Looking for the perfect navy paint color for your home? Let’s compare Naval vs Hale Navy to see which one steals the show!
Navy paint colors are fantastic for making a bold statement. When you paint a whole room navy, it feels moody, cozy, and dramatic.
Navy is also a brilliant accent color—think shutters or a front door. It adds a touch of sophistication. And it pairs well with many decor styles, other paint colors, and finishes.
But with so many navy paint shades out there, it can be hard to choose. You’ll even notice navy can lean blue, green, gray, or even purple!
So today, we’re comparing two superstar shades of navy paint: Naval and Hale Navy.
Let’s talk about the key differences between these two popular shades so you can make the best choice!
Read my full review of Hale Navy
Naval vs Hale Navy
Naval and Hale Navy are both dark, dramatic, and super stylish. But they’ve got their own unique vibes.
What is similar about Naval vs Hale Navy?
Both Naval and Hale Navy are deep, dark navy shades.
They share gray undertones that keep them from being too in-your-face.
They’re perfect for almost any space—fireplaces, built-ins, exteriors, doors, cabinets, shutters, furniture, or any room you want to feel cozy and moody.
What is different about Naval vs Hale Navy?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Naval is darker and more saturated, while Hale Navy is lighter and a bit more muted.
Naval has an LRV of 4, making it one of the darkest navies out there. Hale Navy, with an LRV of 8, is still dark but noticeably lighter.
Naval has gray-green undertones, which means it’s rich and can even look a bit teal in bright light.
Meanwhile, Hale Navy has subtle gray undertones, giving it a softer, more muted look.
| Naval | Hale Navy | |
| LRV | 4 | 8 |
| RGB | R: 47 G: 61 B: 76 | R: 67 G: 76 B: 86 |
| Undertones | gray-green | subtle gray |
Light Reflectance Value
LRV (Light Reflective Value) tells you how much light a color bounces around. It ranges from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).
You’ll notice that both Naval and Hale Navy are very dark.
Naval, with an LRV of 4, is super dark. Hale Navy, with an LRV of 8, is dark but a touch lighter than many other navy paints.
With such a low LRV, Naval will look quite dark in almost all spaces.
Undertones
Naval’s gray-green undertones keep it rich and stop it from being a loud blue.
Hale Navy has subtle gray undertones, which keep the muted color from being too bold or bright. Hale Navy doesn’t have the typical green tint you might see in other navy paint colors.
In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, both Naval and Hale Navy might appear slightly lighter and warmer. For rooms with lots of natural light, you might even notice a hint of teal in Naval.
In north-facing rooms with less natural light, both Naval and Hale Navy will look darker and more dramatic, making the space feel cozy. You’ll notice the gray undertones in both colors more.
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!
How do I decide between these two colors?
Naval and Hale Navy are both stunning dark navies. Choosing between them comes down to what you want.
If you’re after a lighter navy, you should go with Hale Navy. If you want a super dark navy, Naval’s your pick.
For a more saturated look, choose Naval. For a muted, subtle vibe, go with Hale Navy.
There you have it! Two gorgeous navies, each with its own charm. Which one will you choose to transform your space?
Sherwin Williams Naval 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!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
Hale Navy Paint 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!
Get your perfect paint color palette by clicking here!
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.