Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #103F8B, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 6.27% red, 24.71% green, and 54.51% blue. Its CMYK values are 88.54% cyan, 54.6% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45.49% black. This color is often associated with professionalism, formality, and intelligence. It is frequently used in corporate branding, government institutions, and educational materials to convey a sense of reliability and expertise. The hue's depth can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to designs, making it a versatile choice for various applications. Furthermore, Congress Blue represents a safe color to use because it is well established and represents seriousity.
The hex color #103F8B, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Due to its relatively dark nature, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios, especially when used as a background or for text. For text, it's essential to pair it with light colors such as white, cream, or light yellow to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text, according to WCAG guidelines. When used in interactive elements, ensure sufficient visual cues are present. Avoid using it for small, intricate details, as the low contrast can make it difficult to perceive them. Also, using color alone to convey information is discouraged; always combine it with text or icons to ensure accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against dark text, making it more accessible.
- #2962ff
A more vibrant blue that can add visual interest while still providing sufficient contrast when used thoughtfully.
- #808080
A neutral gray that provides a safe option for backgrounds and elements requiring high legibility, due to its high contrast capacity.
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue can be used as a primary color for website headers and footers to create a sense of trust and professionalism. It pairs well with lighter accent colors for buttons and calls to action. The color evokes feelings of stability and dependability, making it suitable for websites in the finance, government, or education sectors. Furthermore, using white space effectively will enhance the overall user experience and ensures readability. Congress Blue must be used with carefully choosen other colors to avoid a too monotonous color palette.
Fashion
This shade of blue can serve as an excellent choice for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, conveying confidence and authority. It works particularly well in professional settings where a sense of reliability is desired. It can be paired with neutral accessories or with other strong colors, such as red, or orange. Consider using it in combination with other strong colors to create a unique aesthetic. As a dark color, it looks better on people with bright skin and/or hair.
Interiour
Congress Blue is a great color to use on interior walls to create a sophisticated living-room. It looks great in combination with golden accents and wooden furniture. In smaller rooms it should only be used on one or two walls because it can make small rooms look even smaller. The dark blue is well suited for rooms with lots of natural light. If that is not the case, use additional artifical lighting to balance the darkness of the blue color.