Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#134688)
The hex color #134688, also known as Congress Blue, is a dark shade of blue with a touch of depth and formality. It's often associated with institutions, governments, and organizations that seek to convey a sense of trust, authority, and stability. In the RGB color model, it's composed of 7.45% red, 27.45% green, and 53.33% blue. Its use in design can evoke feelings of professionalism and reliability. It is mostly used as an accent color. The color name 'Congress Blue' suggests its association with governmental or political entities, lending it a certain gravitas. It's a versatile color that can be incorporated into various design contexts, from web interfaces to branding materials, to convey a message of competence and dependability.
The color #134688, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as a background color, it requires light-colored text to ensure readability for individuals with visual impairments. 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. It is crucial to verify that any text placed on a #134688 background meets these contrast requirements. Tools like contrast checkers can be invaluable in assessing this. Additionally, consider providing alternative color schemes for users who may have difficulty perceiving Congress Blue or who simply prefer different color palettes. Using sufficient contrast ensures that content is accessible to a wider audience, including those with low vision or color blindness. It's also advisable to avoid relying solely on color to convey important information; use labels or other visual cues to reinforce meaning.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Congress Blue can be used for header backgrounds or call-to-action buttons to draw attention. However, it's crucial to pair it with contrasting text colors, such as white or light yellow, to ensure readability. For interactive elements, consider hover and active states that provide sufficient visual feedback. In data visualization, it can represent one category in charts or graphs, provided that other colors used are distinct and accessible. Because of its dark nature, it's generally recommended for larger elements and less so for fine text.
Fashion and Interior Design
Congress Blue can be incorporated into fashion designs as a sophisticated and professional color. It's suitable for formal wear, such as suits or dresses, and can be accented with lighter colors like silver or beige for a balanced look. In interior design, it can be used as an accent wall color in a study or office to create a calming yet professional atmosphere. It pairs well with natural wood tones and metallic finishes. Furthermore, the color works great as an element in branding designs.
Branding
In branding, #134688 is a great color for companies that want to appear trustworthy, mature, and responsible. It conveys a sense of stability and knowledge. It is also a good color for law firms, and financial institutions. For the graphical elements it looks great when combined with lighter colors such as white, yellow or a lighter blue. A successful brand is consistent in its graphical appearances, and this color can certainly help with that.