Navy blue is a rich and sophisticated tone of blue that lies somewhere between the blue-purple and black band.
It’s quite different from the dark blues in the form of undertones and saturation.
Taking inspiration from the uniforms of the British Royal Navy, this color has definitely emerged as a symbol of richness, sophistication, splendor, and extreme power and authority.
That said, when it comes to paint colors, it’s harder to find a single definition of navy blue since some of the colors in this collection incline toward a blue base while others appear almost black!
But one thing in common is the utmost versatility navy blues bring when being used with other complementary hues and palettes.
This is not a stark blue like Electric blue or even a form of blue-gray paints! Rather, it’s a more saturated version of the blue-indigo-purple!
I personally have always LOVED the feel and look of Sherwin Williams navy blues! Not only are they timeless but they also tend to easily pair with other neutrals, seamlessly.
This color category can easily fit into Eclectic, Modern, Modern Farmhouse, and Contemporary interior design styles.
So now, let’s discuss the whereabouts and how abouts of these paint colors from SW, including the most popular and my ABSOLUTE favorites from the paint deck!
Navy Blue – The Color of Power and Authority
Navy blue colors are bound to bring a bold and dramatic statement to your interiors.
They definitely make a statement as an ACCENT and not a BASE.
So, if you’re generally inclined to colors that remain timeless and can be easily refreshed every season with decorative accents, you must choose the navy blue category.
This color category also brings a modern, crisp, and refined feel to a space.
Since it falls on the cooler end of the scale, you can definitely use a fresh coat to feel rejuvenated and refreshed (with energy).
And trust me, just a single coat of navy blue on an accent wall will instantly transform the vibe and look of your room.
Also, you can simply pair any hue or metallic accent with this color.
Yes, that’s how versatile navy blues can be.
But before we jump into more – let’s first discuss the various tints, tones, and shades of this color category.
Tints, Tones, and Shades of Navy Blue
It’s safe to assume you’ve heard these terms before.
Here’s the deal:
These terms have a major role to play in color psychology.
In our case here, ‘Tones’ are basically the results formed by adding gray to a navy blue paint color!
So, if you add more grays to navy blues, the result will be a subtle tone of navy blue that aligns more with gray colors.
On the other hand, ‘Tints’ are the amalgamation of white with a navy blue paint color.
This will simply make that navy blue paint color appear lighter.
And lastly, ‘Shades’ are the results formed by adding black to navy blue paint color.
This will make the color more bold and dark – almost coming off as black depending on the situation.
Light Reflectance Values – The Specifications to Know
Light Reflectance Values or the LRVs are primarily the values that determine how light or dark the paint color is.
(And you can easily find this value at the back of any SW paint chip)
Let me tell you a secret here:
It’s always important to analyze this value before you pick the best navy blue paint color.
With this bold and dramatic color category, you can always expect the LRVs to range somewhere between 3 to 20!
You must always examine these swatches under various lighting conditions to know how they will truly feel like – whether light or dark.
Because believe me, the same paint color may look lighter in one room and darker in one.
Even compass directions have a major call here. Generally, in the north-facing rooms, the navy blue paint color may feel more grayish and bold.
Whereas in the south-facing rooms, the navy blue color may feel slightly creamier and brighter!
So, you see…
Lighting Matters
View this post on Instagram
Now that we have discussed the aspects of a navy blue paint color in different natural lighting conditions, it’s time to have an eye on the artificial color saturation!
Whether in the form of pendant lights, chandeliers, or wall sconces – the saturation and type of bulb has a major role to play in defining the vibe of a room.
In general, the warm white or yellow lighting will best complement the navy blue paint color.
It contradicts the crispness of the color and makes the room extra warm and welcoming.
On the other hand, white light is something I wouldn’t recommend since that will make the room feel even more formal and ‘commercial-like’!
Secondly, you must always ensure you allow ample natural light to enter a room with a navy blue color onboard.
That way, you’re simply not just making the room feel bright and airy but also throwing light to this color and making it further appear fresh and meaningful.
SW Navy Blue in Interior and Exterior Design Styles
View this post on Instagram
The navy blue color category is comparatively very easy to deal with, as discussed!
Whether you’re planning to use it in the interiors or the exteriors, this color will never disappoint you.
For the interior design styles, the navy blues can be used in contemporary, modern, mid-century modern, modern farmhouse, and coastal design styles.
On the exteriors, this color can equally exhibit a sense of boldness and drama.
Generally, consider this color for Ranch-Style, transitional, Victorian, and Mid-century homes.
In contrast, you can add clean and crisp whites on the trims and window frames to make them stand out.
Best Places to Use Sherwin Williams Navy Blue Paint Colors
View this post on Instagram
Well, this section depends a lot upon your personal choice, interior design style, and preference.
So, if you have an admiration for navy blue paint colors, you can definitely use them on the entryway door, shutters, living room focal walls, bedroom walls, kitchen cabinets, mudroom and foyer cabinets.
Of course, as you can see in the above photo, you can paint your entire house in this color (in this case it’s SW Anchors Aweigh)!
Don’t hold back from styling with this color in the home offices as well!
Best Sherwin Williams Navy Blue Paint Colors
Here comes the most awaited topics to talk about!
I know you’ve been waiting for this.
So, here I will be discussing a couple of popular as well as my personal favorite navy blue paint colors.
5 Most Popular
Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Naval is one of the most popular navy blue paint colors – and for obvious reasons.
This color has a perfect blend of blue, black, and gray to offer the utmost versatile and timeless experience.
It pairs beautifully with clean and crisp whites on the ceiling, moldings, and trims.
Trust me, try and you’ll know it.
Additionally, this color has an LRV of only 4!
That means it’s quite a dark paint color and you must very carefully use it only as an ACCENT!
Here are some other color specifications you must get acquainted with!
Red = 47
Green = 61
Blue = 76
HEX Value = #2f3d4c
Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik
Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik is a less saturated form of navy blue color.
It has an upper hand on a blue base more so than black or gray.
This is an equally darker-toned color that has the potential to add a sense of depth and drama to a space.
Well, if you can, try this color on the kitchen cabinets with satin brass pull handles for the utmost rich and luxe appeal.
Also, the LRV of SW Indigo Batik is only 8 – so, comparatively lighter than the former navy blue color.
As usual, it is important to understand the associated RGB and HEX Values that are as follows:
Red = 62
Green = 80
Blue = 99
HEX Value = #3e5063
Sherwin Williams Sea Serpent
Sherwin Williams Sea Serpent is another navy blue color that will amaze you over and over again.
It can’t be defined as a true navy blue color but I justify it making the cut due to its depth and high blue values.
Yes, this timeless and versatile navy color can beautifully add a bold and dramatic statement to the focal walls, built-in shelves, and the cabinetry systems.
View this post on Instagram
With an LRV of 7, this color has major depth to it – so, remember to only use it as an ACCENT.
Especially for interior design styles like transitional, modern farmhouse, and coastal – this color is definitely something to consider.
It is now time to look through the color details and specifications to know more about it!
Red = 62
Green = 75
Blue = 84
HEX Value = #3e4b54
Sherwin Williams Anchors Aweigh
Sherwin Williams Anchors Aweigh is quite a dark and bold version of a generic navy blue color.
It’s deep, dark, and dramatic.
It must be very carefully used in a very little amount – especially on the cabinets or accent walls.
And since this color only has an LRV of 3 – it proves just how dark it could feel.
However, there’s a little magic here!
You can paint the accent wall in this color of your small bedroom to make it instantly feel larger.
You must pair this color with clean whites and beiges to create a cohesive appeal.
Here enlisted are the important associated RGB and HEX Values that you must know!
Red = 43
Green = 52
Blue = 65
HEX Value = #2b3441
Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue
Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue is a dense and rich navy blue color that has a deep tinge of gray to it.
It’s a subtle form of navy blue that doesn’t feel saturated.
And it will equally make a bold and dramatic statement as an accent.
You must pair this color with tinges of gold, off-whites, greiges, beiges, and grays to foster a cohesive palette.
This color can also make a wonderful statement on the entryway doors, shutters, accent walls of the bedroom and living room, and cabinets.
Since it has an LRV of 6, you must ensure to allow ample natural light to enter the space.
I recommend understanding the associated RGB and HEX Values to know more about the color specification!
Red = 61
Green = 68
Blue = 80
HEX Code = #3d4450
TIP: You can order stick-on wall samples for any of the above colors. It’s the most convenient way and truly helps you choose the color(s) that look best in your OWN space. Order at Samplize now!
5 Next Popular
Sherwin Williams Salty Dog
Sherwin Williams Salty Dog is a more saturated version of SW Naval. Long story short, it has more electric blue to it and lesser features of navy!
However, when visualized in the bigger picture, this color definitely proves to be a navy blue paint color.
This color has an LRV of only 5, which readily proves how dark it is!
If you prefer a slightly brighter version of navy blue, it’s important to have an eye on this color.
Here’s my SW Salty Dog review!
Sherwin Williams Dress Blues
Another intriguing navy blue color is Sherwin Williams Dress Blues.
This one plays quite similar to SW Naval and SW In the Navy!
It has a more Eclectic and bright touch to it, making the color less dramatic and more saturated!
With an LRV of 5, this color has the potential to equally add a sense of depth and boldness.
You can use this color in the north-facing rooms without having to make it look dull.
Sherwin Williams Loyal Blue
Sherwin Williams Loyal Blue is a saturated and bright dark blue color that may appear like a navy paint in certain lighting conditions.
With an LRV of 5, this color has the potential to reflect very little incoming light and absorb most of it.
Feel free to use this paint on the ceiling, cabinets, or even the focal wall.
Sherwin Williams In The Navy
Sherwin Williams In the Navy is a classic and true navy blue color to have an eye on! It definitely defines extreme sophistication, elegance, and richness in a space.
With an LRV of 4, this navy blue color is one of the darkest and must be very carefully used in a room.
It pairs beautifully with clean whites like SW Pure White.
So don’t hold back in making your space feel bright and clean.
Sherwin Williams Gale Force
Sherwin Williams Gale Force is a blue paint color that has a deep tinge of gray to it.
Note here that this is not one of the truest forms of navy blue.
That said, if you prefer a little inclination to the grayish-blue but with the navy blue look, this is a paint color to look at.
With an LRV of 6, this paint color also has a deep tinge of green hidden.
***Make sure to test out any of these amazing colors with a sample you can put up right in your home. Pick up samples now!
5 Hand Picked Favorites
Sherwin Williams Sea Mariner
Sherwin Williams Sea Mariner is a subtle navy blue color that has a deep tinge of gray to it.
With an LRV of 7, this navy blue color has the potential to make a cool and calming effect in any space.
And let’s not ignore that unlike SW Naval, this color is quite subtle, less saturated, and less bright.
Sherwin Williams Cyberspace
SW Cyberspace is a very dark tone of navy blue that almost nears black!
This neutral paint color has an LRV of 6, which makes the color further appear bold, dark, and daring.
I highly recommend that you use this color as an accent on the cabinets, focal wall, or even exteriors of your home.
Be sure to check out my SW Cyberspace review!
Sherwin Williams Mount Etna
Sherwin Williams Mount Etna is a navy blue paint color with a deep tinge of hidden emerald green.
When you compare this color with SW Naval, you’re quite likely to detect a touch of blue-green-gray!
It has an LRV of 6 which makes this color very close to black.
Sherwin Williams Mineral Gray
SW Mineral Gray is an intriguing medium-toned navy blue color with utmost serenity and subtleness to it.
This color has an LRV of 9, which means that it’s slightly lighter than the other navy blue paint colors.
You must use this bold color on the cabinets, home office accent walls, and even exterior walls.
Sherwin Williams Mountain Fig
Lastly, Sherwin Williams Mountain Fig is a dramatic navy blue color that has the potential to gain a ton of attention!
With an LRV of 4, this color is one of the darkest in the lot – so, be aware what you pair it with.
Especially if you’re looking to make a bold statement, definitely consider this paint color.
Grab some samples of these colors to see how they’ll look in your own living environment. Order real paint, peel-and-stick samples!
Inspiration and Examples
Sherwin Williams Sea Serpent looks classy and sophisticated!
Especially for transitional kitchens, this is a color that will play fundamental. You won’t be able to help but loving it.
Sherwin Williams Gibralter looks phenomenal in kitchens and bathroom. Amazing cabinets, anyone?
I really love this on the lower cabinets of the kitchen with pure white on the upper.
View this post on Instagram
Sherwin Williams Navy blues like In the Navy can best pair with satin brass or even polished chrome on the pull handles.
Can you think of a more attractive, powerful color coordination?
Sherwin Williams Naval looks even more classic and timeless when used on the wall.
Above, if you have some paneling or shiplap to add even more richness, you’ve got some true showcase home qualities going on.
View this post on Instagram
Mount Etna is a rich and luxe navy blue color that will make a wonderful statement on the focal walls and cabinets!
Summing It Up
Sherwin Williams has formulated quite a few navy blue paint colors for us to choose the best one from.
Now that you see – some navy blue colors have dominant blue, purple, and some gray!
Thus, it’s important that you analyze the color features, palettes, and their overall appearance to know how they will truly appear in a space.
So, did any of the above-mentioned navy blue paint colors intrigue you? Well, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below!