Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #104080, often referred to as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a rich and sophisticated appearance. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its calming and trustworthy associations. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 6.27% red, 25.1% green, and 50.2% blue. This combination gives it a deep, somewhat muted tone compared to brighter blues. Congress Blue is often used in designs where a sense of stability, professionalism, and authority is desired. Its historical association with governmental institutions and formal settings makes it a popular choice for branding and design in corporate and academic environments. It is considered a classic and timeless color.
The hex color #104080, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it necessitates light-colored text to ensure readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards. Insufficient contrast can hinder users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Therefore, careful consideration of text and interactive elements is crucial. Tools like contrast checkers can assist in evaluating and improving color combinations. Utilizing this dark shade of blue in combination with pure white or very light grayscale colors can improve the overall user experience for a wider audience, ensuring content is easily perceivable and understandable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Corporate Website Design
Congress Blue is suitable for creating professional and trustworthy website designs. It can be used for headers, navigation bars, and other prominent elements to convey stability and reliability. When paired with clean typography and sufficient white space, it can create a sophisticated user experience. Furthermore, it is important to consider using this blue as part of a broader palette that takes accessibility into account by adding supporting colors to avoid monotonous user interfaces and guarantee legibility.
Formal Fashion Apparel
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, to convey a sense of authority and sophistication. It can be paired with lighter colors or metallic accents to create a balanced and elegant look. Furthermore, this dark blue shade lends itself well to accessories such as ties, scarves, and handbags, where it can add a touch of class without overpowering the entire ensemble. Its depth and richness make it a versatile choice for both men's and women's fashion.
Interior Design Accent Color
Congress Blue can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in interior design. It can be applied to walls, furniture, or decorative accents to add depth and richness to a room. Pairing it with neutral colors, such as beige or gray, can create a balanced and harmonious space. To avoid a somber mood, consider incorporating pops of brighter colors or metallic elements to add visual interest and prevent the blue from overwhelming the space. Natural light and contrasting textures also help to lift and enhance the color.