18 Best Sherwin Williams Navy Blue Paint Colors (Trend 2023)

Concerning color significance and effects on people, blue gives the calmest and most relaxed vibes. What’s more? The lovely color comes in several shades, opening up options for homeowners and decor experts alike. Of these types, navy blue remains one of my favorites, and for a good reason.

Sherwin Williams Navy Blue paint colors not only provide the energy and vibe attributed to blue colors, but they also have more stability and depth. Yes, they can range from resplendent and vibrant to deep and dark. However, that only serves to offer more options for your home and spaces.

Join me as I discuss the 17 Best Sherwin Williams Navy Blue Paint Colors for 2023. I have included several of my favorites and hope you get to experience them too!

Navy Blue Paint Colors

Navy Blue has an interesting origin, and its first recorded use was in 1748 when the British Royal Navy officers started using it on their uniforms. The color made such a good impression that other navies started adopting it around the globe.

However, people have also found a use for the dark shade of blue in beautifying homes and spaces. Although you might feel like the paint color only shines in certain settings, I’ve got a surprise for you. Navy blue works in any space and with a wide variety of colors and palettes.

Most of the time, navy blue paint colors present a safe alternative to white, black, and gray as neutrals for any space. They are the usual go-to color options when homeowners feel unsure of what to use for living spaces. Not only that, navy blue works great in workspaces, they also exhibit amazing versatility, regardless of tone and shade.

Since blue generally reads cool, Sherwin Williams Navy Blue paint colors all fall into the same category.

Pros and Cons of Using Navy Blue

While it offers multiple upsides and uses, navy blue paint colors also have a few downsides to using them. However, their pros far outweigh the cons, and if you apply them in the right settings, I guarantee you will get impressive results.

Pros

Beauty

Navy Blue paint colors always appear beautiful, especially in well-lit spaces. They possess a certain visual appeal that no one can deny. I mean, look at products like Sherwin Williams Naval, Salty Dog, and Indigo Batik. They are bound to beautify both living and work spaces

Versatility

With navy blue paint colors, you can explore several color pairings and palette choices. The reason is that they have a surprising level of versatility that comes in handy in relevant settings.

You can also use them as neutrals for both large and small spaces in your home. After whites and grays, navy blue might just be the next best thing for a neutral.

Depth

Navy blue paint colors are generally a darker shade of blue and, as such, have more depth than lighter shades. Not only does this offer a grounded option, it also allows you to light up your spaces without the fear of your colors washing out.

Calmness

As I mentioned earlier, blue colors have a relaxing effect on people. This extends to navy blue, as the paint colors add a calm vibe to any space you choose to use them.

They work best in bedrooms and living rooms because of the much-needed sense of welcome for such spaces. Navy blue paint colors also excel in workspaces as they help maintain focus and increase productivity.

Cons

Low LRVs

Dark paint colors have lower Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) and generally don’t do well in dark spaces. The same applies to navy blue paint colors with single-digit LRVs. As such, you should avoid using them in spaces with limited access to light.

The reason is that these dark shades can easily lean into black if the room lacks adequate lighting. However, if you don’t mind such an outcome, feel free to use them anywhere!

Lighter Versions Could Look Icy

Navy blue paint color with higher LRVs or brighter appearances can sometimes look cold or icy. This tends to happen in large spaces with cool lighting.

The reason is that these paint colors naturally read cool, and putting them in such a setting makes them lean more in that direction.

Limited Palette Options

While navy blue paint colors have good versatility, they don’t have as much as whites and grays. There are palettes and decor themes that have no place for such colors. But then, you won’t be considering them for such themes in the first place, would you?

18 Best Sherwin Williams Navy Blue Paint Colors

1. Sherwin Williams Naval (SW 6244)

With Sherwin Williams Naval, you can introduce a sense of serenity to your space. The dark but vibrant navy blue reads cool and, thanks to its low LRV, will never look icy or cold. It has gray and green undertones that will rarely see because of its natural depth.

Sherwin Williams Naval works great in any room but does exceptionally well in studies and workspaces. You can also flex it on cabinets and other furniture to better complement neutrals like Whites or Grays.

Note that the paint color sometimes appears brighter than one would expect for such a low LRV.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Naval	4	R: 47 G: 61 B: 76	Gray and Green	Cool

2. Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik (SW 7602)

Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik gives you a brighter lighter-toned alternative to SW Naval. It has a higher LRV and more gray in it, making it more suitable for dim spaces. However, that doesn’t change the fact that it looks moody in such areas.

To experience the full beauty of this paint color, use it in rooms with access to direct sunlight. Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik reads cool and has blue and gray undertones. It tends to look brighter on walls than on furniture, allowing more creativity.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Indigo Batik	8	R: 62 G: 80 B: 99	Gray and Green	Cool

3. Sherwin Williams Sea Serpent (SW 7615)

With Sherwin Williams Sea Serpent works best as a neutral for well-lit rooms and workspaces. The deep navy blue paint color has an LRV of 7 and adds a seamless blend of mystery and elegance to any area.

As its name implies, Sherwin Williams Sea Serpent can also exude a sense of power like the mighty ocean’s. This comes in handy for workspaces where you want to have an aura of confidence and reliability.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Sea Serpent	7	R: 62 G: 75 B: 84	Cool Green	Cool

4. Sherwin Williams Salty Dog (SW 9177)

If you want a navy blue paint color with personality and majesty, consider Sherwin Williams Salty Dog. The beautiful color looks brighter than one would expect and is often compared with SW Naval.

While Sherwin Williams Naval has gray and green undertones, SW Salty Dog has teal undertones and no gray. This makes it bluer and more vibrant at the cost of a little less depth.

Despite its LRV of 5, the paint color works well in any space but is best suited to well-lit rooms.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Salty Dog	5	R: 35 G: 64 B: 88	Teal	Cool

5. Sherwin Williams Cyberspace (SW 7076)

At first glance, one can easily call Sherwin Williams Cyberspace black with colorful undertones. However, the paint color is, in fact, navy blue, albeit on the dark side of the spectrum, even for colors in that category.

Sherwin Williams Cyberspace has an LRV of 6 but appears less blue than SW Naval because of its higher gray content. It works best on accent walls and works surprisingly well with blue trim colors.

Note that using this paint color in dark spaces will make it look completely black, removing its uniqueness.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Cyberspace	6	R: 68 G: 72 B: 77	Gray	Cool

6. Sherwin Williams In The Navy (SW 9178)

Several homeowners easily mistake Sherwin Williams In The Navy with SW Naval, but both paint colors are different. Although they belong to the same color strip and have the same LRV, SW In The Navy has only green undertones, as opposed to SW Naval’s gray and green.

This gives you a richer blue with enough depth and more energy for your space. Sherwin Williams In The Navy works exceptionally well with SW Dirty Martini.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
In The Navy	4	R: 40 G: 56 B: 73	Cool Green	Cool

7. Sherwin Williams Mineral Gray (SW 2740)

As its name implies, Sherwin Williams Mineral Gray has more gray than blue in it, despite its navy blue status. As such, the paint color works best as neutral compared to more colorful members of the family.

It has an LRV of 9, making it a couple of tones lighter than SW Cyberspace and Charcoal Blue. However, the paint color still has enough depth to work well in relevant spaces.

Sherwin Williams Mineral Gray adds a sense of majesty and calm to any area, especially bedrooms.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Mineral Gray	9	R: 81 G: 87 B: 99	Cool Green	Cool

8. Sherwin Williams Mount Etna (SW 7625)

It is quite easy to perceive Sherwin Williams Mount Etna as a green paint color. However, its real color is blue with lots of green and gray, making it look ashy blue. As such, I recommend it for cabinets or fireplaces because there’s a lower chance of unpleasant surprises.

Sherwin Williams Mount Etna has an LRV of 6 and will show greener when used in dark spaces. Nevertheless, the paint color will always read cool, regardless of lighting.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Mount Etna	6	R: 61 G: 72 B: 76	Green and Gray	Cool

9. Sherwin Williams Anchors Aweigh (SW 9179)

Sherwin Williams Anchors Aweigh has the lowest LRV on this list but possess the lovely richness peculiar to navy blue. This makes an excellent choice if you want something dark but vibrant. With an LRV of 3, you must exercise caution when choosing where to use the paint color.

The reason is that Sherwin Williams Anchors Aweigh can easily look moody in dim areas. As such, I generally recommend it for exterior walls or as a trim color.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Anchors Aweigh	3	R: 43 G: 52 B: 65	Gray and Purple	Cool

10. Sherwin Williams Dress Blues (SW 9176)

Of all the navy blues on this list, Sherwin Williams Dress Blues has the most flair and elegance. The cool bold blue paint color works best in bedrooms and bathrooms, displaying its full potential in white light.

It has an LRV of 5 and rarely displays any undertones. This means that you will get the same resplendent look from the paint color, regardless of lighting and season.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Dress Blues	5	R: 43 G: 67 B: 96	Rarely visible	Cool

11. Sherwin Williams Gale Force (SW 7605)

Despite its higher green content, Sherwin Williams Gale Force made it to this list, and for a good reason. The deep blue paint color has a cool, welcoming, and embracing vibe that goes great in almost any space, whether interior or exterior.

It has an LRV of 6 and works best with white to stand out or taupe to rein in its power. Note that Sherwin Williams Gale Force can lean into green depending on the lighting in the room or area.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Gale Force	6	R: 53 G: 69 B: 78	Green	Cool

12. Sherwin Williams Distance (SW 6243)

With gray and denim undertones, Sherwin Williams Distance can initially appear faded, especially during swatch tests. However, using the paint on walls away from direct sunlight brings out its beautiful blue look.

It has an LRV of 15, which puts it several shades higher than most of the other members on this list. Sherwin Williams Distance makes an excellent choice to welcome the weary traveler or guest.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Distance	15	R: 93 G: 111 B: 127	Gray and Denim	Cool

13. Sherwin Williams Sea Mariner (SW 9640)

Sherwin Williams Sea Mariner makes an excellent neutral for well-lit large spaces. Also, you can flex it on accent walls, doors, and cabinets thanks to its depth. The paint color has an LRV of 7 and can sometimes read warm, especially in dim spaces.

Note that you can only get Sherwin Williams Sea Mariner from the Emerald Designer Edition. If you would like something similar, check out SW Cyberspace or Charcoal Blue.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Sea Mariner	7	R: 67 G: 74 B: 84	Gray and bits of Green	Depends on lighting

14. Sherwin Williams Loyal Blue (SW 6510)

If you want to add some flair to your space while retaining a thorough sense of calm, Sherwin Williams Loyal Blue is an excellent option. The paint color brings sophisticated vibes to areas with adequate lighting, especially bedrooms.

You can perceive it as SW Dress Blues but with a bluer look and more depth. It goes great with paint colors like Sherwin Williams Grecian Ivory, and SW Fenland.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Loyal Blue	5	R: 1 G: 69 B: 94	Blue and Gray	Cool

15. Sherwin Williams Georgian Bay (SW 6509)

Sherwin Williams Georgian Bay makes you feel welcomed immediately you encounter it in any space. Whether you choose to use it in a home or office, the paint color works best in large well-lit areas.

With an LRV of 11, SW Georgian Bay goes great with bright white and greige neutrals. It reads cool and will rarely look icy, regardless of lighting.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Georgian Bay	11	R: 34 G: 101 B: 127	Blue and Gray	Cool

16. Sherwin Williams Santorini Blue (SW 7607)

An LRV of 14 puts Sherwin Williams Santorini Blue as the second brightest paint color on this list. However, it still retains so much beauty and flair that fits its name. You should use this lovely paint color in large spaces like living rooms or even receptions.

On a lighter note, Sherwin Williams Santorini Blue is said to inspire wanderlust. But then, don’t we all need some adventures every now and then?

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Santorini Blue	14	R: 65 G: 109 B: 131	Gray and Green	Cool

17. Sherwin Williams Marea Baja (SW 9185)

Sherwin Williams Marea Baja brings a gentle and calm look to any space. It has gray and yellow undertones that give it a strong presence but does little to dampen its flair. However, you should avoid using the paint color in dimly lit spaces.

Excellent pairing options include SW Avenue Tan and Creamy. Feel free to flex Sherwin Williams Marea Baja in interior and exterior space or even on the front door.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Marea Baja	8	R: 46 G: 84 B: 100	Gray and Yellow	Cool

18. Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight (SW 9142)

With Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight, you get a tranquil vibe and some sense of mystery for your space. The saturated blue paint color goes great in several spaces but exceptionally well in bedrooms and family rooms.

It has an LRV of 5 and does better in well-lit areas. Warm lighting can sometimes give it a green tinge but trust it to reclaim its blue hue in bright light.

Paint Color	LRV	RGB Value	Undertones	Reading
Moscow Midnight	5	R: 32 G: 70 B: 82	Gray and Green	Cool

Conclusion

Sherwin Williams Navy Blue Paint Colors remain one of the most beautiful blue paints you will find out there. Most of them look brighter than their generally low light reflectance values, which increases their versatility.

Check out the several options on this list you will find one for whichever space you want to beautify!