When searching for the perfect navy blue paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar dramatic shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices In the Navy SW 9178 and Naval SW 6244 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two deep, rich blues?
In this guide, we’ll analyze In the Navy vs Naval in-depth to help you determine the ideal navy 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 In the Navy and Naval
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ In the Navy and Naval:
- Undertones – In the Navy is a cool navy, Naval is a green-tinged navy
- Light Reflectance – In the Navy and Naval both have an LRV of 4
- Use – In the Navy suits traditional styles, Naval fits modern decor
- Rooms – In the Navy excels in dining rooms, Naval shines in bathrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore In the Navy and Naval more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams In the Navy SW 9178
With its deep, rich navy appearance, Sherwin Williams In the Navy SW 9178 creates a dramatic, moody backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This bold color works across classic spaces seeking soft drama.
Here are some details about In the Navy:
- LRV: 4
- Undertones: Cool navy
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, libraries
- Pairs Well With: Cream, gold, wood tones
In the Navy is an opaque, darkened blue with strong violet-blue undertones. In certain lights it can appear almost blackened.
The 4 light reflectance value provides striking contrast when paired with lighter accents. In the Navy makes a bold statement.
This dramatic blue looks beautiful with antique gold accents and wood tones. Popular In the Navy color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Creamy
- Aged brass fixtures
- Wood stained finishes
- White trim
While suitable anywhere seeking soft drama, In the Navy truly excels in these spaces:
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Libraries
- Foyers
In the Navy’s richness helps create an elegant, traditional feel perfect for making refined statements.
Sherwin Williams Naval SW 6244
With its deep green-tinged navy appearance, Sherwin Williams Naval SW 6244 creates a dramatic, sophisticated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This bold color works across modern spaces seeking striking pop.
Here are some details about Naval:
- LRV: 4
- Undertones: Green-tinged navy
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, offices, entryways
- Pairs Well With: Gray, white, chrome
Naval is an opaque, darkened teal-blue with strong green undertones. In certain lights it can take on a peacock look.
The 4 light reflectance value provides maximum contrast when paired with lighter accents. Naval makes a bold statement.
This dramatic blue pops beautifully against light grays and bright whites. Popular Naval color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Glossy white trim
- Chrome fixtures
- Stainless steel accents
While suitable anywhere seeking striking drama, Naval truly excels in these modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Entryways
- Dining Rooms
Naval’s lush depth helps create an intimate, contemporary feel perfect for accent walls or statement pieces.
Comparing In the Navy vs Naval
Now that we’ve examined In the Navy and Naval independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
In the Navy and Naval have the same LRV of 4. They will appear equally as dark.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. In the Navy is a cool navy, while Naval is a green-tinged navy.
Use & Rooms
In the Navy’s coolness excels in traditional dining rooms. Naval’s vibrancy suits modern bathrooms.
Availability
Both In the Navy and Naval come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
In the Navy vs Naval Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | In the Navy SW 9178 | Naval SW 6244 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 4 | 4 |
| Undertones | Cool navy | Green-tinged navy |
| Use | Traditional rooms | Modern spaces |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Traditional | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: In the Navy vs Naval
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between In the Navy and Naval:
Sherwin Williams In the Navy
Sherwin Williams Naval
While they can overlap, In the Navy appears cooler than the strong green undertone of Naval. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose In the Navy or Naval?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ In the Navy or Naval for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose In the Navy SW 9178 if you want:
- A deep, dramatic cool navy
- A bold color suitable for traditional spaces
- A moody feel for dining rooms and offices
- Sophisticated, refined drama
Choose Naval SW 6244 if you want:
- A deep green-tinged navy blue
- Maximum drama for modern spaces
- A bold backdrop for bathrooms and kitchens
- Striking pop against grays and whites
Get samples of both In the Navy and Naval. Paint large swatches on poster board viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the tones read.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful, dramatic navy tones.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to In the Navy and Naval paint colors:
Sherwin Williams In the Navy
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Libraries
- Foyers
Sherwin Williams Naval
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Entryways
- Dining Rooms
While both navies work well in varied spaces, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, In the Navy and Naval create dramatic backdrops. Complement them with lighter colors for gorgeous contrast:
In the Navy SW 9178 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Creamy
- Aged brass fixtures
- Wood stained finishes
- White trim
Naval SW 6244 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Glossy white trim
- Chrome fixtures
- Stainless steel accents
In the Navy vs Naval – Which is Better?
So which navy blue paint color is better for your home – In the Navy or Naval?
Consider In the Navy SW 9178 if you want:
- A deep, dramatic cool navy
- A bold color suitable for traditional spaces
- A moody feel for dining rooms and offices
- Sophisticated, refined drama
Consider Naval SW 6244 if you want:
- A deep green-tinged navy blue
- Maximum drama for modern spaces
- A bold backdrop for bathrooms and kitchens
- Striking pop against grays and whites
While In the Navy offers refined richness, Naval provides striking vibrancy.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful dramatic Sherwin Williams navy you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between In the Navy or Naval? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between In the Navy and Naval?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. In the Navy is a cool, rich navy while Naval is a bold, green-tinged navy.
What colors complement Naval?
Naval looks beautiful paired with light grays, crisp whites, chrome and stainless steel accents for nice modern contrast.
Can you use In the Navy in a kitchen?
Yes, In the Navy would create a dramatic, moody look in a kitchen paired with cream cabinets and aged bronze hardware for striking traditional contrast.
Is Naval suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Naval’s 4 LRV provides enough dramatic contrast for a north facing room without appearing too dark and gloomy.
Does In the Navy come in eggshell finish?
Yes, In the Navy is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
