Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #104A8A, known as Congress Blue, is a deep, rich blue hue that conveys a sense of authority, stability, and sophistication. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with trust and professionalism. In terms of color theory, it’s created by mixing blue with small amounts of red and green to achieve its specific shade. The hex code #104A8A specifies the exact composition of red, green, and blue light needed to display this color on screens. This color is often used in branding and design to create a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. The name "Congress Blue" itself evokes a sense of formality and tradition. It is a cool and calming color which makes it applicable to different fields.
The hex color #104A8A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low lightness value means that it requires careful consideration when used with text. To ensure readability, it's crucial to pair this color with sufficiently light text (white or light gray) to provide adequate contrast. The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommends a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using online contrast checker tools can help verify if the color combination meets these standards. Also, avoid using this color for crucial visual elements without proper contrast to avoid accessibility issues for users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue (#104A8A) is well-suited for website headers and navigation bars, providing a professional and trustworthy feel. Its depth communicates stability, making it suitable for corporate websites and financial institutions. Furthermore, it can be used for call-to-action buttons when paired with a contrasting color like yellow or white to ensure visibility. The color evokes a sense of authority and reliability.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color in bedrooms or living rooms. Consider painting a single wall or incorporating it through throw pillows and blankets. This color pairs well with neutral tones like gray and beige, creating a sophisticated yet calming environment. Because of its darker tint, it's useful as a background in rooms with plenty of light.
Data Visualization
Congress Blue can be effectively used in data visualizations, especially for charts and graphs representing important information. It provides a sense of importance and reliability. Because of its serious tone, ensure you use enough whitespace around it to provide a clean and understandable message. Furthermore, it can be used to identify different trends within a dataset, making it easier to interpret the visual.