Paint Colour Review - Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore

10 Nov

Hale Navy is a popular paint colour by Benjamin Moore. It is a deep, rich shade of blue that exudes sophistication and elegance. It is often described as a true navy blue, with just the right balance of depth and vibrancy. Hale Navy is definitely a colour you want to consider adding to your interior.

One of the reasons for Hale Navy's popularity is its versatility. It can be used in various settings and styles, from traditional to modern, and works well in different rooms of the house. Whether it's used on walls, furniture, cabinetry, or as an accent colour, Hale Navy adds a touch of depth and drama to any space.

Wonder if Hale Navy is the right colour for your interior? Keep on reading...

Hale Navy’s LRV

LRV (or Light Reflectance Value) is helpful in determining how much light is absorbed or reflected by a paint colour. It is measured on a scale from 0% to 100%, 0% being black and absorbing all light, and 100% being white and reflecting all light. The higher the LRV, the lighter the paint colour.

Hale Navy has an LRV of 8.36 which means that it absorbs light instead of reflecting it, making it a dark colour. Because of its darkness and depth, Hale Navy is often used to create a focal point or to add contrast.

What about undertones?

Despite being considered as a true navy blue, Hale Navy has visible grey undertones. In south-facing rooms or well-lit rooms, this deep blue will appear more vibrant like a true saturated blue. Under a cooler light (North-facing rooms) or in dimly lit spaces, it can take on a darker tone and look almost charcoal or black. This is why Hale Navy works particularly well in larger spaces or rooms with ample natural light to really showcase the depth and character it adds to a room.

Where to use Hale Navy?

Hale Navy’s versatility allows it to work well in different settings and styles. Here are some popular choices for incorporating Hale Navy in various rooms:

Living Room: Hale Navy can create a dramatic and cozy atmosphere in the living room. It can be used to paint an accent wall, a built-in bookshelf, or even the entire room if paired with lighter furnishings and décor. It pairs well with neutral furniture and accessories to create a striking and beautiful contrast.

Bedroom: Hale Navy can bring a sense of calm and sophistication to the bedroom. It can be used as the main wall colour, especially behind the bed, or as an accent colour on a headboard or in bedding and curtains. When combined with soft, muted tones, it creates a luxurious and serene ambiance.
Kitchen: Adding Hale Navy to your kitchen cabinets is a great way to create a sophisticated and elegant space. Pair it with marble countertops and brass hardware for a luxurious and contemporary look.

Photo via kountrykraft | Kitchen by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

Dining Room: Hale Navy can add a touch of elegance and formality to the dining room. It can be used on walls, particularly if the room receives ample natural light. Pair it with a crisp white trim for a classic look or go for a more contemporary feel by combining it with bold patterns and metallic accents.

Home Office: Hale Navy can be used on walls to add depth and visual interest or as an accent colour in furniture or built-in shelving. When combined with warm wood tones, brass accents, and natural light, it creates a sophisticated and stylish workspace.
Bathroom: Hale Navy can be used to make a statement and elevate your bathroom. It can be applied to vanity cabinets or used as an accent colour in tiling or accessories. Pair it with crisp white fixtures, marble countertops, and brass hardware for a timeless and luxurious look.

Entryway: Hale Navy can make a bold first impression in the entryway. It can be used to paint the front door, the walls, or even the ceiling for a dramatic effect. Combined with a statement light fixture, a patterned rug, and a console table, it creates a stunning entryway that sets the tone for the rest of the home.
Exterior: Hale Navy is also an excellent exterior colour! Simply pair it with a warm white for trims to create a beautiful contrast.

Photo via The Color concierge | Photo by M. Marceny

Remember, the look of Hale Navy can vary depending on the size of the room and its lighting conditions. Always test paint samples and consider the overall design scheme before making a final decision.

What about trim colours?

When it comes to choosing trim colours to complement Hale Navy, several options can work well depending on the desired look and overall aesthetic. Here are a few suggestions:

Crisp White: Pairing Hale Navy with a bright white trim creates a classic and timeless combination. The clean contrast enhances the richness of Hale Navy and adds a fresh, sophisticated touch to the space. Some crisp whites to consider are Chantilly Lace, Simply White, and White Heron.
Warm White, Off-White, or Cream: If you prefer a softer and more subtle contrast, consider using a warm white, off-white, or cream-colored trim with Hale Navy. This combination creates a warmer and cozier feel while maintaining a sophisticated look. Some colours to consider are White Dove, White Down, Swiss Coffee, Etiquette, and Maritime White.
Light Grey: Opting for a light grey trim colour can create a contemporary and modern look when paired with Hale Navy. The grey tones complement the deep navy shade and the grey undertones of Hale Navy to add a touch of sophistication. This combination can work well in rooms with a sleek and minimalist design aesthetic. Some light greys to consider are Decorator’s White, Genesis White, and Winter Snow.

Which coordinating colours to choose?

Hale Navy is a versatile colour that can be paired with various coordinating colours to create different looks and moods. Here are some popular choices that work well with Hale Navy:

Crisp White: The clean contrast of bright white against Hale Navy creates a classic and timeless combination. White can be used for trim, ceilings, and furnishings to provide a fresh and crisp look. It enhances the richness of Hale Navy and keeps the overall space bright and balanced.
Soft Grey: A soft grey can create a sophisticated and calming ambiance when paired with Hale Navy. Light or medium shades of grey can be used for walls, furniture, or textiles. The combination of grey and navy adds depth and elegance to a space without overpowering it.
Warm Neutrals: Warm neutral colours like beige, taupe, or greige can complement Hale Navy and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. These earthy tones work well for wall colours, area rugs, and upholstered furniture, adding warmth and balance to the deep navy hue.
Pale Blue: Light and airy shades of blue can harmonize with Hale Navy, creating a cohesive and soothing colour palette. Soft blues reminiscent of the sky or ocean can be used for accent walls, bedding, or accessories, providing a serene and coastal-inspired vibe.

It's important to consider the desired mood, style, and overall design scheme of the space when choosing coordinating colours with Hale Navy. Experiment with different combinations and test paint samples to see how the colours interact in your specific lighting conditions. Ultimately, the best coordinating colours will depend on personal preference and the atmosphere you want to create in your space.

What about hardware and flooring ?

When it comes to selecting hardware and flooring to complement Hale Navy, there are several options you can consider depending on the look you are after.

Hardware:

Brass or Gold: Hardware in brass or gold finishes can create a luxurious and elegant look when paired with Hale Navy. The warm tones of brass or gold add a touch of sophistication and complement the deep navy shade. Consider using brass or gold handles, knobs, faucets, and light fixtures for a cohesive and stylish design.

Brushed Nickel or Chrome: If you prefer a more contemporary or modern look, brushed nickel or chrome hardware can be a great choice. The sleek and clean finishes of brushed nickel or chrome provide a contrast against Hale Navy and create a polished and refined aesthetic.
Black or Matte Black: For a more dramatic look, consider using black or matte black hardware with Hale Navy. The contrast between the dark navy and the black hardware adds depth and visual interest.

Flooring:

Light or Medium Wood: Light or medium-toned wood flooring can provide a warm and inviting contrast to Hale Navy. Oak, maple, or hickory with lighter finishes work well with navy blue, creating a natural and timeless combination. The lighter wood tones help to balance the richness of the navy and add warmth to the space.
White or Light Gray Tile: White or light grey tile flooring can create a clean and crisp look when paired with Hale Navy. These neutral tile options provide a fresh and modern backdrop for this navy blue. Consider using subway tiles, marble tiles, or porcelain tiles in white or light grey shades for a sleek and contemporary style.
Neutral Carpet: If you prefer carpet, opt for a neutral colour such as light beige, cream, or grey to complement Hale Navy. Neutral carpets create a soft and cozy feel while enhancing the saturated blue hues.

Overall, Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore is a beautiful, timeless, and sophisticated colour choice that adds depth and character to any space. Its versatility makes it a great option for your interior decorating projects.

Did this article convince you to use Hale Navy in your home?

If choosing colour for your home stress you out, have a look at our Custom Interior Colour Palette service. We would love to make this process easier for you and help you create your dream home.

Thank you for reading,

Manon xx

Manon Scelles