Evening Dove vs Hale Navy: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect neutral paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from the same brand. Popular Benjamin Moore choices Evening Dove 2128-30 and Hale Navy HC-154 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, muted colors?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Evening Dove vs Hale Navy in-depth to help you determine the ideal paint color for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Key Differences Between Evening Dove and Hale Navy

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Evening Dove and Hale Navy:

Undertones – Evening Dove is a warm beige, Hale Navy is a cool navy blue
Light Reflectance – Evening Dove has an LRV of 12.02, Hale Navy has an LRV of 8.36
Use – Evening Dove suits traditional styles, Hale Navy works across modern and traditional
Rooms – Evening Dove excels in bedrooms, Hale Navy shines as an accent
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Evening Dove and Hale Navy more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Evening Dove 2128-30

With its warm beige appearance, Benjamin Moore Evening Dove 2128-30 creates an elegant backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about Evening Dove:

LRV: 12.02
Undertones: Warm beige
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, blacks, wood tones

Evening Dove is a relaxed, soft beige with faint gray undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered putty or warm sand. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.

The 12.02 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark or drab. Evening Dove strikes a bright, warm balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Evening Dove color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Oxford White
Black accent pieces
Maple wood finishes
White trim and mouldings

While suitable anywhere at home, Evening Dove truly excels in these spaces:

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Evening Dove’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154

With its cool navy blue appearance, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 adds bold, dynamic contrast as an accent color. This dramatic neutral works across styles from modern to traditional.

Here are some details about Hale Navy:

LRV: 8.36
Undertones: Navy blue
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Accent walls, bathrooms, kitchens
Pairs Well With: Beiges, yellows, greens, wood tones

Hale Navy is a rich, saturated navy with subtle green undertones. In all lighting it maintains a bold indigo blue look.

The 8.36 light reflectance value makes this color intense and moody. Hale Navy packs visual impact as an accent.

This dramatic neutral pairs nicely with a variety of lighter colors. Popular Hale Navy combinations include:

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore Monsterville Green
White and natural wood
Brass hardware and lighting

While bolder than an all-over color, Hale Navy excels when used strategically in these spaces:

Accent Walls
Small Bathrooms
Kitchens
Dining Rooms
Entryways

Hale Navy’s saturated darkness helps add striking contrast. Use it sparingly to make colors and textures pop.

Comparing Evening Dove vs Hale Navy

Now that we’ve examined Evening Dove and Hale Navy independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Evening Dove and Hale Navy have very different LRVs of 12.02 and 8.36 respectively. Evening Dove will appear much lighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Evening Dove is a warm beige, while Hale Navy is a cool saturated navy.

Use & Rooms

Evening Dove’s warmth fits bedrooms and living rooms. Hale Navy’s bold contrast excels as an accent color.

Availability

Both Evening Dove and Hale Navy come in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss.

Evening Dove vs Hale Navy Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Evening Dove 2128-30	Hale Navy HC-154
LRV	12.02	8.36
Undertones	Warm beige	Cool navy blue
Use	Full rooms	Accent walls
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional, classic	Modern, contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Evening Dove vs Hale Navy

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Evening Dove and Hale Navy:

Benjamin Moore Evening Dove

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

While they are both muted tones, Evening Dove is a light warm beige, while Hale Navy is a bold, saturated navy accent. Lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Evening Dove or Hale Navy?

So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Evening Dove or Hale Navy for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Evening Dove 2128-30 if you want:

A light, warm beige neutral
A versatile all-over color for bedrooms
A cozy, welcoming backdrop
A traditional soft color

Choose Hale Navy HC-154 if you want:

A bold, dramatic navy accent color
Striking contrast for modern spaces
An intense splash of color
Maximum visual impact

Get samples of both Evening Dove and Hale Navy. Paint large swatches on your walls viewing during day and night. This gives you the best sense of their undertones and contrast.

You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer muted tones that suit varied styles.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Evening Dove and Hale Navy paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Evening Dove

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

Accent Walls
Small Bathrooms
Kitchens
Dining Rooms
Entryways

While both work throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their contrasting strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Evening Dove and Hale Navy make statements. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Evening Dove 2128-30 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Oxford White
Black accent pieces
Maple wood finishes
White trim and mouldings

Hale Navy HC-154 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore Monsterville Green
White and natural wood
Brass hardware and lighting

Evening Dove vs Hale Navy – Which is Better?

So which neutral paint color is better for your home – Evening Dove or Hale Navy?

Consider Evening Dove 2128-30 if you want:

A light, warm beige neutral
A versatile all-over color for bedrooms
A cozy, welcoming backdrop
A traditional soft color

Consider Hale Navy HC-154 if you want:

A bold, dramatic navy accent color
Striking contrast for modern spaces
An intense splash of color
Maximum visual impact

While Evening Dove is subtle, Hale Navy makes a bold statement. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Benjamin Moore color you choose will suit your home beautifully.