Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #113B87, is a deep shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority. It is often associated with governmental institutions, academic settings, and established organizations. In the RGB color model, it consists of 6.67% red, 23.14% green, and 52.94% blue. The color's relatively low red and green values contribute to its cool and subdued appearance. The name "Congress Blue" likely refers to its association with the United States Congress and the colors traditionally used in governmental contexts. This color is often used in branding, web design, and interior design to convey a sense of professionalism, reliability, and competence. Its deep hue makes it suitable for creating a sophisticated and trustworthy atmosphere.
The hex color #113B87, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its relatively low luminance value necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text against its background. When using #113B87 for text, pairing it with a light color such as white (#FFFFFF) or a very light gray is essential to meet these standards. Conversely, using dark backgrounds should be avoided as this could result in insufficient contrast, making it difficult for users to perceive the text clearly. For interactive elements like buttons or links, sufficient contrast should be maintained in different states (hover, focus, active) to provide clear visual cues for users navigating with assistive technologies. Moreover, consider providing alternative text descriptions (alt text) for images using this color to convey equivalent information to users who may not be able to distinguish the color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366cc
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds, making it more versatile for text and UI elements.
- #0056b3
A more saturated blue that can be used to draw attention and create visual interest, while still being relatively accessible.
- #4682b4
A desaturated blue can provide a softer, more calming aesthetic, and in this case offers a sufficient contrast.
Applications
Website Headers and Navigation
Congress Blue, or #113B87, can be effectively employed in website headers and navigation bars to create a professional and trustworthy feel. Its deep blue hue evokes a sense of stability and authority, making it suitable for institutions and organizations seeking to establish credibility online. Furthermore, it can be combined with lighter accent colors to highlight key information and calls to action, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Branding and Logo Design
In branding and logo design, Congress Blue can be used to communicate reliability and competence. Its association with traditional institutions makes it a good choice for businesses aiming to project a sense of experience and dependability. It works well in combination with metallic accents such as gold or silver to create a sophisticated and timeless look.
Interior Design Accent
Within interior design, #113B87 can be used as an accent color in offices or studies to promote focus and concentration. When combined with neutral wall colors and natural wood finishes, it creates a calming and productive environment. Textiles in this shade, such as curtains or cushions, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room without being overpowering.