If you’re looking for a dark, moody blue that’s beloved by both homeowners and designers, look no further than Sherwin-Williams Naval 6244. This deep blue shade is both serene and striking at the same time, adding a touch of elegance to any space. It’s also exceptionally versatile, a great option for everything from walls and cabinets to exteriors and front doors. Let’s take a closer look at Naval’s color profile to see if it’s a good fit for your next project.
What color is Naval? What “undertones” are in Naval?
“Undertone” is a tricky word when it comes to paint color. This is because it’s referring to a subjective opinion based on lighting and context. What most people are really asking with this question is, “What other colors are lurking in this paint? Will it look purple or green on the wall?”
To answer this question more objectively, we evaluate a paint color’s spectral data (things like hue and chroma). Spectral data is not subjective or based on opinion; it can be objectively and scientifically calculated using colorimeters and spectrophotometers. Understanding a color’s spectral data can help us accurately predict how it will render on the wall.
For example, hue refers to the area where a particular color lives on the color wheel – red, yellow, blue, green, etc. According to the L*Ch° spectral data for Naval Sherwin Williams, it has a hue angle of about 271.186°, putting it right in the middle of the Purple-Blue hue family. This means you might see just a tiny wink of purple in certain qualities of light, but that’s toned down by a pretty healthy dose of black.
Chroma, another piece of spectral data, is a measure of a paint color’s vividness or saturation. Naval has a moderate amount of chroma (9.641). This means it should hold its color reasonably well, even in low-light situations. The best way to observe this is by comparing Naval to other navy blue paint colors. For example, Naval is a more vivid blue than Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (a grayer, more subdued navy), but it’s not quite as vivid as Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog (a stronger, more colorful navy).
Want to learn how to simply and accurately identify a paint color’s hue family? Curious about how to use chroma? In my online course, Color By The Numbers™, I show you how easy it is to locate spectral data and how to use it to evaluate colors.
Is Sherwin Williams Naval warm or cool?
Because it’s in the Purple-Blue hue family, Naval SW6244 is naturally a cool paint color.
What is the LRV of Naval?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a measure of how much light a paint reflects back into a room, with 100% being highly reflective and zero being not reflective at all. With an LRV of only 4, Naval is one of the darkest blue paint colors on the market. In fact, in a very dark room or dark corner, it may appear nearly black.
It’s important to remember the way a color acts in any space is highly influenced by the lighting. Because Naval absorbs so much of the light thrown at it, you may not notice the effects of your lighting as strongly as you would with a lighter-colored paint. Be sure to always use light bulbs in the 3000 K to 3500 K color range for best results. When it comes to exterior light, remember that the quality of light changes throughout the day as the sun moves. Be sure to view a sample of this color on all walls and in a variety of artificial and natural light.
Wall stripes Sherwin Williams Anew Gray SW7030 and SW6244 Naval.
What white trim color goes with Naval?
This navy blue paint color looks best partnered with clean white paint. We like Sherwin-Williams Extra White and High Reflective White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
What colors go with Sherwin Williams Naval SW6244?
Naval is incredibly versatile and coordinates well with lots of other paint colors. It looks especially pretty with gray and greige paint colors, white, and some creams. We’ve put together a sample Sherwin-Williams Naval color palette below just for fun and to give you a visual of what coordinating colors might look like. Use what inspires you!
Is Sherwin-Williams Naval a good cabinet color?
Yes! The key is making sure that it complements (not competes with) your countertops and backsplash. If you’re a person who loves color and isn’t planning to sell your home anytime soon, go for it! If you’re feeling a little adventurous but not yet ready to cover all your cabinets in blue, consider using it on only a kitchen island or a bathroom vanity. Naval makes a fantastic accent color and looks great mixed in with whites and wood tones.
Is Sherwin-Williams Naval a good exterior paint color?
Naval can be a jaw-dropping color for your home exterior, especially if it suits your home’s other exterior features. We think it looks especially pretty with brick, stone, and natural wood.
Remember, lower LRV colors, like Naval, tend to fade a lot faster in the sun compared to higher LRV colors. That’s worth considering if you have a southwest-facing front door in a southern US climate and don’t want to re-paint it very often. In addition, keep in mind that Naval’s blue hue will be much, much brighter in outdoor light than it is in any indoor space. So if you’re considering using Naval for your home’s field color, be sure you like the way it looks in hits of direct sunlight. It’s essential to view paper samples on the exterior wall prior to painting. For a hassle-free experience, check out our ready-made paint color palettes, complete with full-size swatches shipped to your door. You’ll see how each color looks in your unique light before making a decision.
If you love this color but aren’t sure you want an entirely Naval exterior, consider using it as an accent color! A Sherwin-Williams Naval front door or shutters can be a gorgeous design statement.
What Other Paint Colors Are Similar to Naval?
Again, I never recommend color matching between brands. You cannot color match between brands and expect to get identical results. But if you’re looking for dupes in another brand, there are options. Based on their spectral data, these colors are pretty comparable to Naval:
- Benjamin Moore North Sea CC-932
- Behr Dark Denim S510-7D
- PPG Black Flame 1043-7
- Farrow & Ball Hague Blue 30
How Does Sherwin-Williams Naval Compare to Other Popular Navy Blue Paint Colors?
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect navy blue paint color, you’ve probably run across some others you’re considering. Here’s how they compare with Sherwin Williams Naval.
• Sherwin Williams Naval vs Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 is one of their most popular shades and very similar in hue to Naval. Naval is technically the darker of the two (it has an LRV of 4 compared to Hale Navy’s LRV of 8), but what you’ll more likely notice is the difference in chroma. Naval is a more vibrant blue, whereas Hale Navy is grayer and more subdued blue. If you’re looking for a more neutral navy blue, go with Hale Navy.
• Sherwin Williams Naval vs In The Navy
Another similar hue, Sherwin-Williams In The Navy 9178, also has an LRV of 4 so it’s identical in terms of darkness. However, In The Navy has a slightly higher chroma value, making it just a touch more vivid and brighter than Naval.
• Sherwin-Williams Naval vs Salty Dog
Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog 9177 reflects just a bit more light than Naval, with its LRV of 5. Salty Dog is also much more vivid and saturated, with nearly twice the chroma of Naval.
Need Help Choosing a Color?
Need help finding the right paint color? Order a Virtual Color Consultation Report from the color professionals at Three Bears Home Staging to get a custom, curated palette and guidance for your next painting project.
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Whether you’re looking for a complete refresh of your space, experimenting with a new style, or just need a little professional guidance to help narrow down your paint color choices, our online color consultations can help!
Vannessa Rhoades
Vannessa Rhoades is the author of Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging and the founder of the award-winning firm, Three Bears Home Staging®. She specializes in providing positive, empowering virtual consultations that help homeowners and real estate agents all across the country sell more quickly and for more money.
