Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) | Paint Color Review

Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by lindseymahoney

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) is one of the most beloved dark blue paint colors in home design. Known for its rich, sophisticated depth, this classic navy shade works beautifully in a variety of spaces and styles. Whether you’re considering it for walls, cabinetry, or an exterior update, this review will help you decide if Hale Navy is the right choice for your home.

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy paint color review and coordinating color palette — Image Source: Benjamin Moore

What Color Is Benjamin Moore Hale Navy?
What is the Light Reflective Value (LRV)?
Where to Use Hale Navy in Your Home
What are the Undertones of Hale Navy?
What Colors Pair Well with Hale Navy?
- Neutral Pairings:
- Bold & Contrasting Colors:
Pros & Cons of Using Hale Navy
Is Hale Navy Right for You?
More Content You Will Love

What Color Is Benjamin Moore Hale Navy?

Hale Navy is a deep, true navy blue with a perfect balance of warmth and coolness. Unlike some blues that lean too bright or too muted, Hale Navy maintains a crisp, classic presence in any lighting condition. It has a slight gray undertone, which helps it feel refined rather than overly vibrant.

What is the Light Reflective Value (LRV)?

Hale Navy has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 8, meaning it’s quite dark and absorbs more light than it reflects. In rooms with plenty of natural light, it looks rich and dynamic, while in low-light spaces, it can feel moodier and more dramatic.

Where to Use Hale Navy in Your Home

1 | Walls for a Bold, Sophisticated Look

Hale Navy makes a stunning statement on walls, creating a cozy and inviting space. It pairs well with white trim (like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace or Simply White) for a crisp, classic contrast.

Best rooms for Hale Navy walls:

Living rooms for a moody, elegant feel
Bedrooms for a restful, cocoon-like atmosphere
Dining rooms to create a dramatic backdrop for gatherings

2 | Kitchen Cabinets for a Modern Edge

If you’re looking for an alternative to all-white kitchens, Hale Navy is a fantastic option for cabinetry. It pairs beautifully with brass or gold hardware and looks stunning with white marble or butcher block countertops.

Best pairings for Hale Navy kitchen cabinets:

White or light gray countertops (marble, quartz, or butcher block)
White or soft gray backsplashes for contrast
Warm brass or polished nickel hardware

3 | Bathroom Vanities or Small Bathroom

Hale Navy works wonderfully on vanities, adding depth and sophistication to bathrooms. Pair it with crisp white walls, marble tile, and gold or black fixtures for a timeless look.

4 | Accent Walls for a Pop of Drama

If you love the idea of Hale Navy but aren’t ready to commit to a full room, an accent wall is a great way to introduce this deep blue. Try it behind a bed, in an office, or in a reading nook to create a focal point.

5 | Exterior Siding or Front Doors for a Classic Appeal

Hale Navy is a fantastic choice for exteriors, whether on siding, shutters, or a front door. It pairs well with white trim, natural wood tones, and stone accents for a sophisticated curb appeal.

Best exterior pairings for Hale Navy:

White trim (Benjamin Moore White Dove or Simply White)
Warm wood doors or shutters for a natural contrast
Black accents for a modern look

What are the Undertones of Hale Navy?

A paint undertone is a color you don’t see that can cause the main color (tone) to feel warm or cool. Warm paint colors have yellow, beige, or pink undertones. Cool paint colors have green, purple or blue undertones.

Hale Navy has slight gray undertones which makes it a great neutral color in any interior space.

What Colors Pair Well with Hale Navy?

Hale Navy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of colors, whether you’re looking for a neutral palette or bold contrast.

Neutral Pairings:

Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that creates a classic navy-and-white contrast.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172): A warm greige that balances the depth of Hale Navy.
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (OC-23): A light, airy gray for a softer look.

Bold & Contrasting Colors:

Benjamin Moore Caliente (AF-290): A deep, rich red that pops against navy.
Benjamin Moore Guilford Green (HC-116): A muted green that brings in a fresh, organic contrast.
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy + Mustard Yellow: A bold combination that adds energy and personality.

Caliente
White Dove
Wild Mushroom
Slate Blue
Revere Pewter
Oxford Gold
Guildford Green

Pros & Cons of Using Hale Navy

Pros:

Classic and timeless navy blue
Works well in a variety of spaces and styles
Pairs beautifully with both warm and cool tones
Looks rich and elegant in natural light

Cons:

Can appear almost black in rooms with minimal lighting
May feel too dark for small spaces without ample light
Requires high-quality paint application to avoid streaks in dark colors

Is Hale Navy Right for You?

If you’re looking for a bold yet sophisticated navy blue, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is an excellent choice. Its balanced undertones make it versatile, whether you’re painting walls, cabinets, or exteriors. Just be mindful of lighting—while it looks stunning in natural light, it can feel quite dark in dim spaces.

Would you use Hale Navy in your home? Let me know in the comments!