Congress Blue
General Information
The color #0E3A87, commonly referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 5.5% red, 22.7% green, and 52.9% blue. This specific combination of primary colors results in a color that is often associated with institutions, governments, and corporate entities seeking to project an image of reliability and competence. Congress Blue's hex code is #0E3A87, and its CMYK values are approximately 90% cyan, 57% magenta, 0% yellow, and 47% black. In terms of perception, this color tends to be viewed as calming and professional, making it a popular choice for branding and design elements where these qualities are desired.
The hex color #0E3A87, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text. Its dark nature means that it requires very light text (white or very light shades of yellow or green) to achieve sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). When using #0E3A87 as a background, ensure the foreground text meets these contrast requirements. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can be useful for verifying compliance. Avoid pairing #0E3A87 with other dark colors, as this will invariably lead to insufficient contrast. Also, when it's used in UI elements, ensure that hover and focus states provide sufficient visual distinction to aid users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue (#0E3A87) can serve as a primary color for headers, navigation bars, or call-to-action buttons, conveying a sense of authority and trustworthiness. It's particularly well-suited for websites in the finance, legal, or government sectors. To prevent eye strain, it should be balanced with lighter background colors. This blue could also be incorporated in charts and graphs to highlight important data points, but care should be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with other colors used in the visualization. Furthermore, this color can be incorporated to create a brand identity by the use of the same color in logos, websites and printings.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color in clothing or accessories. A navy blue blazer or a dark blue handbag can add a touch of sophistication to an outfit. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, beige, or gray, as well as brighter colors like yellow or red. The color can be incorporated in jewelry, such as a dark blue sapphire ring or a pair of lapis lazuli earrings. It can also be used in footwear, such as a pair of navy blue suede shoes or a pair of dark blue canvas sneakers.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as a calming and sophisticated wall color for bedrooms or living rooms. It can also be used as an accent color in furniture or décor. For example, a dark blue sofa or a set of dark blue throw pillows can add a touch of elegance to a living room. It is important to ensure there is balance with lighter colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark. The hue can also be applied in tiling, carpets and paintings.