Listen up! Neutrals are great, but sometimes you crave a little more color in your life. That's where navy blue comes in. It's the new neutral that offers versatility and a touch of sophistication. In this article, we'll explore the best navy blue paint colors, how they're used in real homes, and the coordinating colors that make them shine.
Navy Blue Paint Colors
Let's dive into the world of navy blue paint colors and discover their unique qualities.
Salty Dog by Sherwin Williams
The vivid hues of Salty Dog make it stand out among other navy blues. Despite its dark LRV of 5, this color pops and adds a touch of brightness. It's part of the Sherwin Williams Trendsetter collection.
Dress Blues by Sherwin Williams
Dress Blues is a vibrant royal blue with an LRV of 5. It's slightly brighter than Salty Dog while still maintaining its navy blue charm.
Anchors Aweigh by Sherwin Williams
Anchors Aweigh is an inky dark navy blue from the Sherwin Williams Dreamer collection. With an LRV of 3, it adds depth and richness to any space.
In the Navy by Sherwin Williams
In the Navy is a traditional navy blue with a visually blue hue. Its LRV of 4 gives it a classic look that you can rely on.
Naval by Sherwin Williams
Naval is similar to In the Navy with its traditional navy blue base and LRV of 4. However, it has a more muted, gray cast that adds a unique touch.
Sea Serpent by Sherwin Williams
Sea Serpent is a lighter navy blue with a blend of slate gray. Its LRV of 7 makes it a versatile choice for those who want a softer navy blue look. It's part of the Nurturer collection from Sherwin Williams.
Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore
Hale Navy is Benjamin Moore's most popular navy blue. With an LRV of 6.3, it's a classic and sophisticated choice with a hint of slate gray undertones.
Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore
Newburyport Blue is a deep slate blue with an LRV of 8.28, making it one of the lighter navy blues. It's part of Benjamin Moore's Historic Color collection.
Old Navy by Benjamin Moore
Old Navy is a dark navy blue with a lot of intensity. It's a vivid navy blue without any slant or tint. Its LRV is a very low 3.11, adding drama to any space. This color belongs to Benjamin Moore's Color Preview collection.
Admiral Blue by Benjamin Moore
Admiral Blue is an intensely royal navy blue with undertones of purple and black. It's a rich and luxurious color that adds a fun element to any room. With an LRV of 3.85, it's a deep and mesmerizing choice.
Nocturne Blue by Behr
Nocturne Blue is a lush twist on navy blue that can easily coordinate with greens. It's a versatile color that straddles the line between navy blue and other shades of blue. With an LRV of 7, it adds depth and richness to any space.
Dark Navy by Behr
Dark Navy is a traditional navy blue with gray undertones. With an LRV of 7, it's on the lighter side for a navy blue. This color adds elegance and sophistication to any room.
Navy Blue in Real Homes
Now that we've explored some of the best navy blue colors, let's take a look at how they're used in real homes. Get ready to be inspired!
- Navy blue makes a dramatic backdrop for a gold chandelier and oak and cream ceiling in a dining room.
- Soft pink is an unexpected but beautiful coordinating color option for navy blue.
- Use navy blue as an accent wall to add depth and contrast to a room filled with natural light.
- The royal blue of Salty Dog sets off golden cream trim in a fairytale Victorian exterior.
- Incorporate nautical decor details, like rope and canvas stools, along with a navy blue island, to tie a kitchen together.
- Consider a navy blue nursery for a bold and stylish look that captivates infants' developing eyes.
- Create a focal wall with navy blue to give any room a fresh and put-together look.
- Coordinate navy blue with shades of blue, such as teal, sky blue, and periwinkle, or gray tones for a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Coordinating Colors for Navy Blue
Navy blue is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of colors. Here are some coordinating color ideas to consider:
- Snowbound by Sherwin Williams
- Alabaster by Sherwin Williams
- Creamy by Sherwin Williams
- Anew Gray by Sherwin Williams
- Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams
- Passive by Sherwin Williams
- City Loft by Sherwin Williams
- Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams
- Rainwashed by Sherwin Williams
- Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams
- Watery by Sherwin Williams
- White Dove by Benjamin Moore
- Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore
- Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore
- Feather Gray by Benjamin Moore
- Mt. Rainier Gray by Benjamin Moore
- Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore
A Note About Navy Blue and Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
When choosing navy blue for your space, it's important to consider its Light Reflectance Value (LRV). This number indicates how light or dark a color is, with 0 being absolute black and 100 being sheer white. Navy blue colors generally have low LRVs, signifying their darkness.
To balance the darkness of navy blue, you can use it for accent walls, trim, molding, or cabinets. Pair it with lighter colors like white, cream, or pale gray to reflect more light into the room. However, there are no hard rules when it comes to using dark colors. It ultimately depends on your personal taste and the amount of natural light your space receives.
Final Thoughts
Navy blue is the coolest trend in neutrals right now. Its versatility and charm make it a perfect choice for any project. Whether you want a traditional and refined look or a bold and daring statement, navy blue has got you covered. So, why not add a touch of sophistication and intrigue to your space with one of the best navy blue paint colors of 2024? The possibilities are endless!
