Hale Navy HC-154 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and versatility, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy (HC-154). This deep, rich blue has become a go-to for designers and homeowners alike, and for good reason. It’s the kind of color that can transform a room from bland to breathtaking with just a few brushstrokes. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy bedroom retreat, a bold living room statement, or a serene home office, Hale Navy delivers. But before you commit, let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right choice for your space.

First, let’s talk about the color itself. Hale Navy is a dark blue with a muted quality that keeps it from feeling too stark or overwhelming. Its undertones are purely blue, giving it a cool, calming presence that works beautifully in both traditional and modern settings. The hex code #434B56 and RGB values (67, 75, 86) place it firmly in the navy family, but with enough depth to avoid feeling flat or one-dimensional. This isn’t your average navy—it’s a shade that feels timeless yet fresh, making it a smart investment for your home.

One of the standout features of Hale Navy is its versatility. It plays well with a wide range of decor styles, from coastal and farmhouse to modern and traditional. Pair it with crisp white trim for a classic look, or layer it with warm wood tones and brass accents for a more inviting, lived-in feel. Because it’s a balanced blue, it doesn’t clash with other colors easily. In fact, it pairs beautifully with both warm and cool tones, making it a dream to decorate around. Think creamy whites, soft grays, or even bold oranges (its complementary hue) for a striking contrast.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: how does it perform in small spaces? With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of just 8.36%, Hale Navy doesn’t reflect much light, which means it can make a room feel cozier—sometimes a little too cozy if the space is already tight. But don’t let that scare you off. If you love the color, there are ways to make it work. Try using it on an accent wall rather than all four, or balance it with plenty of light-colored furniture and decor. White trim, like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, can also help keep the room feeling open and airy.

When it comes to application, Hale Navy is beginner-friendly. It brushes on smoothly and rolls out evenly, so you won’t have to worry about streaks or patchiness. Coverage is good, though you might need two coats for full opacity, especially if you’re painting over a lighter color. The finish you choose matters, too. Eggshell or satin are my top picks for walls because they add just enough sheen to enhance the color without making it feel too glossy. For trim, a semi-gloss finish creates a beautiful contrast that highlights architectural details.

Maintenance is a breeze with Hale Navy. It’s highly washable, so it’s perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms where fingerprints and scuffs are inevitable. And because it’s a low-VOC paint, you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes during or after application. Touch-ups are easy, too—just keep a small amount of leftover paint on hand for quick fixes.

Lighting plays a huge role in how Hale Navy looks throughout the day. In natural light, it appears lighter and more vibrant, letting its true navy hue shine. But as the sun sets and artificial lighting takes over, it deepens into a moody, almost dramatic shade that creates an intimate atmosphere. This chameleon-like quality makes it perfect for rooms where you want flexibility—bright and lively during the day, cozy and serene at night.

If you’re still on the fence, consider this: Hale Navy is a designer favorite for a reason. It’s been used in everything from modern farmhouse kitchens to classic dining rooms, and it never feels out of place. It’s a color that grows with your style, adapting to new trends without ever feeling dated. And if you ever want to switch things up, it’s easy to layer in new accessories or furniture to refresh the look without repainting.

So, is Hale Navy right for your project? If you’re drawn to rich, moody colors that exude sophistication, the answer is probably yes. It’s a shade that demands attention without overwhelming, a color that feels both bold and calming at the same time. Test it out in your space first—paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. See how it interacts with your furniture, flooring, and lighting. Because at the end of the day, the best color for your home is the one that makes you feel something. And Hale Navy? It’s got a way of making spaces feel just right.

Real Room Photo of Hale Navy HC-154

Undertones of  Hale Navy ?

The undertones of Hale Navy are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #434B56

RGB code: 67, 75, 86

Is  Hale Navy Cool or Warm?

This color leans more towards the cool side of the spectrum, making it ideal for creating a calm and refreshing atmosphere. It can beautifully complement warm wood tones and other earthy shades.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Hale Navy

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Hale Navy

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Hale Navy is 8.36%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Hale Navy

Hale Navy is truly a standout choice for anyone wanting to introduce a bold yet tranquil color to their home. The depth of this navy blue can transform a room into a serene retreat, making it perfect for bedrooms and cozy living spaces. Its versatility means it works well with both light and dark furnishings, allowing you to be creative with your decor. When applied, it goes on smoothly, providing a consistent finish that enhances its rich tone. However, it’s worth noting that darker colors like Hale Navy may require a bit more attention during application to avoid streaks. Overall, this color is a timeless classic that can make any room feel both inviting and sophisticated.

Pros & Cons of  HC-154 Hale Navy

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

FAQ on HC-154 Hale Navy

Is Hale Navy suitable for small rooms?

Hale Navy can indeed work in small rooms if used thoughtfully. While it’s a deep color that can make smaller spaces feel cozier, it can also create a sense of enclosure if overused. To balance it out, consider pairing it with lighter colors or ample white trim to help open up the space.

What finishes work best with Hale Navy?

Hale Navy looks great in a variety of finishes, but an eggshell or satin finish tends to work best for walls. These finishes provide a soft sheen that enhances the color without overwhelming it. For trim, a semi-gloss or high gloss finish can create a beautiful contrast and highlight architectural details.

Comparisons Hale Navy with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154