Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#19478F)
Congress Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #19478F, is a deep and sophisticated shade of blue. It evokes feelings of stability, trust, and authority, making it a popular choice for various applications, particularly in branding and web design where conveying trustworthiness is essential. This color is located in the blue hue family and is often associated with professionalism and seriousness. The RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values for Congress Blue are R:25, G:71, B:143. Its CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) values are C:83, M:50, Y:0, K:44. These values indicate the composition of the color when used in printing. In color psychology, blue is often linked to calmness and security, making Congress Blue suitable for designs aiming to inspire confidence and reliability.
The color #19478F, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its relatively dark hue. When used as a background color, it necessitates light-colored text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #19478F with dark text would likely fail these guidelines, making the content difficult to perceive for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with colors like white, light yellow, or very pale grays for text. Additionally, ensure that interactive elements such as buttons or links have clear visual cues and sufficient contrast when using this color to meet accessibility requirements. Testing with accessibility tools is highly recommended.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast when paired with darker text, improving readability.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can provide a sophisticated background and better text contrast than Congress Blue.
- #007bff
A brighter blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements.
Applications
Professional Website Design
Congress Blue, with its deep and authoritative tone, is well-suited for designing professional websites for financial institutions or governmental organizations. It evokes trust and stability, making it ideal for conveying a sense of reliability and security. The color can be used for headers, navigation bars, and background elements to create a cohesive and trustworthy design. Using it sparingly as the primary color and balancing it with lighter accents and sufficient white space will ensure readability and visual appeal. Employing a serif font like Times New Roman or Georgia can complement the classic and formal aesthetic.
Interior Design - Calming Atmosphere
In interior design, Congress Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. It works well as an accent wall color, paired with neutral furniture and light-colored accents to balance the dark hue. Incorporating textures like velvet or silk can enhance the luxurious feel. The color's depth also makes it a great option for cabinetry or built-in shelving in studies or libraries, creating a refined and intellectual ambiance. Metallic accents, such as brass or gold, can add a touch of elegance.
Fashion Design - Sophisticated Elegance
Congress Blue can serve as a base for creating sophisticated fashion pieces for both women and men. Consider integrating it into evening wear for women for a glamorous, eye-catching appearance. Accessorizing with silver or diamond jewelry will enhance the garment and contribute to an overall dazzling ensemble. In menswear, Congress Blue can be applied to suits, jackets, or casual shirts, which creates a refined and classic look.