Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
Congress Blue, with the hex code #124586, is a dark shade of blue that evokes feelings of stability, trustworthiness, and authority. It is often associated with institutions, governments, and corporations. The color's depth and richness make it suitable for conveying seriousness and importance. In color psychology, blue is often linked to calmness, serenity, and intelligence. Congress Blue's darker hue amplifies these qualities, making it a popular choice for branding and visual communication where reliability and professionalism are paramount. Its RGB values are R:18, G:69, B:134. The CMYK values are C:86, M:48, Y:0, K:48. This color is not extremely saturated, which makes it easy on the eye and avoids visual noise when combined with other colors.
The hex color #124586, also known as Congress Blue, presents specific accessibility challenges, especially concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the 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. Given the darkness of Congress Blue, lighter colors like white, yellow, or light grays are typically required for adequate contrast. Using color contrast analysis tools is advisable to verify compliance. Additionally, providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines for links or icons to supplement color, can further enhance accessibility for users with visual impairments or color blindness. Consideration should also be given to users with cognitive disabilities, ensuring the color doesn't cause visual stress or confusion.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3478bd
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a professional look.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can be used for backgrounds or text, offering a safe and accessible option.
- #2962ff
A brighter blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can serve as a primary color for navigation bars and headers, lending a sense of authority and trustworthiness to the website. It pairs well with neutral backgrounds and lighter accent colors. Ensure the text used on the blue background meets the contrast ratio requirements to ensure readability for users with visual impairment. This color is great if you want to give a website or application a professional, corporate and formal look and feel. When used well it's suitable for a broad audience because it represents the values as described above.
Interior Design
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used as an accent wall color in an office or study to create a calming and focused atmosphere. Consider pairing it with lighter furniture and decor to prevent the space from feeling too dark. The color can also be used in upholstery and textiles to give a room a touch of elegance. Furthermore it can create a formal, academic or even serious environment, and it's important to consider the impact on the people experiencing the room.
Fashion
In fashion, Congress Blue can be used for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, to convey a sense of sophistication and confidence. It can be paired with neutral accessories or bolder colors for a more dynamic look. Moreover this color is perfect for business outfits. In recent years blue is very popular within the fashion industry and can be used in combination with a wide range of other colors and styles, ranging from business to casual.