Navy blue paint is having a moment.
Once considered a stuffy, old-fashioned color, navy blue is now one of the most popular home paint colors.
And for good reason.
Navy blue is a classic, versatile color that can be used to create a variety of looks, from sophisticated and elegant to modern and edgy.
But with so many different navy paint colors on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
That's why we've compiled this guide to the three most popular navy paint colors: Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval.
Hale Navy is a rich, darker navy that creates a cozy and anchoring look.
Cyberspace is a brightened, medium-toned navy that feels energetic.
Finally, Naval is a classic navy that is polished and versatile. You can create a relaxed, elegant, or even bold atmosphere with the right navy hue.
So, which navy paint color is right for you?
Keep reading for more information about each of these popular navy paint colors.
A Side-by-Side Comparison: Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval
Selecting the ultimate navy blue paint for your home can feel overwhelming, especially given the many shades available.
Among your leading options—Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval—each has unique characteristics that make it stand out.
Let's get into the specifics to help you make an informed decision.
Hale Navy: The Sophisticated Classic
First on the list is Hale Navy, a perennial favorite in the world of navy blues.
Its understated gray undertone sets this color apart, which imparts an air of elegance. If you lean towards sophisticated styles, this could very well be your go-to navy.
Cyberspace: Bold and Modern
Next up is Cyberspace, a navy blue that takes audacity to a new level. With its deep shade and modern industrial flair, it's not a color that sits quietly in the background.
It’s designed to make a statement, infusing your space with a bold, minimalist aesthetic.
Naval: The Versatile Charmer
Last but not least, we have Naval. Characterized by its slight green undertone, Naval is a multifaceted navy that’s equally at home in traditional and modern settings.
Its adaptability makes it a flexible choice for different design styles.
Light Reflectance Values: The Litmus Test
When pitted against each other based on Light Reflectance Value (LRV), Hale Navy emerges as the lightest with an LRV of 6.3.
Cyberspace follows closely with an LRV of 6, offering a marginally deeper shade.
Naval has the lowest LRV of 4, rounding out the list promising a cozier, more intimate atmosphere.
Complementary Palette Ideas
All three navy shades play well with various whites and neutrals regarding color coordination.
Hale Navy pairs elegantly with warm whites and earthy beiges. Cyberspace, on the other hand, syncs well with cooler whites and tranquil grays.
As for Naval, its versatility allows it to harmonize with warm and cool whites, letting you tailor the ambiance to your preference.
The Importance of Undertones in Navy Paint Colors
When selecting the ideal navy blue paint for your home, you must go beyond the surface and understand the undertones that define each shade.
Undertones are the secondary colors subtly blended into the primary color, affecting its overall appearance and interaction with other colors in a space.
Differentiating Undertones in Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval
- Hale Navy: This popular color features gray undertones, resulting in a muted and elegant navy blue. The gray undertone adds sophistication and is generally easier to match with other colors.
- Cyberspace: Unlike Hale Navy, Cyberspace contains blue-green undertones, making it cooler and more dramatic. This color lends itself well to modern and industrial spaces.
- Naval: This shade is characterized by its black undertones, giving it a classic and timeless quality. Naval is a versatile choice, often used in settings that require a more traditional look.
Guidelines for Coordinating Colors
Understanding the undertones is crucial when choosing coordinating colors for these navy blue shades.
- For Hale Navy: Consider pairing it with warm whites or beige tones. These colors will balance out Hale Navy’s cooler gray undertones and create a harmonious look.
- For Cyberspace: To amplify its modern vibe, use bright whites or cool grays, highlighting its blue-green undertones.
- For Naval: Opt for warm whites or cream tones, complementing Naval's black undertones and contributing to a traditional or cozy setting.
Taking Room Undertones into Account
It's also vital to consider the undertones of other elements in your room, such as flooring, furniture, or decor.
- Green Undertones: If your space has green undertones in its existing elements, you may opt for a color like Cyberspace, which also has green undertones, for a cohesive look.
- Purple Undertones: Should your room feature purple undertones, you might choose a navy paint color with similar undertones to tie everything together.
By taking the time to understand the undertones of your selected navy blue paint color, you can make more informed decisions that contribute to a balanced, inviting, and stylish space.
This approach elevates your decorating efforts from mere color matching to a nuanced design strategy.
Navigating Light Reflectance Value in Navy Blue Paint Selection
When you're in the market for the perfect navy blue paint, understanding Light Reflectance Value (LRV) can provide valuable insights into how a color will perform in your space.
LRV measures the percentage of light a color reflects, ranging from 0 (least reflective, black) to 100 (most reflective, white).
LRV Considerations in Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval
- Hale Navy: This color has an LRV of 6, indicating that it reflects a minimal amount of light.
- Cyberspace: Similar to Hale Navy, Cyberspace has an LRV of 6, making it another low-light reflector.
- Naval: With an even lower LRV of 4, Naval is the least reflective of the three, absorbing more light and appearing darker.
Given their low LRVs, these navy shades are poor light reflectors, which you should consider in your design strategy.
Lighting Solutions for Low-LRV Paints
Low-LRV colors like these require thoughtful lighting arrangements to prevent them from appearing too dark or flat:
- Natural Light: Maximize using natural light to brighten these dark navy shades. Windows, skylights, or even reflective surfaces can assist in this.
- Artificial Light: In rooms with insufficient natural light, you may need to add extra lighting. Consider multiple light sources—floor lamps, table lamps, or wall sconces—to elevate the color and prevent a dull appearance.
- Type of Light: Different lighting types can dramatically alter the appearance of your chosen color. Daylight, for instance, can make the color look brighter, whereas artificial lighting might mute it. Experiment with various light sources to see which flatters your chosen navy hue the most.
Coordinating Colors for Low-LRV Navy Shades
To offset the dark nature of these navy shades, you'll want to introduce lighter colors into the room to create contrast.
Consider whites, creams, and light grays as complementary options to brighten the space and enhance the room's aesthetic balance.
By giving due attention to the LRV and coordinating smartly with your lighting options, you can unlock the full potential of Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval.
Crafting a Cohesive Color Palette with Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval
Navigating the intricate world of color coordination can be a design challenge, but when done right, the payoff is a balanced and stunning aesthetic.
Here's a guide on harmoniously blending Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval with other hues to achieve an impeccable look.
For Trim: Pure White Options
To frame these deep navy shades effectively, consider using pure whites like Benjamin Moore's White Dove or Chantilly Lace for your trim.
These neutral shades act as a counterbalance to the navy's richness, imparting a classic and enduring charm to your interiors.
Doors and Accents: Gold or Off-White
Opt for a gold or off-white shade for doors and accent elements to infuse elegance and sophistication.
These colors not only enrich the room but also serve to highlight the navy tones without overwhelming them.
Wall Combinations: Warm Neutrals and Greiges
Regarding the main wall color, warm neutrals like Sherwin Williams' Agreeable Gray or Accessible Beige can be excellent choices.
These shades serve as a harmonious backdrop to the navy, fostering a snug and inviting atmosphere.
Accent Wall: Bold Choices
Consider an accent wall in a vivid shade for a dramatic impact, such as Benjamin Moore's Caliente or Sherwin Williams' Coral Reef.
These bold hues are focal points, injecting life and personality into the space.
Kitchen Cabinetry: Clean Neutrals
Aim for a clean, bright aesthetic in kitchen spaces by selecting neutral cabinet colors like Sherwin Williams' Pure White or Benjamin Moore's White Dove.
These options illuminate the kitchen while effortlessly harmonizing with the navy tones of walls or accent pieces.
Exterior Pairings: Timeless Neutrals
For exterior settings, these navy colors serve well as trim options.
Complement them with warm neutrals like Sherwin Williams' Accessible Beige, or go timeless with a classic white like Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace.
Either choice provides a cohesive and eternally stylish exterior appearance.
By thoughtfully coordinating Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval with an array of neutrals, accents, and bold hues, you set the stage for a striking and individualized color scheme that elevates any space.
Also read: What’s The Best Paint Finish For Bedroom Walls And Ceiling?
Strategically Implementing Navy Hues Across Various Spaces
Navy blue paint offers a versatile and stylish choice for different rooms in your home.
Let's discuss the optimal approaches for incorporating navy hues like Hale Navy, Cyberspace, and Naval into various spaces and how best to coordinate them with other colors.
In Bedrooms
Navy blue works wonderfully as a primary wall color or accent in bedrooms.
Pair your navy walls with a clean white like Sherwin Williams' Alabaster to achieve a bright and airy atmosphere.
You might opt for a charcoal gray counterpart, such as Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter, for a more dramatic ambiance.
In Living Rooms
Consider coordinating navy blue with earthy beiges or browns in your living room, like Sherwin Williams' Salty Dog or Benjamin Moore's Siding.
The Navy also shines as an accent color for furniture or decorative items. For a contemporary flair, team up navy with a teal shade, say Sherwin Williams' Moody Blue.
Also read: 25 Paint Color Combinations For Living Room Walls
For Front Doors
Navy blue makes for a striking and inviting front door color. Flank your navy blue door with a pure white trim like Sherwin Williams' Alabaster to create visual contrast.
You can pair navy blue with a crisp white paint color like Sherwin Williams Alabaster or use it as an accent color with a light gray like Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray.
To make your front door stand out, try using a peel-and-stick paint sample from Samplize.
On Furniture
Navy blue can also be used on furniture to add depth and richness to a space.
You can pair navy blue with a crisp white paint color like Sherwin Williams Alabaster or use it as an accent color with a light gray paint color like Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray.
Try pairing navy blue with a true blue paint color like Sherwin Williams Naval to create a timeless look.
Virtual Paint Consultation Services
Still, feeling indecisive? Leverage the expertise of online paint color consultation services.
Companies like Clare, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore offer tailored advice to help you finalize your navy blue palette and its complementary colors.
Your Next Steps
If you're on the fence, grabbing some paint swatches and testing them in your desired space is always beneficial.
Remember, you already have a knack for style; it's just a matter of pinpointing the navy hue that encapsulates your vision.
With the right approach, you'll craft a space that's aesthetically pleasing and deeply resonant with your taste.
Also read: How To Tone Down Blue Paint