Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #114C87, often referred to as Congress Blue, is a deep, muted shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trustworthiness, and authority. It is a color commonly associated with governmental institutions, financial organizations, and professional services. The color is composed of 6.7% red, 29.8% green, and 52.9% blue. In the RGB color model, it sits closer to blue than red or green, resulting in its characteristic hue. Congress Blue is perceived as a sophisticated and conservative color, making it suitable for conveying a sense of professionalism and reliability. Its relatively low saturation gives it a calming and understated quality. The color can be used in a variety of contexts, from corporate branding to web design, to establish a sense of trust and confidence.
The color #114C87, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low luminance value means that text rendered in this color may not provide sufficient contrast against a light background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. When using #114C87 for text, it's crucial to pair it with a very light color like white (#FFFFFF) or a light gray to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Alternatively, using #114C87 as a background color necessitates using a light foreground color for optimal contrast. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if a specific color combination meets accessibility standards. Furthermore, consider the context in which the color is used; for instance, using it for purely decorative elements might have less stringent accessibility requirements compared to using it for interactive elements or essential information.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e6da4
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved contrast while retaining a similar aesthetic.
- #0b3254
A darker shade for situations where higher contrast is needed and the design allows for a deeper hue.
- #808080
A neutral gray that complements Congress Blue and offers a safe option for text or background.
Applications
Website Design
Congress Blue can be used as the primary color for website headers and navigation bars to create a professional and trustworthy appearance. Its calming and stable nature evokes feelings of security and reliability, making it suitable for financial institutions or government websites. Paired with a clean, minimalist design, this color helps to establish a strong brand identity.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be applied to accent walls or furniture to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to a room. It works particularly well in living rooms or bedrooms, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Complementary colors like mustard yellow or coral can be used as accents to provide a visual contrast and create a balanced aesthetic.
Data Visualization
Congress Blue can be incorporated into data visualizations and charts to represent important information in a clear and easily understandable manner. Its muted tone makes it less distracting than brighter colors, allowing viewers to focus on the data being presented. It is particularly effective when used to highlight trends or patterns in complex datasets.