Congress Blue
General Information
Congress Blue, represented by the hex code #10498B, is a deep, muted shade of blue. It evokes feelings of professionalism, trustworthiness, and stability. In color psychology, blue is often associated with calmness, reliability, and intelligence. This particular shade, being a darker tone, can also convey a sense of authority and sophistication. It is frequently used in corporate branding and institutional settings to project a sense of dependability and competence. When used effectively in design, Congress Blue can create a sophisticated and reassuring impression. Its muted nature makes it versatile for various applications, ranging from digital interfaces to physical products. The hex code provides a standardized way to represent this specific hue across different platforms and media, ensuring color consistency. It's a color that subtly commands attention.
The hex color #10498B, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a foreground color on a white or light background. Its relatively low luminance value (approximately 0.13) means that the contrast ratio may fall below the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommended levels for text. For normal text (smaller than 18pt), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text (18pt and larger, or 14pt bold), a contrast ratio of 3:1 is required. When using #10498B for text, ensure sufficient contrast by pairing it with a very light color or white. If using it as a background color, ensure the foreground text is a light or very bright color to achieve adequate contrast and readability. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Consider increasing the font size or using a bolder font weight to improve readability if contrast is borderline.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue (#10498B) is suitable for creating a professional and trustworthy aesthetic in website designs. It can be used for headers, navigation bars, and button backgrounds. When used sparingly and complemented with lighter shades, it provides a sophisticated and calming user experience. Ensure that the text color is adjusted to provide enough contrast for optimal readability, especially for users with visual impairments. This color evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it perfect for corporate websites or institutional portals. The specific hue communicates a sense of reliability, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to build confidence with their online presence.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent wall color in offices or living rooms to create a calming and focused environment. It pairs well with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Consider using it in moderation to prevent the space from feeling too dark or cold. Use it for elements like throw pillows, rugs, or artwork to introduce pops of color and depth. The shade can evoke a feeling of tranquility and professionalism, making it suitable for areas where concentration or relaxation is desired. The color is also great when used in combination with textures that add depth.
Fashion Apparel
In the fashion industry, Congress Blue can be used to create elegant and sophisticated apparel. It can be applied to formal wear such as suits, dresses, and blouses. When combined with silver or gold accessories, it exudes a luxurious appeal. It is also suitable for casual wear like jeans, sweaters, and jackets, especially when paired with neutral colors. Consider using this color for statement pieces that can be complemented with simpler items to achieve a balanced and sophisticated look. Its versatile nature enables designers to create styles that are both classic and modern. The color can also be used to reflect the brand's identity and convey a message of sophistication.