SW Naval vs BM Hale Navy: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect classic navy blue paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar rich shades. Popular options like Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244 and Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two bold blues?

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

Let’s dive in!

Key Differences Between Naval and Hale Navy

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin-Williams Naval and Benjamin Moore Hale Navy:

Undertones – Naval is a true navy, Hale Navy is a green-leaning navy
Light Reflectance – Naval has an LRV of 4, Hale Navy has an LRV of 8.36
Use – Naval suits traditional and nautical styles, Hale Navy works in contemporary spaces
Rooms – Naval excels in dining rooms, Hale Navy shines in offices
Availability – Both come in all paint sheens

Now let’s explore Naval and Hale Navy more thoroughly.

Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244

Real Sherwin-Williams Naval — Image Credit:@ julannhartman

With its extremely dark navy blue color, Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244 creates a dramatic, striking backdrop. This classic true navy works well across styles.

Here are some details about Naval:

LRV: 4
Undertones: True navy blue
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, libraries
Pairs Well With: Whites, reds, metals, wood tones

Naval is an intensely dark navy without strong cool or warm undertones. In all lighting it maintains its true, rich navy appearance.

The 4 light reflectance value creates a bold and moody vibe, while avoiding feeling too overwhelming. Naval strikes an ideal balance of drama and sophistication.

This versatile navy complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Naval color pairings include:

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Wythe Red
Brass and gold metallic accents
Aged wood finishes
Crisp white trims

While suitable anywhere at home, Naval truly excels in these elegant, dramatic spaces:

Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Libraries
Foyers

Naval’s classic elegance helps create a nautical, yet refined mood. Use it to add striking contrast.

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154

With its dark greenish-navy hue, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 creates a dramatic, sophisticated backdrop. This versatile navy works across styles from traditional to modern.

Here are some details about Hale Navy:

LRV: 8.36
Undertones: Green-navy
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, offices, living rooms, bedrooms
Pairs Well With: Whites, grays, metals, wood tones

Hale Navy is an extremely deep navy with subtle green undertones. In certain lights it can take on a forest green appearance. The unique shade adds drama without feeling too bold.

The 8.36 light reflectance value creates a dark moody vibe, while avoiding feeling too inky. Hale Navy finds an ideal balance of depth and vibrance.

This adaptable navy works nicely with cool and warm accents alike. Popular Hale Navy color pairings include:

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Brushed gold and brass metals
Rich wood stains and finishes
Crisp bright white trims

While suitable anywhere at home, Hale Navy truly excels in these refined spaces:

Dining Rooms
Offices
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Libraries

Hale Navy’s sophisticated drama helps create an elegant, yet modern mood. Use it to add striking contrast.

Comparing Naval vs Hale Navy

Now that we’ve looked at Naval and Hale Navy independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Naval has an LRV of 4 compared to Hale Navy’s slightly lighter 8.36 LRV. However, both colors are extremely dark.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Naval is a true navy, while Hale Navy has subtle warm green undertones.

Use & Rooms

Naval’s traditional elegance excels in formal dining rooms. Hale Navy’s chic drama suits modern offices and living areas.

Availability

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

Naval vs Hale Navy Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Naval SW 6244	Hale Navy HC-154
LRV	4	8.36
Undertones	True navy	Green-navy
Use	Traditional dining rooms	Modern offices, living rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional, nautical	Modern, contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Naval vs Hale Navy

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

Sherwin-Williams Naval

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

While they can appear similar in some spaces, Naval generally has a richer, slightly more purple tone compared to the subtle green in Hale Navy. But lighting affects their appearance.

Should I Choose Naval or Hale Navy?

So how do you decide between Sherwin-Williams Naval or Benjamin Moore Hale Navy for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Naval SW 6244 if you want:

An extremely dark true navy blue
A traditional color perfect for elegant dining rooms
A versatile shade that fits nautical aesthetics
A bolder navy with slight purple tones

Choose Hale Navy HC-154 if you want:

A deep navy with subtle green undertones
A sophisticated backdrop for modern living areas and offices
A moodier navy that still feels bold and chic
A paint color suitable for varied styles

Get samples of both Naval and Hale Navy. Paint large sections on your walls and view at different times/lighting. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones come across in your environment.

You can also visualize them alongside your existing decor. Both offer dramatic navy shades that suit many styles.

Ideal Room Pairings

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

Sherwin-Williams Naval

Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Libraries
Foyers

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

Dining Rooms
Offices
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Libraries

While both navy colors work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique personalities and depths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Naval and Hale Navy create bold backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for dramatic, elegant spaces:

Naval SW 6244 Pairings

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Wythe Red
Brass and gold metallic accents
Aged wood finishes
Crisp white trims

Hale Navy HC-154 Pairings

Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Brushed gold and brass metals
Rich wood stains and finishes
Crisp bright white trims

Naval vs Hale Navy – Which is Better?

So which navy paint color is better for your home – Naval or Hale Navy?

Consider Naval SW 6244 if you want:

An extremely dark true navy for elegant dining rooms
A versatile color that fits nautical aesthetics
A bolder navy with slight purple undertones
A dramatic backdrop with traditional elegance

Consider Hale Navy HC-154 if you want:

A deep green-tinted navy for modern spaces
A sophisticated moody backdrop for offices and living rooms
A paint color suitable for varied styles
Subtle and refined color interest

While Naval offers bold drama, Hale Navy provides chic sophistication. Get navy blue samples before deciding. Either gorgeous deep blue you choose will create a stunning space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Naval or Hale Navy? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Naval and Hale Navy?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Naval is a true navy while Hale Navy has subtle green undertones.

What colors complement Hale Navy?

Crisp whites, light grays, metallic accents, and wood tones pair nicely with Hale Navy’s deep green-tinted blue. Vivid accent colors also stand out against it.

Can you use Naval in a baby nursery?

Naval could work in a nautical or sailor themed nursery for a dramatic accent wall when paired with lighter tones. Using it all over may feel too dark.