Navy blue is a deep, almost black shade of blue emphasizing tranquility and dignity. Dating back to the 18th century, navy blue was chosen as the color for naval attire due to its practicality and ability to hide stains. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about navy blue, from its color code to its symbolism, and even how to add a navy blue background to your photos using AVCLabs PhotoPro AI.
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Reading Guide
Part 1: What Color is Navy Blue?
Navy blue is a dark shade of blue that gets its name from the uniforms worn by naval officers. It is one of the most versatile and enduring colors in the blue family, often associated with authority, confidence, and stability. Navy blue is favored for its deep, rich tone that adds depth and sophistication to any design or outfit.
Part 2: Information about Navy Blue Color
1. History of Navy Blue
The term "navy blue" originated from the dark blue uniforms worn by officers in the British Royal Navy in the mid-18th century. This dark blue hue was soon adopted by other naval forces worldwide. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, navy blue became popular in civilian fashion.
2. Navy Blue Color Code
The color code for navy blue is typically represented by the hex code #000080. In the RGB color model, navy blue is made up of 0% red, 0% green, and 50.2% blue (0, 0, 128). This makes it one of the darkest shades of blue available, perfect for creating a strong and commanding visual presence.
3. Color Conversion
| Hex | #000080 | RGB | rgb(0, 0, 128) |
| RGB Percentages | rgb(0%, 0%, 50%) | HSL | hsl(240, 100%, 25%) |
| HSV | hsv(240, 100%, 50%) | LCH | 13, 80, 306 |
| LAB | 13, 48, -65 | LUV | 13, -4, -52 |
| XYZ | 4, 2, 21 | Closest Tailwind Color | indigo-900 |
4. Color Variations
View this color variations of shades, tints, tones, hues and temperatures.
Shade 
Tint 
Tone 
Hue 
Temperature 
5. Navy Blue Color Palette
If you want to find colors that go with navy blue, check out the following color palettes and schemes identified by the color wheel.
| Complementary | Split-complementary |
|---|---|
| A complementary color scheme is a pairs of colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. | A split-complementary scheme takes one base color and pairs it with the two colors adjacent to its complementary color. |
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| Triadic | Analogous |
| A triadic color scheme involves three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel. | An analogous color scheme uses colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. |
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| Monochromatic | Tetradic |
| A monochromatic scheme uses variations of the same hue. | A tetradic scheme involves two complementary pairs. |
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Part 3: How to Make Navy Blue?
To make navy blue, start with a base of pure blue and gradually mix in a small amount of black to darken the shade. The key is to add just enough black to achieve the deep, rich tone that characterizes navy blue without overpowering the blue itself. You can also add a touch of gray to soften the color slightly if needed. This simple combination gives you the classic, dark, and sophisticated navy blue hue.
Part 4: What Color Is Similar to Navy Blue Color?
- Midnight blue (#191970): Even darker than navy, almost bordering on black.
- Indigo (#4b0082): Another close relative, with a mix of blue and violet that gives it a more vibrant appearance.
- Prussian blue (#003153): Slightly lighter than navy blue, with a more muted, grayish tone.
These colors all share the same deep and rich qualities that make navy blue so appealing, but each brings its unique character to the table.
Part 5: Which Colors Go with With Navy Blue?
Navy blue is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of colors.
- For a classic look, it pairs beautifully with white or gray, creating a clean and timeless combination.
- For a bolder contrast, navy blue can be paired with bright colors like yellow, orange, or red.
It also works well with metallics like gold and silver, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the overall design. In interiors, navy blue can be paired with earthy tones like beige, tan, and olive green to create a warm and inviting space.
Part 6: What Does Navy Blue Color Symbolize?
Power, authority, and reliability: It is often seen as a color of professionalism, which is why it’s a popular choice for business settings and formal attire.
Trust, loyalty, and intelligence: A color that inspires confidence and respect.
Calmness, mystery, and introspection: In some cultures, navy blue is associated with the depths of the ocean and the vastness of the night sky, evoking a sense of
Part 7: Navy vs. Royal Blue Color
While navy blue and royal blue are both shades of blue, they have distinct differences. Royal blue is often associated with royalty, luxury, and extravagance, whereas navy blue conveys a more reserved and formal image. In terms of usage, navy blue is often preferred for formal and professional settings, while royal blue is used in more festive and celebratory contexts.
| Color | Hex | RGB | Description | Color shade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navy Blue | #000080 | (0,0,128) | Much darker and more subdued |  |
| Royal Blue | #4169e1 | (65,105,225) | Brighter and more vibrant |  |
Part 8: [Bonus Tip] How to Add A Navy Blue Color Background to Any Image?
Navy blue is a great color tone that can add a bold and vibrant touch to your photos. You can easily add navy blue elements to your photo with the AI-powered photo editor- AVCLabs PhotoPro AI.
AVCLabs PhotoPro AI
- Up to 4x Losslessly Size Enlargement.
- Remove unwanted elements in the image.
- Replace any existing object with text prompts.
- Instant background removal and replacement.
- Add color to black-and-white photos in one click.
- Fix Blurry human face and bring back details.
- Auto color calibration and correction.
- Step 1 Launch the program and import a photo.
- Step 2 Click the Matting tool on the left menu bar. Use one of the selection tools to choose the object that you want to isolate from the background and Click the Next button.
- Step 3 You are free to add a pure color or a custom image as a new background. Click on the Image tab and upload a picture containing navy blue color. Click Apply.
Conclusion
From this article, we've learned that navy blue color is a dark shade of blue with the hex code #000080. Often associated with authority, confidence, and stability, this color can go with many colors such as neutrals, bright colors, or metallics like gold and silver. With tools like AVCLabs PhotoPro AI, adding a touch of navy blue to your projects has never been easier. Embrace the depth and elegance of navy blue, and watch your creative vision come to life.
