Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hexadecimal color #123F86, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a cool and sophisticated undertone. It is composed of 7.1% red, 24.7% green, and 52.5% blue. In the RGB color model, #123F86 has the numerical representation (18, 63, 134). This color is often associated with stability, trust, and authority. It is commonly used in corporate branding, government websites, and other applications where a sense of professionalism and reliability is desired. Congress Blue is not a very common name for this specific hexcode, but this color is widely accepted as a governmental theme.
The color #123F86, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially concerning text contrast. When used as a background color, it necessitates light-colored text (white or a very light tint) to ensure readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This color may not be suitable for conveying critical information alone, such as in alerts or warnings, without additional visual cues or context. It's also important to consider users with low vision or color blindness, ensuring that information is not solely conveyed through color. Using this color for interactive elements like buttons requires careful consideration of focus states and hover effects to maintain usability for all users. Proper use of ARIA attributes can also improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue, offering better contrast with dark text while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #808080
A neutral gray, providing a safe and accessible background color for various content types.
- #4169e1
A brighter blue, increasing visibility and potentially improving contrast depending on the paired text color.
Applications
Website Design for Institutions
Congress Blue can be used to create a professional and trustworthy aesthetic in website designs for financial institutions or government agencies. The deep blue evokes feelings of stability and authority. It's suitable for backgrounds, headers, and accents, especially when paired with clean, minimalist typography and a contrasting color for call-to-action buttons. The hue can also be employed in data visualizations to differentiate between categories or highlight important trends. When used effectively, Congress Blue contributes to a sense of credibility and reliability.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, Congress Blue can be incorporated into formal wear or business attire to project confidence and sophistication. It's a versatile color that can be used for suits, dresses, or accent pieces such as scarves or ties. The deep blue complements a variety of skin tones and can be paired with neutral colors like gray, black, or white, as well as bolder colors like red or gold for a more striking look. This color is suitable for creating a classic and timeless style.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. It's a versatile color that works well as an accent wall, upholstery for furniture, or decorative elements such as pillows or curtains. The deep blue can be paired with neutral colors like beige, white, or gray, as well as natural materials like wood or stone. When used effectively, Congress Blue creates a sense of serenity and elegance.