Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #113C87, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep and muted shade of blue with a strong sense of formality and sophistication. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with concepts such as trust, authority, and stability. In the RGB color model, #113C87 is composed of 6.67% red, 23.53% green, and 52.94% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 75% cyan, 56% magenta, 0% yellow, and 47% black. This color is generally perceived as a cool tone and can evoke feelings of calmness and seriousness. Its darkness makes it less vibrant compared to lighter blues, contributing to its suitability for professional and conservative applications. Its name 'Congress Blue' suggests its use in governmental or political contexts, further emphasizing its association with authority and officialdom.
The color #113C87, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background or text color. Its low luminance value of approximately 4 means it requires careful consideration of color contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. For text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). When using Congress Blue, ensure that any foreground text or interactive elements meet these contrast requirements by pairing it with a light color such as white or a pale yellow to improve readability. This can be verified using online contrast checkers. Also avoid using it with darker colors, as that will reduce the legibility for users. Considering color blindness is also essential. Avoid relying solely on color to convey information, provide text labels or icons to enhance understandability for users with color vision deficiencies.
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Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and professional look for corporate websites and branding materials. Its depth conveys trust and stability, making it suitable for financial institutions, law firms, or government agencies. It can be implemented in website headers, footers, and call-to-action buttons to create a sense of authority and reliability. Paired with light grays or whites, it provides a clean and modern aesthetic that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate. Ensure to use proper color constrast to maximize legibility and accessibility.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent color in rooms with neutral palettes to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices, where it can be incorporated through painted walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories like throw pillows and rugs. Because it is a very dark color, it is best used in small quantities to not overtake a space, and preferably combined with brighter colors.
Fashion Design
Congress Blue can be used to create formal and elegant garments for women. It is suitable for cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or business suits. When combined with other materials like silk, velvet, or chiffon, it can create a luxurious and refined look. It can also be paired with metallic accents or delicate jewelry to enhance its elegance. It is recommended to add brighter colors as details to create more contrast and life to the garment.