BM Hale Navy vs SW Naval: A Comprehensive Review
Paint colors can make or break a room’s mood. Are you stuck between Benjamin Moore Hale Navy and Sherwin-Williams Naval for your next project? You’re not alone.
Many homeowners struggle with this choice. Both colors offer rich blue tones that add depth to any space, but which one suits your needs better?
I’ve tested both paints in various lighting conditions and spaces. This guide will show you the key differences between these popular navy blues, helping you pick the right shade for your walls, cabinets, or exterior.
Let’s look at what makes each color special and how to choose the one that will work best in your home.
Overview of BM Hale Navy and SW Naval
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) and Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244) are both deep navy blue colors that bring classic appeal to any space. Let’s examine their basic properties:
| Property | Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) | Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244) |
|---|---|---|
| Color Family | Navy blue with slight gray hints | Deep navy blue with subtle warmth |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 8.36 | 4 |
| RGB Values | (67, 75, 86) | 47 / 61 / 76 |
| Hex Code | #434B56 |
#2F3D4C |
Key difference: SW Naval is noticeably darker with a lower LRV, making it absorb more light than BM Hale Navy.
Background and Popularity
Both navy colors have gained steady favor among homeowners and designers over the past decade.
BM Hale Navy rose to fame as part of Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection. Designers often praise it for its flexibility and soft undertones that feel both modern and timeless.
SW Naval gained major attention when Sherwin-Williams named it their 2020 Color of the Year. This boost pushed it into many homes as a bold yet classic choice for walls and cabinets.
The rise of the navy as a “new neutral” has helped both colors maintain their status in interior design. They offer more depth than gray while still working well with most color schemes.
Best Uses for BM Hale Navy and SW Naval
BM Hale Navy works best in:
- Kitchen cabinets and islands
- Built-in bookshelves and trim
- Bedroom accent walls
- Exterior siding and front doors
- Home offices where focus is key
SW Naval shines in:
- Living room feature walls
- Bathroom vanities
- Dining rooms for a formal feel
- Exterior trim against white siding
- Media rooms where a darker tone helps viewing
SW Naval shines in living room feature walls, bathroom vanities, and dining rooms for a formal feel. To explore this color further, check out our comprehensive guide on Sherwin-Williams Naval.
Both colors function well as “statement neutrals” – bold enough to create interest but flexible enough to pair with many other colors.
Pros and Cons of BM Hale Navy and SW Naval
| BM Hale Navy | SW Naval | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
|
Higher LRV means it reflects more light Gray undertones make it easier to match Works in both modern and traditional homes Less likely to look black in low light Good color stability across lighting changes |
Can sometimes read too gray in north-facing rooms It may seem less rich than deeper navy options Slightly higher price point than SW options |
Rich, bold color with striking presence Creates a strong contrast with white trim Works well for statement pieces True navy appearance in most lights Often feels more formal and classic |
Can look almost black in poor lighting Lower LRV means it absorbs more light It may make small rooms feel smaller |
Color Tone and Undertones Comparison
The undertones make a crucial difference when selecting between these navy blues:
| Color | Primary Base | Main Undertones | How it Reads in Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| BM Hale Navy | Navy Blue | Gray, slight green | Soft, muted navy |
| SW Naval | Navy Blue | Purple, slight black | Deep, rich navy |
BM Hale Navy leans more toward a gray-navy that feels soft and muted. This helps it blend with other colors without competing for attention.
SW Naval pulls more purple undertones, giving it a richer, more royal feel. The depth makes it stand out more as a true statement color.
These undertone differences become most clear when the colors sit side by side or when paired with whites and creams.
How do These Colors Respond to Light?
Light greatly affects how these navy colors look on your walls:
North-Facing Rooms
- BM Hale Navy: Can look more gray and muted
- SW Naval: May appear almost black
South-Facing Rooms
- BM Hale Navy: Shows its true navy color with gray hints
- SW Naval: Rich navy blue becomes clear
East-Facing Rooms
- Morning: Both colors look brighter and more blue
- Afternoon: BM Hale Navy turns more gray; SW Naval darkens
West-Facing Rooms
- Morning: Both colors appear darker
- Evening: Warm light brings out depth in both shades
Always test paint samples at different times of day in your actual space before making a final choice.
Which Paint Color is Better for Your Project?
For Kitchen Cabinets: BM Hale Navy often works better here as its higher LRV helps in task areas, and its gray undertones pair well with most countertop materials.
For Living Room Walls: SW Naval creates a more dramatic effect that works well in social spaces where you want to make an impact.
For Exteriors: BM Hale Navy tends to show its color better in bright sunlight without fading to black.
For Small Spaces: BM Hale Navy’s higher light reflectance makes it more forgiving in tight areas like powder rooms.
For Formal Spaces: SW Naval’s depth and richness lend a more formal, stately feel to dining rooms and studies.
For a striking exterior accent, consider painting your front door with Hale Navy Front Doors, which offers timeless elegance and increased curb appeal.
Perfect Color Pairings for Both of Them
Choosing the right companion colors makes these navy blue shades truly shine in your home. Here’s what works best with each:
For BM Hale Navy
White Dove (BM OC-17) creates a soft, classic pairing that feels clean without harsh contrast. This warm white brings out the gray notes in Hale Navy while keeping spaces bright.
Pale Oak (BM OC-20) offers a gentle neutral that softens Hale Navy’s impact. This light beige works well in open floor plans where walls flow from one color to another.
Palladian Blue (BM HC-144) makes a perfect lighter blue partner for Hale Navy. Use this soft blue-green in nearby rooms or as a ceiling color when Hale Navy covers the walls.
Caliente (BM AF-290) brings warm red contrast that makes both colors pop. This pairing works well for accent pieces against navy walls.
Revere Pewter (BM HC-172) provides a subtle gray backdrop that complements Hale Navy’s undertones while creating a calm, balanced look.
For SW Naval
Extra White (SW 7006) delivers a sharp contrast that highlights Naval’s deep richness. This crisp pairing works well for trim and built-ins.
Alabaster (SW 7008) offers a softer white option that keeps the contrast while adding warmth to spaces featuring Naval.
Sea Salt (SW 6204) creates a coastal vibe when paired with Naval. This light blue-green adds freshness to the deep navy tone.
Copper Mountain (SW 6356) brings metallic warmth that balances Naval’s coolness. This rich color works well for accents and accessories.
Creamy (SW 7012) provides a neutral base that warms up Naval without competing. This pairing feels both modern and timeless in most spaces.
Conclusion
Choosing between BM Hale Navy and SW Naval depends on your specific needs. For a softer navy that adapts well to different lighting, Hale Navy wins with its higher LRV and gray undertones, making it more flexible for most homes.
For a deeper, more dramatic look, SW Naval shines with its rich color and lower light reflectance. It creates a stronger statement but needs good lighting to show its true color.
Consider your room’s light, the mood you want, and how the color fits with your existing items. Both paints offer quality, but their subtle differences affect your space’s final look.
Always test samples in your room before deciding. The right navy blue creates the perfect backdrop for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Benjamin Moore Hale Navy Look Black at Night?
No, Hale Navy retains its navy appearance even in low light. It may darken, but it rarely reads as true black thanks to its gray undertones.
Is Sherwin-Williams Naval Too Dark for A Small Bathroom?
Naval can work in small bathrooms with adequate lighting and lighter accessories. Consider using it as an accent wall rather than all walls.
How Does Hale Navy and Naval Look on Exterior Siding?
Both perform well outdoors. Hale Navy appears more blue-gray in sunlight, while Naval looks deeper and more dramatic, especially in shade areas.
