Sherwin Williams In the Navy vs Naval

Deep blue paint colors have been trending for a while, and for good reason—they add sophistication, depth, and a timeless appeal to any space. If you are trying to decide between Sherwin William’s In the Navy and Naval paint colors, you’re in the right place! Read on to help you make the best decision for your space.

bedroom painted dark blue sherwin williams naval

Deep blue paint colors have been trending for a while, and for good reason—they add sophistication, depth, and a timeless appeal to any space. Sherwin Williams offers two popular options in this category: In the Navy (SW 9178) and Naval (SW 6244).

While both are stunning, they each bring unique characteristics that might make one better suited to your project than the other. Let’s break down the differences and help you decide which is the perfect choice for your home.

The Basics: In the Navy vs Naval

Both In the Navy and Naval are rich, deep blues that exude elegance. However, they do have distinct undertones and vibes:

  • In the Navy (SW 9178): This shade is a classic navy blue with a cleaner, more saturated tone. It’s bold and dramatic, ideal for making a statement or creating a luxurious feel in a room.
  • Naval (SW 6244): Naval was Sherwin William’s Color of the Year in 2020 and hasn’t lost its popularity since! Naval leans slightly more contemporary with subtle gray undertones, giving it a softer, more muted finish. It’s versatile and works well in both modern and traditional spaces.
graphic comparing sherwin Williams Naval and In the Navy paint colors

Where to Use In the Navy

If you’re looking for a navy blue that’s rich but not overpowering, In the Navy is a great option. It is all about boldness and drama. Its clean, saturated color makes it ideal for spaces where you want to make a statement. It blends beautifully with lighter neutrals like whites, creams, and soft grays.

In the Navy pairs beautifully with cool whites like Pure White (SW 7005) or High Reflective White (SW 7757) and also complements light wood tones and brushed nickel finishes.

Where to Use Naval

Naval is also a very bold color but in my opinion, it comes off a little softer than In the Navy.

It blends with similar colors to In the Navy but I think it lends itself more easily to pairing with warmer colors like against warm whites like Alabaster (SW 7008) or metallic gold accents. It also works well with dark woods and high-gloss finishes for added drama.

Comparing Light Reflectance Values (LRV)

When choosing between In the Navy and Naval, it’s essential to consider their Light Reflectance Values (LRV). Both In the Navy and Naval have an LRV of 4, which is a low LRV, meaning they absorb a lot of light.

Because of the low LRVs, either color would be ideal for rooms with ample natural light but may feel too dark in smaller, poorly lit spaces.

Both of these colors are VERY dark and imperfections in paint lines will be very obvious. See my post on painting my Naval Master Bedroom for more thoughts on painting with such a dark/high contrast color.

Both colors are versatile and timeless, offering endless possibilities for your home. Test samples on your walls to see how they interact with your lighting and decor before committing. With either choice, your space will exude style and charm!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *