Congress Blue
General Information
The color #0F4189, commonly referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep and sophisticated shade of blue. It is located in the blue region of the color spectrum and possesses a relatively low saturation and brightness. This particular hue is often associated with qualities such as stability, trust, and intelligence, making it a popular choice for various applications across design and branding. Congress Blue is created by combining a small amount of red and green with a dominant amount of blue in the RGB color model. In hexadecimal representation, '#0F4189' translates to 15 parts red, 65 parts green, and 137 parts blue. Its somber tone makes it suitable for creating a sense of formality and professionalism in visual communications.
The hex color #0F4189, also known as Congress Blue, presents specific accessibility considerations for web development. When used as a foreground color for text, it necessitates careful selection of a contrasting background color to ensure sufficient readability. A light background color, such as a very pale yellow or a near-white hue, is generally recommended to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for color contrast. Conversely, when used as a background color, pairing it with white or similarly light-colored text is advisable. It's crucial to evaluate color contrast ratios using tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker to guarantee compliance with accessibility guidelines. Avoid pairing this dark blue with other dark colors, as this can result in insufficient contrast and make content difficult to perceive for users with visual impairments. Meaning should never be conveyed by color alone; always use text labels or alternative visual cues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2962ff
A slightly lighter blue that still provides a sense of depth but offers better contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #1e3a8a
A more saturated blue that can draw attention and work well as an accent color.
- #64b5f6
A lighter tone of blue that is softer on the eyes and can be used for background elements.
Applications
Web Design and UI/UX
Congress Blue (#0F4189) can serve as a primary color for website headers and navigation bars, conveying a sense of trust and reliability. In user interface design, it is suitable for buttons and interactive elements, especially when paired with complementary hover effects. Its professional and subdued nature makes it ideal for financial, governmental, and educational websites. The color helps to create a sophisticated visual hierarchy, emphasizing key content areas while providing a calm and stable user experience. When used sparingly, Congress Blue can also highlight important data visualizations or charts.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue is often chosen for accent walls, providing a sophisticated contrast to neutral palettes. It pairs well with natural wood tones and metallic accents, creating a balanced and elegant space. The color is suitable for living rooms, studies, or bedrooms, where a sense of tranquility and focus is desired. Textiles such as throw pillows, curtains, or rugs in Congress Blue can add a touch of depth and visual interest to a room without being overpowering. Its versatility makes it a favored choice for creating both classic and contemporary environments.
Branding and Corporate Identity
Congress Blue is suitable for corporate branding, particularly for companies aiming to project stability, intelligence, and trustworthiness. The color is versatile enough to be used in logos, business cards, and marketing materials, helping to establish a consistent and professional brand identity. It works effectively for businesses in the finance, technology, and consulting sectors. Additionally, Congress Blue provides a strong foundation for creating cohesive branding guidelines, ensuring that the company's visual communication aligns with its core values and message.