Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color #123A89, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a strong presence. It is composed of 7.1% red, 22.7% green, and 53.7% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to R:18, G:58, B:137. The CMYK representation is C:87, M:58, Y:0, K:46. This color evokes feelings of trust, stability, and authority, often associated with governmental institutions and corporate environments. The color's depth and richness make it a popular choice for branding and design applications aiming to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. Its name 'Congress Blue' reinforces this association with formal and authoritative contexts. It is a color that subtly commands attention and fosters a sense of confidence.
The hex color #123a89, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges. Its relatively dark hue means that careful consideration must be given to the color of text and other elements displayed against it. A light text color, such as white or a pale yellow, is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast and readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using contrast checking tools can help developers verify that the chosen color combinations meet these standards. Additionally, providing alternative text descriptions for images and other non-text elements is essential to ensure accessibility for users with visual impairments who may be using screen readers. Sufficient contrast is key to making content accessible to individuals with low vision or color blindness. It is also a good practice to avoid relying solely on color to convey information, as this can exclude users who are unable to distinguish between certain colors.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A slightly lighter shade of blue that can offer better contrast against dark text while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #4169e1
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements on a webpage.
- #778899
A desaturated blue, offering a muted, calmer feel, good for backgrounds.
Applications
Professional Website Design
Congress Blue is a sophisticated and calming color, ideal for creating a professional website design. Its depth evokes trust and reliability, making it suitable for businesses in finance, law, or education. It can be used for website headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons, paired with a complementary color like a muted yellow or light gray for optimal contrast and visual appeal. The dark hue helps to set a formal tone, making it appropriate for sites aiming to present a serious and credible image.
Elegant Interior Design
This shade of blue can be incorporated into interior design to create a serene and elegant atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, studies, or living rooms, especially when combined with lighter neutrals such as beige, cream, or white. The color can be used on walls, furniture, or accent pieces to add depth and character to the space. Accessorizing with metallic elements like gold or silver can further enhance the luxurious feel of the room.
Classic Fashion Design
Congress Blue is a versatile color choice for fashion designers, offering a classic and refined look. It can be used in garments ranging from business suits to evening gowns, providing a sense of sophistication and style. This color is particularly flattering when paired with accessories in complementary colors like mustard yellow, deep red, or metallic tones. As a base colour, it projects reliability and professionalism, and offers many options for creative accents.