When it comes to interior design, navy blue has been a classic color that never seems to go out of style. There are plenty of navy blue paint colors out there to choose from, but there are only a handful that designers turn to time and time again. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) is one of those colors that is at the top of every designer’s favorite navy blue list. It is part of Benjamin Moore’s Historical Colors collection, and one of their all-time best selling colors. If you’re searching for a sophisticated, timeless navy blue paint color, be sure to check out Hale Navy!

Order a peel-and-stick sample sheet of BM Hale Navy HERE.

What Undertones Does Hale Navy Have?

Hale Navy is a deep, dark blue with predominately gray undertones. However, it does have the slightest hint of green to it, as well.  The gray in Hale Navy helps to tone down the blue, while the hint of green keeps this gorgeous navy from ever leaning purple. The combination of these undertones is what makes Hale Navy the elegant, reliable navy blue that designers everywhere rave about.

benjamin moore hale navy

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154)

Is Benjamin Moore Hale Navy too dark?

Hale Navy has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 8. LRV is a measure of how light or dark a paint color is on a scale of 0 (darkest) to 100 (brightest).  With an LRV of 8, Hale Navy is quite dark, but lighter than a true black. 

If you have a room with a lot of natural light, Hale Navy will look lighter and you’ll see more of its blue tones. On the other hand, if your room has low light, Hale Navy is going to look almost like a black, and you won’t see as much blue. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing…it just depends on the look you want to achieve. 

Where to Use Hale Navy

With Hale Navy being such a dark color, it’s best to use it in rooms that get ample natural light. Hale Navy is a great, masculine hue for boys rooms and offices, but also fabulous on cabinets, and gorgeous as an accent wall in any room. Plus, if you’re looking for a perfect navy blue for your exterior, this one needs to be at the very top of your list!

Take a look at this dramatic office space painted with Hale Navy on the walls, ceiling, trim and built-ins. Pops of orange and gold create a beautiful color contrast.

I love this study space with Hale Navy on the paneled accent wall, a mix of black and white accents, and leather chairs. Warm leathers and wood tones happen to pair beautifully with Hale Navy for a fresh look!

Navy and white is a no-fail combination in any room. You can keep things light and bright by painting just one accent wall in Hale Navy, and the remaining walls a crisp white. Check out the beautiful coastal office space below for a great example! 

Hale Navy isn’t just for adult spaces…it’s also great paint color for kids rooms and even nurseries! I love the way the white crib in this nursery pops against the dark navy accent wall.

Navy and gray is another fabulous combination, and one of my favorite color schemes for boys bedrooms.  Hale Navy looks so great as an accent wall in this boys bedroom, and completely elevates the design. 

Hale Navy is also a designer-favorite for cabinetry. If you’re considering painting your bathroom vanity, kitchen cabinets or island navy blue, be sure to grab a Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) to try. It looks amazing with brass hardware, and other brass or gold accents, like light fixtures, decorative accessories, and mirrors. 

kitchen cabinets benjamin moore hale navy

Source: Benjamin Moore

 

I mentioned earlier that Hale Navy is a great exterior paint color, and now you can see why! This beautiful lakeside home looks stunning with Hale Navy on the body, stone accents, and a warm white trim. Hale Navy also is a great choice for a front door and/or exterior shutters.

Colors to Pair with Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

Because Hale Navy is so dark, it works really well when paired with a crisp white to help brighten up the room. What white paint goes best with Hale Navy? My favorite white paint colors to pair with Hale Navy are Benjamin Moore’s Simply White or White Dove. Both of these whites are soft and warm, which works well with the sophisticated look of Hale Navy. If, however, you want a crisp, clean, bright white, try BM Chantilly Lace (interiors only).

With its gray undertones, Hale Navy coordinates beautifully with light to medium grays, especially when they have a bit of warmth to them. Greiges are also a great pairing option, and even light blue-grays and greens. Here are a few of my favorite paint colors to pair with Hale Navy: 

What is one shade lighter than Hale navy?

If you love Hale Navy’s neutral coloring, but want something just a bit lighter, here are a few fantastic options to try:

  • Benjamin Moore Ocean Floor (1630)
  • Sherwin Williams Outerspace (6251)
  • Sherwin Williams Mineral Gray (2740)

How to test Hale Navy in your home

If you ever need a navy blue paint color, put Benjamin Moore Hale Navy at the top of your list of colors to try. Just be sure to thoroughly test all paint colors in your home before committing to one. My favorite source for paint samples is Samplize!  They are inexpensive, and super easy to move around the room. Get your peel-and-stick sample of Hale Navy from Samplize HERE.

paint sample sheets from samplize

For more paint color ideas, check out my Favorite Paint Colors eBook! It’s filled with all of the best paint colors in every color family from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, plus my exclusive list of the best colors for primary bedrooms and kitchen cabinets. Never again will you have to waste time searching the internet for the best colors…just imagine the time (and stress) you will save yourself! Get your copy HERE.
designer favorite paint colors