Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#10408A)
The hex color #10408A, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, muted shade of blue with a sense of seriousness and reliability. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 6.27% red, 25.1% green, and 54.12% blue. The name 'Congress Blue' suggests a connection to governmental or political contexts, evoking feelings of authority and trustworthiness. This color is often associated with stability, knowledge, and professionalism, making it a popular choice for branding in sectors like finance, law, and education. Its dark and subdued nature makes it versatile for various design applications, although careful consideration should be given to contrast and accessibility when used with text or other visual elements. It is a color that conveys a sense of formality and importance, fitting for serious and reputable entities.
The hex color #10408A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a background color for text. Its relatively dark hue means that it requires a light-colored text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. When using Congress Blue, it's crucial to test the contrast ratio with any foreground text to ensure it meets these accessibility standards. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can be invaluable for this purpose. Insufficient contrast can make content difficult to read for users with low vision or color blindness. Therefore, careful consideration of color pairings is essential for creating an inclusive and user-friendly design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Financial Institutions Branding
Congress Blue evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it a strong choice for financial institutions' websites and branding. It can be used for navigation bars, headings, and call-to-action buttons to create a professional and reliable impression. Pairing it with lighter shades of gray or white can enhance readability and create a balanced visual hierarchy. The color's serious tone helps convey a sense of security, which is crucial in the financial sector.
Government and Educational Websites
In web design, Congress Blue can be used as a primary color for websites related to government, law, or education. Its association with authority and knowledge makes it suitable for institutions aiming to project credibility and expertise. It can be effectively used in data visualizations, charts, and graphs to represent information clearly and concisely. A combination with muted yellows or greens can provide a balanced and professional color scheme.
Home Decor Accent
This dark blue works great as an accent color for modern home decor. It can be applied to feature walls, upholstery, or decorative accessories. Paired with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white, it adds a touch of sophistication and elegance without overwhelming the space. In smaller doses, it can create a focal point and bring depth to the interior design. The color also works well with metallic accents like gold or silver, enhancing its luxurious feel.