Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0E408D, is a deep and rich shade of blue, evoking feelings of sophistication and authority. It is often associated with institutions such as government, law, and finance, due to its serious and trustworthy nature. In the RGB color model, #0E408D is composed of 5.5% red, 25.1% green, and 55.3% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 90% cyan, 55% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45% black. This color's low lightness value makes it suitable for creating contrast when paired with lighter colors, but it should be used thoughtfully to ensure accessibility and readability.
The color #0E408D, a deep shade of blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its low lightness value (approximately 15% on a scale of 0-100) means that it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as text on a white background, it may not meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards for normal text (4.5:1 contrast ratio). However, it might meet the requirement for large text (3:1 contrast ratio). To ensure readability and accessibility, it is recommended to pair #0E408D with a very light color such as white (#FFFFFF) or a pale yellow (#FFFFE0) for text. When used as a background color, lighter text is necessary. In UI design, consider the colorblindness. It's advised to use additional indicators besides color to convey information.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #215ca3
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast and readability, making it a safer choice for text and interface elements.
- #1e90ff
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to key elements, while still maintaining a professional look.
- #191970
Midnight blue can be seen as a elegant and a more subtle option for backgrounds or elements that need a dark shade without being too visually dominant.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue (#0E408D) can be used for navigation bars, headings, and as an accent color to provide a sense of authority and trustworthiness. Its depth makes it suitable for websites related to finance, law, or government. To not make it overwhelming it should be used sparingly and combined with lighter neutral colors.
Interior Design
In interior design, #0E408D can be applied as a wall color in studies or libraries to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. It pairs well with natural wood tones and metallic accents like gold or silver. Also it can be used in smaller doses like cushions or artwork.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used for formal wear or business attire to project professionalism and confidence. It can be combined with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white for a classic look, or with brighter colors like yellow or pink for a more contemporary style. It is a good alternative to black.