Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#114D8A)
The hexadecimal color code #114D8A, also known as Congress Blue, represents a dark shade of blue in the RGB color model. It is composed of 6.67% red, 30.2% green, and 54.12% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 88% cyan, 44% magenta, 0% yellow, and 46% black. This color is often associated with qualities such as trust, stability, and professionalism. It's frequently utilized in branding and design to evoke a sense of confidence and reliability. Congress Blue is commonly found in corporate logos, government websites, and educational materials due to its serious and dependable nature. The color's relatively low brightness makes it suitable for use as a background color with light text for better readability.
The hex color #114D8A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively low lightness value (approximately 23%) means it has limited contrast against white backgrounds, potentially failing WCAG AA and AAA standards for normal text. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter text color such as white or a very light gray, ensuring a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Alternatively, using #114D8A as a background color with appropriately contrasting text can work well. Tools like contrast checkers are valuable for verifying compliance with accessibility guidelines. When using this color for interactive elements, such as buttons, ensure sufficient contrast in hover and focus states as well.
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Applications
Web Design: Headers and Footers
Congress Blue (#114D8A) can be used in website headers and footers to establish a professional and trustworthy aesthetic. Its depth adds a sense of stability, making it suitable for financial or governmental websites. Use it sparingly for text, favoring it instead for backgrounds or accents.
Interior Design: Accent Color
In interior design, #114D8A can be used as an accent color in living rooms or bedrooms to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral tones like beige, gray, or white. Consider using it for cushions, throws, or artwork to add a pop of color without overwhelming the space.
Fashion: Apparel
In fashion, Congress Blue is a versatile color that can be used for both casual and formal wear. It looks great as a blazer or dress. Pair it with neutral colors like white, gray, or black for a sophisticated look, or with complementary colors like orange or gold for a more vibrant ensemble.