Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #10428B, is a deep, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, authority, and tradition. It belongs to the blue color family, known for its calming and intellectual associations. The RGB values for Congress Blue are R: 16, G: 66, and B: 139, indicating a higher concentration of blue compared to red and green. Its CMYK values are C: 88, M: 53, Y: 0, K: 45. The hue angle is 220.7 degrees, the saturation is 81.5, and the lightness is 28.4. The color is named after the United States Congress, symbolizing trust, intellect, and formality. In design, Congress Blue is often used to convey professionalism and reliability, making it suitable for corporate branding, government websites, and educational materials. Its somber tone adds a touch of gravitas to any visual composition.
The color #10428B, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as text on a white background. Its low lightness value (approximately 0.06) results in a low contrast ratio, failing WCAG's AA and AAA standards for normal text sizes. To ensure readability, especially for users with visual impairments, consider increasing the text size significantly or pairing it with lighter background colors. For example, using #10428B text on a background like #E0E0E0 would improve contrast. Also, avoid using this color for crucial UI elements where clear visibility is paramount. When incorporating Congress Blue into a design, provide alternative high-contrast themes or allow users to customize color schemes to meet their individual needs. Employing tools to check color contrast ratios during the design process will help maintain accessibility standards and create inclusive designs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Headers and Navigation
Congress Blue, with its deep and authoritative tone, is ideal for crafting sophisticated website headers and navigation bars. Its rich hue conveys trustworthiness and professionalism, making it suitable for businesses in finance, law, or education. When used as a background color, it pairs well with white or light gray text, creating a visually appealing and easily readable interface. Furthermore, consider incorporating it into button designs or call-to-action elements to add a touch of elegance while maintaining a clear and user-friendly experience. The color evokes a sense of stability and reliability, enhancing the overall credibility of the website.
Interior Design Accent Color
In the realm of interior design, Congress Blue can be utilized to establish a serene and sophisticated ambiance within living spaces or offices. This deep blue shade works exceptionally well as an accent wall color, adding depth and character to a room. Complement it with lighter neutral tones such as beige, cream, or light gray to create a balanced and harmonious aesthetic. Consider incorporating Congress Blue in upholstery fabrics for sofas, armchairs, or decorative pillows to inject a pop of color and elegance. It can also be applied to cabinetry or shelving units in studies or libraries to evoke a sense of traditional charm and intellectual curiosity.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Congress Blue presents an option for creating timeless and sophisticated outfits. The color provides versatility across various clothing items, from formal dresses to casual jackets. In formal attire, Congress Blue is excellent for dresses, suits, or blazers, especially when complemented by silver or gold accessories. This color can also be incorporated into casual outfits. It looks stunning as a wool coat, and equally sophisticated in other fashion items such as handbags, scarves, and hats. The color serves as a classic foundation for any wardrobe.