Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #123989, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue often associated with stability, trustworthiness, and authority. It belongs to the blue color family and has a calming and professional feel. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 7.1% red, 22.4% green, and 53.7% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 87% cyan, 58% magenta, 0% yellow, and 46% black. Its hexadecimal representation, #123989, is commonly used in web design and digital applications. Congress Blue is often employed to evoke a sense of seriousness and dependability, making it a popular choice for corporate branding, government websites, and educational institutions. Its subdued nature allows it to be versatile for various design purposes, providing a sense of sophistication.
The hex color #123989, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its relatively low luminance. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires careful consideration of the background color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt). This color may not meet these ratios with lighter background colors, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read the content. Therefore, it's crucial to pair Congress Blue with a very light or even white background to achieve acceptable contrast. Alternatively, using it sparingly for decorative elements rather than essential text can mitigate accessibility concerns. Using tools to test color contrast can help ensure the design meets accessibility standards. It is also recommended to provide alternative styling options for users who need higher contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e64fe
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #0818a8
A darker shade of blue that provides better contrast against light backgrounds.
- #003399
A more saturated blue that can draw attention and enhance visual appeal, while maintaining reasonable accessibility.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can be used for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons. Its serious and trustworthy feel makes it suitable for websites related to finance, law, education, or government. However, it should be paired with appropriate contrasting colors for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and usability. This color can be used to create a sense of stability and professionalism. This makes it ideal for institutions aiming to convey trust and reliability to their audience. It is important to make sure that the design is consistent and that the color is not overused.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be applied as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative items. It evokes a sense of calmness and sophistication, making it suitable for bedrooms, studies, or living rooms. When used in larger quantities, it's best to balance it with lighter and warmer colors to prevent the space from feeling too cold or somber. You can combine the color with white and warm wooden tones to create a classic design. Consider using the color as a focal point in the design to make a statement.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used in clothing, accessories, or shoes. It is a versatile color that can be worn in both casual and formal settings. It pairs well with neutral colors such as gray, white, or black, as well as bolder colors like yellow or red. It is a great color for creating a corporate image. This color could also be used in sportswear or outdoor wear, conveying a sense of resilience. To achieve a well-balanced and appealing look, it's important to choose complementary accessories and footwear that enhance the color's impact.