Looking for the perfect navy paint color for your home? Let’s talk about Sherwin Williams In the Navy and if it might be right for your home!
Navy paint colors are bold, sophisticated, and moody all at once! They’re perfect if you’re looking for a dark neutral or splash of color.
Navy paint colors pair well with many decor styles, such as traditional, modern, or coastal. It also pairs well with virtually any finish.
Let’s dive into the details of one of those pretty navy paint colors today: In the Navy!
In the Navy, Sherwin Williams, SW 9178
In the Navy is a bold, deep navy paint color. It’s both classy and dramatic.
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of In the Navy
Color Family
In the Navy is in the blue family.
Light Reflectance Value
4
Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around. This is on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
With an LRV of 4, In the Navy is an extremely dark paint color.
If you were to use In the Navy in a bathroom or closet without any natural light, it may even look slightly blackish.
It will also look very dark in corners of rooms far from natural light.
RGB Colors
R: 40 G: 56 B: 73
RGB describes the amount of each color – red, green, and blue – present in a color. This is on a scale of 0 to 255 for each color. This is basically the color mix to make the color!
Hex Code
#283849
Undertones
In the Navy has green undertones.
With such a low LRV, In the Navy doesn’t change too much depending on the lighting. It will look quite dark in almost all spaces.
However, it may appear slightly lighter and warmer in south-facing rooms. In some rooms with lots of natural light, you may see those green undertones, causing the paint color to look slightly teal.
In north-facing rooms, In the Navy may appear slightly darker.
It’s very important to swatch colors on your wall to make sure they look good – day and night – in your actual space before committing.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
Best uses
I like to use dark paint colors like In the Navy for:
- Walls of a room you want to feel cozier such as a bedroom, living room, or den (you can even paint the trim and moldings for a more sophisticated feel)
- Creating a focal point, such as a fireplace
- Built-ins
- Interior or exterior doors
- Home exterior
- Shutters
- Accent wall
- Furniture
Similar Colors
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Benjamin Moore North Sea
- Behr Obsidian Stone
- Sherwin Williams Anchors Aweigh
- Sherwin Williams Charcoal Blue
- Benjamin Moore Polo Blue
- Sherwin Williams Salty Dog
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of In the Navy
Coordinating Colors
In the Navy is a dark enough paint color that it’s considered neutral by some.
This means it plays well with almost all other paint colors, including beiges, warm and cool grays, blues, whites, greens, yellows and pinks.
Warm beiges:
- Dirty Martini
- Rice Grain
- Steamed Chai
- Natural Wool
- Oyster Bar
Bright whites:
- Pure White
- Extra White
- Westhighland White
- Site White
- Rhinestone
Light to mid-toned blues:
- Tradewind
- Rain
- Languid Blue
- Billowy Breeze
- Sleepy Hollow
Trim Colors
In the Navy pairs well with bright white trim colors.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
In the Navy color palette
Want to use this paint color in your home? Instantly upgrade your home’s aesthetic with our exclusive paint color palette. Unlock the perfect trim color and six stunning accent colors, a combination of neutrals and bold hues for an instantly harmonious space!
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of In the Navy
FAQS
Here are some common frequently asked questions about In the Navy.
What is the difference: In the Navy vs Naval?
Naval and In the Navy are similar navy paint colors. They both have an LRV of 4, which means they will reflect and absorb the same amount of light.
Naval has gray-green undertones, and In the Navy has green undertones. The undertones cause Naval to be a bit more muted and In the Navy to appear a bit more saturated.
It’s always best to swatch colors in your space before committing.
What is the difference: In the Navy vs Hale Navy?
In the Navy and Hale Navy are similar paint colors. However, Hale Navy is lighter and more muted than in the Navy, which is darker and more saturated.
Hale Navy has an LRV of 8 vs In the Navy’s LRV of 4. Hale Navy has subtle gray undertones, and In the Navy has green undertones. It’s always best to swatch colors in your space before committing.
Does SW In the Navy look black?
SW In the Navy typically does not look black.
However, it is a very dark paint color, and if used in a room without any natural light, it may look slightly blackish.
It’s always important to swatch colors in your space before committing!
Is In the Navy warm or cool?
SW In the Navy is a cool paint color.
Is In the Navy a good color for kitchen cabinets?
Yes, navy, in general, is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. If you want some color without being too bold, paint just the lower cabinets or just the island.
Is SW In the Navy a good choice for home exteriors?
Yes, SW In the Navy looks great for home exteriors.
Because it’s so dark, the color is almost neutral, so it pairs well with many whites, grays, and tans, meaning it will pair well with many siding and finish options.
It’s always best to swatch colors in your space before committing.
Before you go…
So, you’ve found the perfect paint color, but here’s the thing – there’s another big decision you have to make: picking the right paint sheen. Seriously, the level of glossiness can totally change how your color looks on the walls and how long the paint lasts!
Check out our complete guide to understanding paint sheens.
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.