which is crucial for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #0d4b8a for text requires careful consideration of the background color to meet these standards. For instance, pairing it with a very light shade of yellow or white can improve readability. However, using it on darker backgrounds will result in very poor legibility. When using this color in web design, provide alternative color schemes or high contrast themes to accommodate users with diverse visual needs, including those with low vision or color blindness. Tools like contrast checkers can help ensure the color combination meets accessibility standards, fostering a more inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Navigation
Congress Blue can serve as a primary color for navigation bars and footers on websites, providing a professional and trustworthy feel. Its depth allows for a clear distinction from the main content area, improving user navigation. Using it sparingly for headers or buttons can draw attention without overwhelming the user. Ensure sufficient contrast with text and background elements to maintain readability and accessibility. This color is often seen in finance and technology websites.
Marketing Materials
Congress Blue lends a sense of sophistication and authority to marketing materials such as brochures and presentations. It works well as a background color for charts and graphs, highlighting data effectively. This color evokes trust and reliability, making it suitable for companies looking to establish credibility. In brochures, it can be used for headings and call-to-action buttons, capturing the reader's attention.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent wall color to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in a living room or office space. It pairs well with neutral tones like gray and beige. Accessories such as throw pillows and curtains in this color can add depth and interest to a room without being overwhelming. Using it in moderation helps to create a balanced and inviting environment.