How can you tell the difference between navy, indigo, or blue, and which one should you choose? This article will discuss these three colors with a side-by-side comparison helping you decide which one is best for you.

Definitions
Hex Code
The attributed hex codes for each color is a hexadecimal method of determining the combination of red, blue and green that goes into creating a color.
The important thing about a hex code is that it is shorter; being able to lose the three digits of each of the RGB code allows coders and designers to more efficiently note which colors they want to be included in their web pages and layouts.
RGB Code
While the use of hex codes really didn’t blossom until it was necessary to create efficient HTML coding, the RGB scale stretches back into the early 1900s and was popular in coloring in print media, from cartoons to advertisements.
When considering paint colors vs. digitally produced colors, it’s important to remember that the primary paint colors are red, blue, and yellow. In the light spectrum, you’re working with red, green, and blue.
When you combine all the colors in paint, you get black. If you split white light in a prism, you will get all the colors broken out.
LRV
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a measurement that indicates the amount of light a paint color reflects. It is expressed as a percentage, ranging from 0% (absolute black, which absorbs all light) to 100% (absolute white, which reflects all light).
Navy vs Indigo vs Blue Paint Colors
Blue is the color of sky and sea. It’s also a color connected with loyalty, such as “true blue” and sincerity.
Religious imagery of people of power is connected with red or purple, but in the European tradition, female saints such as the Virgin Mary always wear blue.
In the landscape, blue flowers are rare and treasured. In your home, blue tones can create a sense of peace and calm.

Navy
The color Navy got its name from its use in sailors’ uniforms. Navy is a staple in many wardrobes, both in men’s suits and in women’s business dresses and suits.

One of the challenges with navy is that it can look either black or blue depending on what you pair it with.
If you have a navy garment that you can’t seem to decide on, pair it with cream or ivory and add a pop of burgundy to your outfit.
The cream tone will contrast with the blue and the blue mixed into the burgundy will guide the eye to see blue instead of black.
In your home, a little navy can go a long way. It’s a nice addition to an accent wall, but a full navy paint job could feel more like a cave than a quiet, homey room.
It can be tempting to pair navy with grey, but take care to use a blue-based grey or stick with a silver tone.
If you want a neutral to really make your navy stand out, consider either a mauve (which contains blue) or a warm tan for the contrasting yellow to draw out the blue.
If you choose to use navy on the walls, go for something light on the floor.
A pale maple wooden plank floor could forever solve the question of “is that blue or black?” when referring to your navy accent wall.
This color works very well in crisp, straight lines; if you’re considering adding a chair rail or wainscoting in a creamy white, navy up above would be an excellent choice.
HEX COLOR: #202A44
RGB: 32,42,68
Paint Color Samples
Would you like to sample these paint colors? I recommend using a peel and stick paint sample from SAMPLIZE. Peel and stick paint samples are very affordable and easy to use. They are also clean and environmentally friendly!
Advantages of using peel and stick paint samples:
- EASY TO USE: Simply move your SAMPLIZE paint sample around the room to test under a variety of lighting conditions.
- AFFORDABLE: Budget-friendly solution and no more buying inaccurate swatches, rollers, wasted paint.
- SUPER FAST DELIVERY: Depending on your location, 1 day delivery is possible.
- ORDER FROM HOME: Save a trip to the store looking for samples.
- NO MESS: SAMPLIZE uses real paint samples with zero-mess
- NO WASTE: No leftover cans or wasted paint.

Hale Navy (HC-154) by Benjamin Moore
A popular shade of navy is Hale Navy (HC-154) by Benjamin Moore. This is a classic, deep navy blue. It is a rich, sophisticated color that brings a sense of elegance and timelessness to any space. Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern.

Best Uses:
- Accent Walls: Perfect for creating a striking focal point in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms.
- Cabinetry: Works beautifully on kitchen or bathroom cabinets, adding a touch of sophistication.
- Exterior: Ideal for front doors, shutters, or even the entire exterior of a home for a bold statement.
- Furniture: Great for refinishing furniture pieces like dressers, bookshelves, or side tables.
- Home Offices and Libraries: Adds a sense of depth and professionalism, making it suitable for workspaces.
Colors that Complement Hale Navy:
- Whites and Neutrals:
- White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that provides a crisp contrast.
- Simply White (OC-117): A clean white that enhances the richness of Hale Navy.
- Revere Pewter (HC-172): A warm gray that complements the depth of Hale Navy.
- Grays:
- Stonington Gray (HC-170): A cool gray that pairs well and creates a balanced look.
- Gray Owl (OC-52): A light gray that offers a subtle, harmonious contrast.
- Golds and Yellows:
- Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4): A warm yellow that adds a cheerful and vibrant contrast.
- Concord Ivory (HC-12): A muted gold that enhances the elegance of Hale Navy.
- Greens:
- Saybrook Sage (HC-114): A muted green that offers a calming and complementary tone.
- October Mist (1495): A soft green that adds a fresh, natural touch.
- Other Blues:
- Van Deusen Blue (HC-156): A slightly lighter blue that pairs beautifully with Hale Navy.
- Blue Note (2129-30): A dark blue that creates a cohesive and monochromatic look.
Hale Navy (HC-154) by Benjamin Moore is a versatile and timeless color that can add depth, sophistication, and elegance to any space. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and cohesive design.
Hex code: #434b56
LRV: 8.36

Get a peel and stick paint color sample of Hale Navy (HC-154) here.
Indigo
The dyes that make up the color we know as indigo indicated in India, in what is now known as the Indus Valley.


Gaining access to the plant from which indigo was harvested was actually important in the spread of the African slave trade.
Until synthetic dyes were created in 1856, the ability to create and fix color was both dangerous and labor-intensive.
Indigo is a simple combination of two parts blue to one part red, give or take. Remember that equal parts blue and red make purple if you plan to use indigo in your decorating palette.
If you have an indigo wall that turns purple in the sunset, the color is behaving as it should, but if it’s purple all the time you may have to swap out your red cushions and throw for something in the yellow color family.
It’s highly unlikely that indigo will ever read black as navy sometimes can.
The color indigo is tied to the third eye chakra in the Hindu tradition. This color would make a wonderful accent wall in your meditation room or crafting space.
It pairs beautifully with plain white paint and needs no yellow to draw out the blue.
You may also find this color a help in your home office space if you work in the creative industry or have to do a lot of synthesizing in your profession.
HEX COLOR: #4B0082
RGB: 75,0,130
Royal Indigo (PPG 1174-7) by PPG
A popular Indigo paint color is Royal Indigo (PPG 1174-7) by PPG. This is a deep, luxurious blue with purple undertones. This rich, bold color exudes elegance and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for creating dramatic and impactful spaces.


Best Uses:
- Accent Walls: Ideal for creating a bold focal point in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms.
- Cabinetry: Works beautifully on kitchen or bathroom cabinets, adding a touch of luxury.
- Furniture: Perfect for refinishing furniture pieces such as dressers, bookshelves, or accent chairs.
- Home Offices and Libraries: Adds depth and a professional look, suitable for workspaces.
- Entryways and Hallways: Provides a welcoming and striking entrance to your home.
Colors that Complement Royal Indigo:
- Whites and Neutrals:
- Delicate White (PPG1001-1): A crisp, clean white that provides a stark contrast.
- Moth Gray (PPG1025-3): A warm gray that complements the depth of Royal Indigo.
- Silver Feather (PPG1004-1): A light, airy gray that offers a subtle, harmonious contrast.
- Golds and Yellows:
- Golden Plumeria (PPG1218-5): A warm yellow that adds a cheerful and vibrant contrast.
- Spiced Honey (PPG1207-7): A muted gold that enhances the richness of Royal Indigo.
- Greens:
- Olive Sprig (PPG1125-4): A muted green that offers a calming and complementary tone.
- Sage Green Light (PPG1134-3): A soft green that adds a natural, fresh touch.
- Blues and Purples:
- Blue Hyacinth (PPG1160-6): A slightly lighter blue that pairs beautifully with Royal Indigo.
- Grape Juice (PPG1248-7): A deep purple that creates a cohesive and monochromatic look.
- Earth Tones:
- Raffia Cream (PPG1101-2): A warm beige that complements the boldness of Royal Indigo.
- Bungalow Taupe (PPG1008-5): A taupe that adds depth and a modern touch.
Royal Indigo (PPG 1174-7) by PPG is a versatile and luxurious color that can add depth, sophistication, and elegance to any space. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and cohesive design.
Hex code: #433C5A
LRV: 7


Get a peel and stick paint color sample of Royal Indigo (PPG 1174-7) here.
Blue
Straight-up 255 on the RBG scale is a very intense color. The name itself comes from the old French “bleu”.


It is interesting to note that someone with “blue blood” is considered to be high up in the societal echelon, but if you use “blue language” you could quickly fall out of favor!
It seems that the connection between the color blue and coarseness or crassness bloomed when blue was the assigned color of laborers; hence, the blue-collar connection.
On the color wheel that shows both coordinating and contrasting colors, the opposite of this clear blue is orange.
Pairing the hot color of orange with the cool tone of blue could be a bit intense in your decorating scheme.
However, if you love orange, you could enjoy the contrast by lightening the blue, which would maintain the color purity while backing off the intensity of tone.
Another option is to change up the placement. Consider a pale blue ceiling in a room with white walls. This would open up the space, especially if you used a white-bladed ceiling fan for a crisp look and a lot of air movement.
Both peach and a more intense orange could easily work in this space. Be aware that this area might be relaxed, but it may never have a terribly cozy feel.
One of the challenges of decorating with any of the pure 255 colors of red, blue, or green is that most other colors bump up against them rather than working with them.
Cream works with navy because the yellow in the cream color it enhances the blue pigment. Cream against pure blue is just a tired yellow. If you’re considering decorating with pure 255 colors, be ready for the space to be dominated by that color and plan accordingly.
It will be a space of contrasts, which can be energizing, but it may not be a terribly relaxing space.
HEX COLOR: #0000FF
RGB: (0,0,255)
Kensington Blue (840) by Benjamin Moore
A popular blue paint color is Kensington Blue (840) by Benjamin Moore. This is a vibrant, mid-tone blue that brings a lively yet sophisticated feel to any space. This versatile shade of blue can add a touch of classic elegance or modern chic, depending on how it is used in a room.


Best Uses:
- Accent Walls: Ideal for creating a bold statement in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms.
- Cabinetry: Works beautifully on kitchen or bathroom cabinets, providing a fresh and lively look.
- Furniture: Perfect for refinishing furniture pieces like dressers, bookshelves, or accent tables, adding a pop of color.
- Home Offices and Libraries: Adds a sense of calm and focus, making it suitable for workspaces.
- Children’s Rooms: A fun and vibrant color that can add energy and creativity to a child’s bedroom or playroom.
Colors that Complement Kensington Blue:
- Whites and Neutrals:
- White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that provides a crisp contrast.
- Chantilly Lace (OC-65): A clean, bright white that enhances the vibrancy of Kensington Blue.
- Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): A light, neutral gray that offers a subtle and elegant pairing.
- Grays:
- Stonington Gray (HC-170): A cool gray that pairs well and creates a balanced look.
- Coventry Gray (HC-169): A deeper gray that adds a sophisticated touch.
- Yellows and Golds:
- Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4): A warm yellow that adds a cheerful and vibrant contrast.
- Concord Ivory (HC-12): A muted gold that complements the richness of Kensington Blue.
- Greens:
- Saybrook Sage (HC-114): A muted green that offers a calming and complementary tone.
- Guilford Green (HC-116): A soft green that adds a natural, fresh touch.
- Other Blues:
- Hale Navy (HC-154): A deeper navy that creates a sophisticated and cohesive look.
- Boothbay Gray (HC-165): A blue-gray that provides a balanced and serene contrast.
Kensington Blue (840) by Benjamin Moore is a versatile and vibrant color that can add energy, sophistication, and elegance to any space. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and cohesive design.
Hex code: #4b5a71
LRV: 11.97


Get a peel and stick paint sample of Kensington Blue (840) here.