When searching for the perfect deep blue paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar rich shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Salty Dog SW 9177 and Naval SW 6244 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, dark blues?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Salty Dog 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 Salty Dog and Naval
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Salty Dog and Naval:
- Light Reflectance – Salty Dog has an LRV of 5, Naval has an LRV of 4
- Undertones – Salty Dog is a green-leaning blue, Naval is a purple-leaning blue
- Use – Salty Dog suits traditional styles, Naval works in modern spaces
- Rooms – Salty Dog excels in dining rooms, Naval shines in offices
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Salty Dog and Naval more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Salty Dog SW 9177
With its rich green-blue appearance, Sherwin Williams Salty Dog SW 9177 creates an elegant backdrop well-suited for traditional styles. This versatile color works beautifully across varied spaces.
Here are some details about Salty Dog:
- LRV: 5
- Undertones: Green-leaning blue
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, living rooms
- Pairs Well With: Warm neutrals, white, wood tones
Salty Dog is a deep teal blue with hints of emerald green. In all lighting it maintains its traditional green-blue appearance.
The 5 light reflectance value provides dramatic contrast without being too dark. Salty Dog gives an elegant, inviting feel.
This adaptable blue complements a wide variety of colors from light to bold. Popular Salty Dog color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Coconut Husk SW 6129
- Crisp white trims
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Brushed nickel accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Salty Dog truly excels in these traditional, welcoming spaces:
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Living Rooms
- Libraries
Salty Dog’s richness helps create an elegant yet relaxed backdrop, perfect for varied classic styles.
Sherwin Williams Naval SW 6244
With its bold purple-blue appearance, Sherwin Williams Naval SW 6244 creates a dramatic backdrop well-suited for modern styles. This versatile color works beautifully across contemporary spaces.
Here are some details about Naval:
- LRV: 4
- Undertones: Purple-leaning blue
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Offices, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms
- Pairs Well With: Light neutrals, white, black
Naval is a deep royal blue with hints of jewel tone purple. In all lighting it maintains its modern blue-purple appearance.
The 4 light reflectance value provides striking contrast without being overwhelming. Naval gives a bold, sophisticated feel.
This adaptable blue complements a wide variety of colors from vivid to muted. Popular Naval color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray SW 7043
- Crisp white trims
- Bold black accents
- Chrome or silver finishes
While suitable anywhere at home, Naval truly excels in these contemporary sleek spaces:
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
Naval’s vibrancy helps create a dramatic yet elegant backdrop, perfect for modern styles and spaces.
Comparing Salty Dog vs Naval
Now that we’ve examined Salty Dog and Naval independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Salty Dog and Naval have similar LRVs of 5 and 4 respectively. Salty Dog will appear slightly brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Salty Dog is a green-leaning blue, while Naval is a purple-leaning blue.
Use & Rooms
Salty Dog’s traditional tone excels in dining rooms and bedrooms. Naval’s modern vibrancy shines in offices and bathrooms.
Availability
Both Salty Dog and Naval come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Salty Dog vs Naval Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Salty Dog SW 9177 | Naval SW 6244 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 5 | 4 |
| Undertones | Green-leaning blue | Purple-leaning blue |
| Use | Traditional styles | Modern styles |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Classic, inviting | Bold, dramatic |
Real-Life Photos: Salty Dog vs Naval
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Salty Dog and Naval:
Sherwin Williams Salty Dog
Sherwin Williams Naval
While both are deep blues, Salty Dog appears more green and traditional, while Naval is bolder purple-blue fitting modern spaces beautifully. Lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Salty Dog or Naval?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Salty Dog or Naval for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Salty Dog SW 9177 if you want:
- A rich green-leaning blue
- A traditional color for dining rooms
- An elegant, inviting feel
- To complement warm woods and neutrals
Choose Naval SW 6244 if you want:
- A bold purple-leaning blue
- A modern color for offices and baths
- A dramatic, bold feel
- To allow lighter accents to pop
Get samples of both Salty Dog and Naval. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful deep blue tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Salty Dog and Naval paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Salty Dog
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Living Rooms
- Libraries
Sherwin Williams Naval
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
While both deep blues work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths and undertones.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Salty Dog and Naval create dramatic backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Salty Dog SW 9177 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Coconut Husk SW 6129
- Crisp white trims
- Rich wood stains
- Brushed nickel accents
Naval SW 6244 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray SW 7043
- Crisp white trims
- Bold black accents
- Chrome or silver finishes
Salty Dog vs Naval – Which is Better?
So which navy blue paint color is better for your home – Salty Dog or Naval?
Consider Salty Dog SW 9177 if you want:
- A rich green-leaning blue
- A traditional color for dining rooms
- An elegant, inviting feel
- To complement warm woods and neutrals
Consider Naval SW 6244 if you want:
- A bold purple-leaning blue
- A modern color for offices and baths
- A dramatic, bold feel
- To allow lighter accents to pop
While Salty Dog is traditional, Naval has modern vibrancy. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful deep Sherwin Williams blue you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Salty Dog or Naval? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Salty Dog and Naval?
The main differences are their undertones and uses. Salty Dog is a green-leaning blue fitting traditional spaces, while Naval is a purple-leaning blue that works well in modern rooms.
What colors go well with Salty Dog?
Salty Dog looks beautiful paired with warm neutrals like tan and cream, crisp white, rich wood tones, and brushed nickel accents.
Can you use Naval in a bedroom?
Yes, Naval’s dramatic bold blue can look elegant and sophisticated in a bedroom, especially paired with white trim and bedding.
Is Salty Dog suitable for a north facing room?
Yes, Salty Dog’s richness provides contrast in a north facing room without appearing too dark and dreary. Add ample lighting.
Does Naval come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Naval is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
