Color Guide: How to Use Navy Blue
Solid, steadfast navy blue can ground a room, but it still knows how to have a good time
Navy is the darkest blue and in its true form appears almost black. It gets its name from the uniforms of the British Royal Navy and is associated with uniforms, dress clothing and other traditional sartorial choices.
Navy is an elegant and serious color, and it evokes serious things like tradition, solidity and strength. It is definitely a masculine color. But it doesn't have to be somber. Pair it with crisp white and you get a brisk maritime feel — think yachting with the Kennedys. Put it with bright colors — lime green, bright pink and sunny yellow look great with navy — and you get something modern and vivacious.
Navy is extremely versatile and works in almost every style of decor. Use it on the walls when you want to go dark but not quite black. Use it as a contrast against white trim and interesting architectural details. Use it as a way to give a boring box more depth and interest.
Its very close relative, indigo, is often used interchangeably with navy and is seen in many traditional designs and arts. Traditional Japanese shibori cloth is very close to navy, and many Indian and South American designs incorporate it too. Because of this, it can go boho, eclectic and exotic as well.
Here are 24 examples of navy's acrobatic abilities as a design anchor.
Navy is an elegant and serious color, and it evokes serious things like tradition, solidity and strength. It is definitely a masculine color. But it doesn't have to be somber. Pair it with crisp white and you get a brisk maritime feel — think yachting with the Kennedys. Put it with bright colors — lime green, bright pink and sunny yellow look great with navy — and you get something modern and vivacious.
Navy is extremely versatile and works in almost every style of decor. Use it on the walls when you want to go dark but not quite black. Use it as a contrast against white trim and interesting architectural details. Use it as a way to give a boring box more depth and interest.
Its very close relative, indigo, is often used interchangeably with navy and is seen in many traditional designs and arts. Traditional Japanese shibori cloth is very close to navy, and many Indian and South American designs incorporate it too. Because of this, it can go boho, eclectic and exotic as well.
Here are 24 examples of navy's acrobatic abilities as a design anchor.
A traditional room in navy and white. The chain-pattern rug adds to the maritime feel.
Navy is a solid, grounding color, and it works well below the chair rail, lending depth and elegance to this traditional dining room.
It works equally well above wainscotting or a chair rail.
A navy accent wall in a very light room adds depth. You don't even have to look out the window to tell that this room is near the water. The color combo and striped window shades tell the whole story.
Navy goes modern. Navy blue can adjust to any decor, and here it is a beautiful, rich backdrop for bright modern white.
Navy on the walls brings out the white details in this room and gives the whole thing a crisp, no-nonsense feel.
An almost-black navy is an elegant choice for setting off this glamorous bed.
Navy and white stripes are crisp and boaty and a little preppy. But here, paired with relaxed decor and in a small space, they are also fun and surprising.
A navy take on the blue porch ceiling. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, doesn't this look elegant?
Navy in the Kitchen
Navy cabinets are an unexpected but still traditional take on the usual browns.
Navy cabinets are an unexpected but still traditional take on the usual browns.
The high-gloss version looks sleek and design minded in this modern kitchen.
Navy in Decor
Navy in a layered, eclectic room gives it a touch of the exotic but keeps it grounded and dapper.
Navy in a layered, eclectic room gives it a touch of the exotic but keeps it grounded and dapper.
Traditional but relaxed. Yachty but not overly so. This room is friendly, elegant and comfortable. I'd thank navy for that.
Instead of going navy on the walls and light on the trim, reverse it. This navy built-in looks stunning. So does that farmer's table. Wow.
Oh, navy and teal, let me count the ways ...
An Indian block-print wallpaper in navy is the sly bit of personality in this very traditional navy and white bedroom. And the yellow lamps positively sing.
Navy chairs in a neutral room. See how great those limey-yellow pillows look? The whole thing is very traditional and subdued but not at all boring.
A velvet navy sofa. It's so rich and opulent looking, it's almost Hollywood Regency.
Navy Outside
A navy door has a colonial uprightness.
A navy door has a colonial uprightness.
Navy trim on an American Victorian.
Good lighting brings out the color in navy and keeps it from looking chalky or black. This navy-on-navy thing looks elegant and modern.