In the Navy
Often used for its genuinely dark qualities, In the Navy remains a staple for Sherwin-Williams designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. We've gathered 16 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#283849
LRV
3.71
In the Navy's Color Strip
In the Navy is the third shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Salty Dog and Charcoal Blue. The strip spans from Dress Blues at the lightest end to Anchors Aweigh at the deepest. Color strip 253 groups these shades together so you can see how each reads next to its neighbors.
In the Navy in Real Rooms
In the Navy has a low LRV of 3.71 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature and , making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Blue family, the photos below show it applied in a bathroom, misc, living room, kitchen cabinets, house and front door.
2 Bathroom Photos
Bathrooms test color in specific ways — task lighting, tile grout, and chrome or brass fixtures all compete for attention. In the Navy holds its own against all of it, and tends to photograph even better than it reads in person.
Bathroom vanity painted in deep In the Navy looks timeless.
@jessarnoldtampa
Vanity cabinet finished in classic In the Navy adds sophistication.
@theaspiringhome_
3 Misc Photos
These photos show In the Navy in spaces that don't fit neatly into a single category: transitional spaces, accent applications, and rooms where the color becomes a fine detail rather than a broad backdrop.
Dresser painted in rich In the Navy becomes a focal point.
@goodbonesfurniturerestoration
Painted dresser in sophisticated In the Navy completes the bedroom.
@goodbonesfurniturerestoration
Workspace walls in professional In the Navy inspire focus.
@pacesetterpainting
5 Living Room Photos
The beauty of In the Navy in a living room lies in its versatility with textures. It provides a smooth, matte-like quality that contrasts beautifully against plush velvet sofas or chunky wool rugs. It's a color that invites you to stay a little longer, creating an atmosphere that feels established rather than just decorated.
Living room walls in deep In the Navy feel intimate.
@greenriverpainting
Accent wall in moody In the Navy anchors the living space.
@greenriverpainting
Living room accent wall in In the Navy feels sophisticated.
@b_jocelyne_home
Walls and trim in moody In the Navy create cohesion.
@b_jocelyne_home
Living room painted in deep In the Navy feels elegant.
@b_jocelyne_home
4 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
The depth of In the Navy on kitchen cabinets is excellent for hiding the inevitable wear and tear of a busy kitchen. It's a practical choice that doesn't sacrifice an ounce of style, providing a durable-looking finish that remains elegant for years.
Kitchen cabinets painted in classic In the Navy look polished.
@emi_master_finishers
Cabinet doors finished in deep In the Navy create drama.
@emi_master_finishers
Kitchen cabinetry in rich In the Navy exudes timeless elegance.
@jubileehavencottage
Cabinetry wrapped in In the Navy adds depth to the kitchen.
@ashleycgoldman
1 House Photo
In the Navy is particularly effective on modern-style homes with flat planes and large windows. The color emphasizes the geometry of the house, using shadows and light to create a dynamic, ever-changing facade throughout the day.
House exterior painted in bold In the Navy stands out.
@pppdx
1 Front Door Photo
The front door is a great place to experiment with higher sheen levels. In the Navy in a high-gloss finish creates a mirror-like surface that looks incredibly expensive and traditional, echoing the grand entryways of London or New York.
Front door in classic In the Navy welcomes guests warmly.
@youbetchayall
Coordinating Colors
Pure White reflects far more light (LRV 84 vs 4), opening up a space where In the Navy encloses it.
At LRV 64 vs 4, Dirty Martini is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 29 vs 4, Illusive Green is decisively the brighter choice.
Trim Color
Pure White reflects far more light (LRV 84 vs 4), opening up a space where In the Navy encloses it.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 4 and 4, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 4 and 3, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 5 and 4, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 4 and 4, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 6 and 4, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 5 vs 4), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 4 and 3, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 6 vs 4), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 4 and 4, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 4 vs 4), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Complementary Colors
Truly Taupe reflects far more light (LRV 35 vs 4), opening up a space where In the Navy encloses it.
Heavenly White reflects far more light (LRV 81 vs 4), opening up a space where In the Navy encloses it.
At LRV 74 vs 4, Original White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 35 vs 4, Palisade is decisively the brighter choice.
A 9-point LRV gap (13 vs 4) makes Griffin the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 20 vs 4, Warm Stone is decisively the brighter choice.
Mercurial reflects far more light (LRV 61 vs 4), opening up a space where In the Navy encloses it.
Lighter Colors
Indigo Batik reads slightly lighter (LRV 8 vs 4), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 9-point LRV gap (13 vs 4) makes Luxe Blue the marginally brighter of the two.
A 10-point LRV gap (14 vs 4) makes Denim the marginally brighter of the two.
A 10-point LRV gap (14 vs 4) makes Revel Blue the marginally brighter of the two.