Gentleman's Gray 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 Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20 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 Gentleman’s Gray 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 Gentleman’s Gray and Hale Navy

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

Undertones – Gentleman’s Gray is a warm gray, Hale Navy is a cool navy blue
Light Reflectance – Gentleman’s Gray has an LRV of 7.26, Hale Navy has an LRV of 8.36
Use – Gentleman’s Gray suits traditional styles, Hale Navy works across modern and traditional
Rooms – Gentleman’s Gray excels in living rooms, Hale Navy shines as an accent
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Gentleman’s Gray and Hale Navy more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20

With its warm gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20 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 Gentleman’s Gray:

LRV: 7.26
Undertones: Warm gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, blacks, wood tones

Gentleman’s Gray is a relaxed, soft gray with faint beige undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered mushroom gray. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.

The 7.26 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too dark. Gentleman’s Gray strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Gentleman’s Gray color pairings include:

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

While suitable anywhere at home, Gentleman’s Gray truly excels in these spaces:

Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

Gentleman’s Gray’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 saturated 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, deep 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 Gentleman’s Gray vs Hale Navy

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

Light Reflectance

Gentleman’s Gray and Hale Navy have different LRVs of 7.26 and 8.36 respectively. Gentleman’s Gray will appear lighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Gentleman’s Gray is a warm gray, while Hale Navy is a saturated navy blue.

Use & Rooms

Gentleman’s Gray’s warmth fits living areas and bedrooms. Hale Navy’s bold contrast excels as an accent color.

Availability

Both Gentleman’s Gray and Hale Navy come in any sheen from matte to glossy.

Gentleman’s Gray vs Hale Navy Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20	Hale Navy HC-154
LRV	7.26	8.36
Undertones	Warm gray	Cool navy blue
Use	Full rooms	Accent walls
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional, classic	Contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Gentleman’s Gray vs Hale Navy

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

Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

While they are both muted tones, Gentleman’s Gray is a warmer, subtle neutral, while Hale Navy is a bold, saturated navy accent. Lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Gentleman’s Gray or Hale Navy?

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

Choose Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20 if you want:

A warm, welcoming gray neutral
A versatile all-over color for living rooms
A cozy, muted backdrop
A traditional and relaxed feel

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 Gentleman’s Gray and Hale Navy. Paint large swatches on your walls viewing during day and night. This gives you the best sense of their tones 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 Gentleman’s Gray and Hale Navy paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray

Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

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, Gentleman’s Gray and Hale Navy make statements. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Simply 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

Gentleman’s Gray vs Hale Navy – Which is Better?

So which neutral paint color is better for your home – Gentleman’s Gray or Hale Navy?

Consider Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20 if you want:

A warm, welcoming gray neutral
A versatile all-over color for living rooms
A cozy, muted backdrop
A traditional and relaxed feel

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 Gentleman’s Gray is subtle, Hale Navy makes a bold statement. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Benjamin Moore color you choose will suit your home beautifully.