Van Deusen Blue vs Hale Navy: What’s the Difference?

Searching for the perfect rich, dramatic blue paint color? It’s easy to get stuck comparing two deep navy options from Benjamin Moore – Van Deusen Blue HC-156 and Hale Navy HC-154. At first glance, they appear nearly identical. But what really distinguishes these two bold, saturated blues?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Van Deusen Blue vs Hale Navy thoroughly to determine the best deep blue paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Van Deusen Blue and Hale Navy

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

Undertones – Van Deusen Blue is a green-leaning navy, Hale Navy is a truer indigo
Light Reflectance – Van Deusen Blue has an LRV of 11.97, Hale Navy has an LRV of 8.36
Use – Van Deusen Blue suits contemporary and traditional styles, Hale Navy works across the board
Rooms – Van Deusen Blue excels in studies, Hale Navy shines as an accent
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Van Deusen Blue and Hale Navy more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue HC-156

With its classic navy blue appearance, Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue HC-156 creates a refined backdrop well-suited for traditional and contemporary styles. This versatile color works beautifully across studies, libraries, dining rooms and more.

Here are some key details about Van Deusen Blue:

LRV: 11.97
Undertones: Navy blue with green
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Studies, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms
Pairs Well With: Warm woods, brass metals, creams

Van Deusen Blue is a saturated green-tinted navy that appears more blue in dim lighting. The historic color has regal appeal.

The 11.97 light reflectance value gives this shade dramatic depth without being overpowering. Van Deusen Blue strikes a stately yet relaxed balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile navy blue complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Van Deusen Blue color combinations include:

Benjamin Moore San Antonio Gray
Benjamin Moore Henderson Beige
Maple wood finishes
Brass hardware and lighting
Off-white trim and mouldings

While suitable anywhere in traditional and contemporary homes, Van Deusen Blue truly excels in these spaces:

Studies
Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Entryways
Libraries

Van Deusen Blue’s aqua tones help create an elegant, relaxing setting. Use it to establish striking distinction in formal rooms.

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154

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

Here are some key details about Hale Navy:

LRV: 8.36
Undertones: Navy blue
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Accent walls, small baths, kitchens
Pairs Well With: Beiges, yellows, greys, woods

Hale Navy is a rich, saturated navy that maintains a consistent bold indigo look across lighting conditions. The dramatic color makes a statement.

The 8.36 light reflectance value gives this shade intense depth as an accent. Hale Navy packs strong visual impact.

This flexible navy blue pairs nicely with lighter neutrals. Popular Hale Navy color combinations include:

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Soft greys and tans
White trim and natural woods
Brass hardware

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

Accent Walls
Small Bathrooms
Kitchens
Dining Rooms
Entryways

Hale Navy’s dramatic saturation makes colors and textures pop. Use it deliberately to add striking contrast.

Comparing Van Deusen Blue vs Hale Navy

Now that we’ve examined Van Deusen Blue and Hale Navy independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Van Deusen Blue and Hale Navy have different LRVs of 11.97 and 8.36 respectively. Van Deusen Blue will read slightly lighter.

Undertones

Van Deusen Blue leans green, while Hale Navy is a truer navy indigo. Their undertones distinguish them.

Use & Rooms

Van Deusen Blue’s versatility excels in studies. Hale Navy works broadly as an accent.

Availability

Both Van Deusen Blue and Hale Navy come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Van Deusen Blue vs Hale Navy Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Van Deusen Blue HC-156	Hale Navy HC-154
LRV	11.97	8.36
Undertones	Green navy	Indigo navy
Use	Full rooms	Accents
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Contemporary, traditional	Contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Van Deusen Blue vs Hale Navy

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Van Deusen Blue and Hale Navy:

Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

While both are navy blues, Van Deusen Blue appears slightly brighter while Hale Navy looks richer. Light affects their tones.

Should I Choose Van Deusen Blue or Hale Navy?

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

Choose Van Deusen Blue HC-156 if you want:

A green-tinted refined navy
A stately backdrop for formal rooms
A sophisticated, elegant statement
A versatile navy across contemporary and traditional spaces

Choose Hale Navy HC-154 if you want:

A deep, dramatic indigo navy
Striking contrast as an accent
An intense bold splash of color
Maximum visual impact

Get samples of both paint colors. Paint large swatches on walls viewing during day and night. This gives you the best sense of their tones and depth.

Also visualize them with decor you already have. The two deep blues suit different aesthetics despite their similarity.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Van Deusen Blue and Hale Navy paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue

Studies
Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Entryways
Libraries

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

Accent Walls
Small Bathrooms
Kitchens
Dining Rooms
Entryways

While both work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of each navy’s unique strengths and tones.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Van Deusen Blue and Hale Navy make bold statements. Complement them with palettes that enhance their vibrancy:

Van Deusen Blue HC-156 Pairings

Benjamin Moore San Antonio Gray
Benjamin Moore Henderson Beige
Maple wood finishes
Brass hardware and lighting
Off-white trim and mouldings

Hale Navy HC-154 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Soft greys and tans
White trim and natural wood
Brass hardware

Van Deusen Blue vs Hale Navy – Which is Better?

So which deep blue paint color is better for your home – Van Deusen Blue or Hale Navy?

Choose Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue HC-156 if you want:

A green-tinted refined navy
A stately backdrop for formal rooms
A sophisticated, elegant statement
A versatile navy across styles

Choose Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 if you prefer:

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

While comparable, Van Deusen Blue is more stately as an all-over color and Hale Navy bolder as an accent. Get samples before deciding. Either rich Benjamin Moore navy you choose will create a beautiful, moody look.