Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 really made waves when Sherwin Williams picked it as the 2020 Color of the Year. There’s a reason for the hype—it’s a deep, sophisticated navy blue that just feels right in almost any room.
This paint keeps its blue base strong without drifting into green or purple. It’s dramatic, dark, and somehow still versatile enough for lots of different styles. No wonder so many people are reaching for it when they want a bold, elegant vibe at home.
Naval changes up its look depending on your lighting and what’s around it. In low light, it can pass for almost black. But in bright sunlight, you’ll see those rich blue tones come alive.
Thinking about using it for an accent wall? Cabinets? Maybe outside? It helps to know how Naval shifts in different settings before you commit.
Here’s a guide that covers what Naval SW 6244 is all about, plus tips for pairing it with other colors. You’ll get a look at real-life examples and find out which trim and coordinating shades work best if you want a certain aesthetic.
Key Takeaways
- Naval SW 6244 is a deep navy blue with gray undertones and an LRV of 4, so it’s very dark and reflects very little light.
- This color changes a lot with lighting—brighter spaces show off its blue, while dim rooms push it toward black.
- Naval looks great with whites, creams, and natural textures, and you can use it inside or out.
What Color Is Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244?
Naval SW 6244 gives you a deep, cool navy blue with gray undertones and a super low LRV of 4. It’s one of the darkest, most sophisticated blues in the Sherwin Williams lineup.
This rich color absorbs nearly all the light in a space but still feels balanced enough to use as either a bold accent or a main wall color.
Color Family
Naval sits firmly in the blue color family, but it’s not your average blue. It’s navy—dark, moody, and grounded by cool gray undertones that keep it from being too bright or loud.
Some folks pick up a hint of gray-green undertones in Naval. That touch keeps it feeling neutral and sophisticated, not flashy.
This blue works for both traditional and modern rooms. The gray undertones help it stay calm and not overpower the space.
Getting the Color of the Year nod in 2020 just confirmed its popularity and versatility. People really seem to love this navy.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Naval SW 6244 comes with specific color codes for matching across different projects.
Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 4, so it absorbs 96% of the light that hits it. That’s about as dark as navy gets.
Rooms with good natural light let Naval shine. If your space is dim, you might want to test it out before painting a whole wall.
Hex and RGB codes can look a bit different depending on your screen or lighting, so it’s always smart to try a paint sample at home first.
Throughout the day, Naval shifts—muted in the morning, richer in the afternoon. Lighting really makes all the difference.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 Undertones
Naval carries gray-green undertones that keep it on the cool side. These undertones calm the blue and stop it from getting too bright or intense.
The gray in Naval makes it look more subdued compared to other navy blues. It’s sophisticated, not showy.
You’ll notice blue is still the main character here, but the green and gray undertones add some depth and richness.
Key Undertone Characteristics:
- Primary: Blue
- Secondary: Gray-green
- Temperature: Cool
- Effect: Muted and sophisticated
With lots of sunlight, you might spot a hint of teal in Naval—especially in south-facing rooms.
North-facing spaces pull out more of the gray-green, making Naval look moodier and even darker.
These undertones let Naval work as a neutral. You can pair it with warm or cool colors, thanks to that balancing act.
Some navy paints lean purple or black, but Naval stays true blue. The gray-green just adds versatility.
It’s these undertones that made Naval such a hit as Sherwin Williams’ 2020 Color of the Year. It’s classic, but not stuck in the past.
How Does Lighting Affect Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244?
Naval SW 6244 really reacts to the lighting in your room. With an LRV of 4, it soaks up most of the light and can switch from deep blue to almost black depending on how bright things are.
Natural Lighting
Natural light lets you see Naval’s navy blue personality. If your room has lots of windows, you’ll notice the color’s richness and those subtle undertones.
Morning light softens Naval a bit, making it feel more approachable. Early daylight brings out its cool side.
Afternoon sun can warm it up a notch, showing off any charcoal hints hiding in the paint.
Once evening hits and the light drops, Naval looks much darker and more dramatic. As natural light fades, you might even think it’s black in the shadows.
North-facing rooms keep Naval cool and true navy. South-facing ones, with all that bright light, make it look extra rich.
Without enough sunlight, Naval can lose its spark and end up looking a bit flat or muddy.
Artificial Lighting
Your choice of bulbs changes Naval’s vibe. Warm bulbs (2700K-3000K) soften it and can bring out a slight brown undertone.
Cooler LEDs (4000K-5000K) keep Naval’s blue looking pure, pretty much how it appears in daylight.
Super bright white lights (5000K+) might make Naval feel harsh or stark, especially next to lighter colors.
Recessed lights can cast uneven shadows on Naval, so you’ll want to make sure your room is well-lit overall.
Table lamps and accent lights help balance out the darkness. Mixing light sources keeps Naval from feeling too heavy.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 LRV 4 (Light Reflectance Value)
Naval comes in with an LRV of 4, which puts it among the darkest blues out there. It soaks up nearly all the light instead of bouncing it back.
What Is LRV?
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, measures how much light a color reflects. The scale goes from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).
High LRV colors (70-100) bounce light around and brighten up a room. Mediums (30-70) give you a nice balance. Anything below 30 will absorb light and make things feel cozier or more intimate.
LRV really affects how a color looks in different lighting. Low LRV colors can seem almost black in dim spots, so they shine best in well-lit rooms.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 LRV Range
With an LRV of 4, Naval falls into the super dark category. It absorbs about 96% of incoming light.
In rooms with plenty of light, Naval keeps its rich navy look. But in shadowy corners or poorly lit spaces, it can turn nearly black.
This makes Naval a great pick if you want dramatic contrast against lighter shades. It’s awesome for accent walls or kitchen cabinets when you want serious impact.
Think about your room’s lighting before going all in with Naval. If you don’t have much natural light, it might feel a little too dark if you use it everywhere.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 Coordinating Colors
Naval looks fantastic with warm whites, soft grays, and even rich copper tones. These combos create spaces that are both stylish and inviting.
White Heron SW 7627
White Heron is a warm white with a creamy undertone, so it doesn’t look too harsh next to Naval’s deep blue.
Try it on trim, ceilings, or even as an accent wall. It gives you a clean contrast without being jarring.
Best applications:
- Kitchen cabinets with a Naval island
- Trim throughout the house
- Ceilings in bedrooms painted Naval
- Bathroom vanities
The warmth in White Heron makes Naval feel richer and more welcoming. It works for both modern and classic homes.
Repose Gray SW 7015
Repose Gray is a soft, popular neutral that balances out Naval’s boldness. Its warm undertones keep spaces from turning cold.
Use Repose Gray as a main wall color if Naval feels too intense, or as an accent in rooms where you want a bit of both.
Color combination ideas:
- Naval accent wall with Repose Gray on the other walls
- Naval front door and Repose Gray siding
- Naval kitchen island and Repose Gray cabinets
This pairing creates a restful vibe. The gray mellows out Naval, but the room still has plenty of character.
Copper Wire SW 7707
Copper Wire brings warmth and energy to Naval’s coolness. It’s a bold orange-red that really pops in small doses.
Use Copper Wire as an accent—think throw pillows, art, or maybe a front door. A little goes a long way with this pairing.
Effective uses:
- Accent pillows and artwork
- Kitchen backsplash tiles
- Bathroom accessories
- Front door details
Copper tones highlight Naval’s classy side. This combo is especially good in dining rooms or home offices where you want to draw attention and create energy.
Trim Colors For Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244
Naval looks best with bright, crisp whites for trim. Here are three Sherwin Williams whites that each bring something different to the table.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White has a warm undertone that softens Naval’s boldness. There’s a hint of yellow that keeps the contrast from feeling too sharp.
This warmth makes rooms feel cozy and comfortable, which is great if you want a traditional look instead of something super modern.
It’s a timeless combo for kitchens and living rooms. Pure White trim helps Naval cabinets or accent walls feel a little more relaxed.
Pure White bounces light around but still keeps things soft. Your space will feel bright, but not cold or sterile.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White gives you maximum contrast with Naval’s deep blue. This bright, clean white doesn’t have any weird undertones fighting with Naval.
When you pair them, you get that classic nautical vibe that just works. Trim painted in Extra White really pops against Naval walls or cabinets.
Extra White fits in both modern and traditional spaces. It actually makes Naval look richer and more saturated.
This combo photographs beautifully and looks especially good in natural light. The high contrast adds drama but still keeps everything feeling fresh and clean.
High Reflective White SW 7757
High Reflective White brings you the brightest option for trim with Naval. This ultra-white paint reflects more light than your average white.
The intense brightness can make small spaces feel a bit bigger with Naval. Rooms tend to feel more open and airy.
It’s great in spaces where you don’t get much natural light. High Reflective White bounces light around rooms with Naval accent walls.
This white creates the strongest possible contrast with Naval. Trim stands out boldly, and your space feels spacious and bright.
Real World Examples Of Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 In Different Spaces
This deep navy paint totally transforms rooms, whether you’re going for dramatic bathroom vanities or a sophisticated kitchen island. Designers love Naval because it can be both a bold accent and a surprisingly calming neutral.
Bathrooms
Naval turns bathroom vanities into real showstoppers. In low light, it can look almost black, adding a bit of luxury to small powder rooms without feeling overwhelming.
Honestly, it works best on lower cabinets and vanities, not so much on the walls. The dark blue looks amazing with brass or gold hardware and white countertops.
Popular bathroom applications:
- Vanity cabinets
- Built-in storage
- Accent walls behind mirrors
Naval shows its true blue in bright bathrooms, but in dim spaces it leans more charcoal, so you get some versatility depending on your lighting.
Bedrooms
Naval works beautifully as an accent wall in bedrooms, especially behind the bed. The color creates a cozy, cocoon-like vibe that’s perfect for sleep.
If your room gets lots of natural light, you can even go all-in and paint the whole space Naval. Designers usually suggest pairing it with white trim and lighter bedding so it doesn’t feel like a cave.
Bedroom styling tips:
- White or cream bedding
- Warm wood furniture
- Brass or gold accents
Kids’ rooms look super cute with Naval on the ceiling for a nighttime sky effect. It works for both boys and girls, depending on what you pair it with.
Front Doors
Painting your front door Naval gives instant curb appeal. This color really works for pretty much any home style, from modern farmhouse to classic colonial.
Naval doors look best with white or cream trim. The combo is timeless and just feels right.
The color holds up well outside and keeps its rich look in all kinds of weather. If your house has light siding, you’ll get the most dramatic effect.
Best exterior pairings:
- White trim and shutters
- Light gray or beige siding
- Natural stone accents
Home Offices
Naval built-ins and accent walls make home offices feel focused and professional. The color helps block out distractions but still looks sophisticated.
Many designers use Naval for bookshelves and storage. The dark blue makes books and decor stand out while adding depth.
Painting the whole office Naval works if you’ve got enough light. It actually helps with concentration and feels less sterile than a basic office gray.
Office applications:
- Built-in bookshelves
- Accent walls behind desks
- Storage cabinets
Naval looks great on camera for video calls, giving you a professional backdrop without being distracting.
Houses
Naval looks gorgeous on home exteriors, especially Cape Cod and colonial styles. It brings drama without going overboard for the neighborhood.
It’s usually best to use Naval on trim, shutters, or accents—whole-house navy can be a lot unless you’re really committed. It pairs perfectly with white, cream, or light gray.
Exterior applications:
- Shutters and trim
- Front doors and garage doors
- Accent siding areas
Playhouses and sheds look fantastic painted all in Naval. The color feels elegant but still connects to the outdoors.
Kitchen Cabinets
Naval kitchen islands become instant focal points without taking over the whole space. The color works best when upper cabinets stay light and bright.
Lower cabinets in Naval with white uppers give you drama and keep the kitchen open. Gold or brass hardware really brings out that rich blue.
Cabinet combinations:
- Naval lowers, white uppers
- Naval island, wood perimeter cabinets
- Naval accent cabinets only
In bright kitchens, Naval shows off its blue tones. The color changes as the light shifts, which keeps things interesting.
Wine storage and butler’s pantries feel upscale and restaurant-like in Naval. The dark shade just elevates entertaining spaces.
Living Rooms
Naval accent walls anchor living room seating areas and create a dramatic backdrop for art or family photos.
If you want to go bold, you can paint the whole living room Naval—just balance it with lots of white trim and lighter furniture. It creates a cozy, intimate space that’s great for relaxing.
Living room styling:
- Light-colored sofas and chairs
- White or cream trim
- Natural wood accents
- Brass lighting fixtures
Built-in entertainment centers and bookshelves look sharp in Naval, hiding electronics and making storage look seamless.
Naval works year-round, but honestly, it feels especially cozy in fall and winter. In spring and summer, pair it with white and natural accents to keep things fresh.
Comparing Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 To Similar Colors
Naval stands out from other dark blues thanks to its gray-green undertones and super low light reflectance value (LRV) of 4. Each comparison brings out subtle differences in warmth, saturation, and overall mood that can really change how your room ends up feeling.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 vs In the Navy SW 9178
Both colors have the same LRV of 4, so they’re equally dark. But their undertones set completely different moods in a space.
Naval has gray-green undertones, which makes it look a bit more muted and sophisticated. It feels cooler and calmer.
In the Navy comes with pure green undertones, no gray, so it’s more saturated and just a bit warmer than Naval.
| Color | LRV | Undertones | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naval | 4 | Gray-green | Muted, cooler |
| In the Navy | 4 | Green | Saturated, warmer |
The difference isn’t huge, but you’ll notice it. In the Navy looks brighter and more vibrant, while Naval is a bit more refined and understated.
Both work for accent walls or built-ins. Pick Naval if you want a softer look, or In the Navy if you want a little more punch.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 vs Charcoal Blue SW 2739
Charcoal Blue leans much more gray, while Naval holds onto its navy identity. You get two totally different feels.
Naval keeps its blue character with gray-green undertones. It reads as a true navy—classic and nautical.
Charcoal Blue pushes into gray-blue territory, so it feels more neutral and less obviously blue.
The LRV is higher for Charcoal Blue, so it’s lighter than Naval’s deep darkness.
Charcoal Blue works when you want a blue-gray neutral. Naval is for those who want a strong navy statement.
Lighting matters. Naval can look almost black in low light, while Charcoal Blue stays more readable in dim spaces.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 vs Sea Mariner SW 9640
Sea Mariner brings more green into the mix than Naval, which pulls it away from classic navy territory.
Naval stays true to its navy blue base with just a hint of gray-green. It feels classic and reliable.
Sea Mariner is more obviously blue-green, with stronger green undertones.
Sea Mariner looks a bit lighter and more vibrant. Naval feels deeper and more grounded.
The mood shift is real—Naval is sophisticated and timeless, while Sea Mariner feels more coastal and relaxed.
Go with Naval for traditional or formal rooms; Sea Mariner fits better in laid-back, coastal spaces. Both look great with white trim and warm woods.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 vs Salty Dog SW 9177
Salty Dog takes dark blue in a different direction with more complex undertones. These two colors serve different design goals.
Naval gives you straightforward navy elegance with gray-green undertones. It’s predictable and reliable in a good way.
Salty Dog has more nuanced undertones that shift depending on the light. It feels a bit moodier and more complex.
Salty Dog tends to look slightly warmer than Naval because of those undertones.
Naval is more versatile across different design styles. Salty Dog needs the right setting to really shine.
Light matters here—Naval stays pretty consistent, but Salty Dog will change more as the day goes on. If you want a safe choice, go for Naval. If you want more personality, Salty Dog has it.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 vs Commodore SW 6524
Commodore gives you a different spin on navy with its own unique vibe. The comparison highlights some key differences for your space.
Naval is deep and sophisticated, thanks to those gray-green undertones. It’s bold but not loud.
Commodore lands a little differently in the blue family. Its undertones create a distinct character—maybe a touch more classic navy in certain lights.
The darkness levels aren’t always the same, so lighting will affect how they show up in your room.
Room size matters with these deep colors. Both can make small spaces feel cozy or, honestly, a bit cramped if you don’t have enough light.
Always test both in your space. You’ll see the differences right away on your own walls.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 vs Moscow Midnight SW 9142
Moscow Midnight goes even darker than Naval, and that changes the whole mood of a room.
Naval is a deep navy that still looks blue in most lighting. It keeps its identity no matter what.
Moscow Midnight is almost black—way more dramatic and intense than Naval.
The LRV is a lot lower for Moscow Midnight, so it absorbs more light and makes rooms feel more intimate (or maybe a little closed-in, depending on your taste).
You’ll want to use Moscow Midnight only if you’ve got plenty of natural light. Naval is easier to live with in lower light and stays readable.
It all comes down to your design goals. Naval gives you that strong navy look, while Moscow Midnight is pure drama and mood.
Whatever you choose, make sure your trim is white or light—both colors need that contrast to keep things from feeling too heavy.
Complementary Colors To Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244
Naval looks fantastic with crisp whites and warm neutrals that balance out its deep blue vibes. These combos give you a fresh, timeless feel, no matter the room.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 With Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster brings a soft contrast to Naval’s rich blue. This warm white has just enough undertone to keep things from turning stark or cold.
Try this duo in kitchens—Naval on the lower cabinets, Alabaster up top. You’ll catch a classic nautical mood, but it never feels overdone.
Best Uses:
- Kitchen cabinets (Naval below, Alabaster above)
- Bedroom accent walls with Alabaster trim
- Bathroom vanities in Naval with Alabaster walls
Alabaster reflects plenty of light with an LRV of 82, which balances out Naval’s dramatic, low LRV of 4. Rooms stay bright even when you go bold with navy.
Those warm undertones in Alabaster play nicely with Naval’s gray-green base. No weird color clashes here, even as the light shifts through the day.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 With Pure White SW 7005
Pure White is as crisp as it gets next to Naval. It’s a true white, barely any undertone, so the look is clean and fresh.
This combo shines in modern spaces where you want a punchy contrast. It’s energizing and, honestly, pretty sophisticated.
Popular Applications:
- Home gyms with Naval ceilings and Pure White walls
- Front doors in Naval with Pure White trim
- Dining rooms with Naval accent walls
With an LRV of 84, Pure White is super bright. That helps Naval stand out without making things feel overwhelming.
Its neutral base means Pure White won’t fight Naval’s undertones. Your navy stays consistent, no matter how the sunlight changes.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 With Redend Point SW 9081
Redend Point brings a cozy warmth to Naval’s cool side. Its peachy-beige base makes for a surprisingly good match.
Those warm undertones in Redend Point work with Naval’s green hints. The end result? It’s elegant but still feels inviting.
Ideal Combinations:
- Living rooms with Naval built-ins and Redend Point walls
- Bedrooms featuring Naval headboard walls
- Office spaces with Naval furniture accents
This pairing really needs good natural light to shine. Both colors are on the lower end of the LRV scale, so you’ll want some sunlight to keep things from getting too dark.
Redend Point’s subtle orange undertones line up with Naval’s blue, following classic color theory for pleasing combos.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 With Antique White SW 6119
Antique White brings a little vintage flair to Naval. Its creamy undertones soften the contrast, so it never feels harsh.
This combo feels timeless—perfect for traditional or farmhouse-style spaces. It doesn’t lean trendy, and it never really looks dated, either.
Recommended Uses:
- Exterior trim in Antique White with Naval shutters
- Kitchen islands in Naval with Antique White perimeter cabinets
- Bathroom wainscoting combinations
Antique White’s LRV of 78 bounces plenty of light but keeps things warm. That helps Naval avoid looking chilly or stark.
Slight yellow undertones in Antique White add warmth to Naval’s cool side. The navy ends up looking richer and more welcoming, even as the light changes.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 With Accessible Beige SW 7036
Accessible Beige grounds Naval with an earthy, relaxed vibe. This greige bridges the gap between warm and cool, so it feels balanced.
The combo comes off as modern, but you won’t lose comfort. It’s sophisticated, but still totally livable.
Best Applications:
- Open floor plans with Naval accent walls
- Master bedrooms with beige main walls and Naval built-ins
- Home offices requiring both calm and focus
Accessible Beige’s LRV of 58 makes it a nice, medium-toned neutral. That gives you contrast with Naval, but it’s never too much.
Its gray undertones echo Naval’s own hints of gray. You get a cohesive color story that just works throughout your space.
Naval by Sherwin Williams SW 6244 With Aged White SW 9180
Aged White sits right between pure white and cream. It brings a gentle warmth that keeps Naval from feeling too chilly or severe.
Put these two together and you get a look that’s classic, but not stuffy. It’s fresh, never jarring, and honestly works just about anywhere—traditional or modern rooms alike.
Top Recommendations:
- Try Aged White for your trim and pair it with Naval walls.
- Go for Aged White subway tile backsplashes with Naval cabinets in the kitchen.
- Naval vanities with Aged White accents really pop in bathrooms.
Aged White has an LRV of 79, so it bounces plenty of light around. It keeps things soft and helps Naval show off its depth, not just intensity.
The almost-invisible warm undertones in Aged White play nicely with Naval’s layered color. You can expect it to look consistently good, no matter what the lighting’s doing that day.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.