The color navy is a very deep and rich shade of blue that can appear almost black in some lighting conditions. Navy gets its name from the dark blue color used in British Royal Navy uniforms. So is navy considered a dark blue or is it its own distinct color? Let’s take a closer look.
The Color Navy
Navy is created by combining very dark blue and black pigments. This results in a rich, deep blue color that has hints of black. The first recorded use of “navy blue” as a color name in English was in 1840. Before this, the dark blue color used in naval uniforms was just referred to as “dark blue.”
The exact shades and tones that define navy can vary slightly. In general, navy is a darker shade than primary blue. It sits between the very dark midnight blue and the lighter blue. Navy has more black added to it compared to primary blue. This extra black gives it a deeper, richer appearance.
Is Navy a Dark Blue?
Yes, navy is considered a very dark shade of blue. It sits at the darker end of the blue color spectrum, but still within the blue family. The addition of black causes it to become a deeper, darker blue rather than changing it to a different color altogether.
Where Navy Falls on the Color Wheel
The color wheel is a useful tool for understanding how colors relate to each other. On the traditional RYB color wheel, navy falls between the primary colors of blue and red:
| Red | Navy | Blue |
It sits much closer to blue than red. This shows that navy still retains its blue character, even with the addition of black.
Navy’s Hue, Saturation, and Brightness
We can also analyze navy by looking at its hue, saturation, and brightness (HSB):
– Hue: Navy’s hue is the same as blue at around 205-225 degrees on the color wheel. This hue angle places it firmly in the blue color family.
– Saturation: Navy has a lower saturation than primary blue, usually around 20-40%. This lower saturation gives it a more subdued, muted tone.
– Brightness: The brightness level of navy is very low, usually under 25%. This low brightness results in the dark, almost black appearance of navy.
So while navy has reduced saturation and brightness compared to blue, its hue still remains in the blue range. This analysis supports that navy is a dark shade of blue.
Differences Between Navy and Blue
While navy is considered a dark blue, there are some noticeable differences between navy and lighter blues:
Darker and More Somber
Navy has a darker, more somber tone than lighter blues. Its deep shade evokes a moody, serious feeling. Lighter blues can appear cheerful, calming, or refreshing.
Less Radiant
With its low brightness, navy reflects less light. It has a dull, matte finish compared to the radiant sheen of lighter blues.
More Neutral
With its lower saturation, navy is not as vibrant or intense as primary blue. Its muted tone gives it a more neutral base that pairs well with many colors.
Slight Black Tinge
In some lighting, navy can take on a slightly blackish cast. This subtle black tinge sets it apart from pure blue.
So while navy is a dark blue, it has its own unique personality and aesthetic compared to lighter blues. This makes it a versatile color choice.
When Navy Can Appear Black
In very low lighting conditions, navy may appear black. But once light is introduced, its blue tone becomes apparent. Here are some situations where navy can appear blackish until illuminated:
At Night
In a dark room or outside at night, navy clothing or fabric can appear black. But in daylight, the blue tone emerges.
In Shadow
When navy objects are in a shaded area away from direct light, they can seem black at first glance. The navy color becomes clear when brought into the light.
Under Incandescent Light
Under warm incandescent or candle light bulbs, navy can take on a murky, blackish look. Natural daylight brings out its true blue shade.
At a Distance
From a distance, navy items may appear black. Up close under proper lighting, the rich blue color becomes apparent.
So navy can seem black in low light situations. But it still maintains its underlying deep blue tone.
Navy vs. Midnight Blue
How does navy compare to midnight blue? While both are very dark blues, some key differences are:
| Navy | Midnight Blue |
|---|---|
| Deeper, slightly blackened blue | Intense, pure blue |
| More subdued and muted | Higher saturation |
| Slightly more black added | Less black than navy |
Overall, navy is a blackened blue while midnight blue is a purer, more vivid blue. Midnight blue is also brighter than the duller navy.
Navy vs. Indigo
Indigo is the color between blue and violet on the color spectrum. Here is how navy and indigo differ:
| Navy | Indigo |
|---|---|
| Hue closer to blue | Hue closer to violet |
| Cooler tone | Warmer, more purple tone |
| Often slightly lighter | Usually darker |
While both are dark, navy leans closer to blue while indigo leans toward violet. Indigo also tends to be darker than navy in many cases.
Conclusion
So in summary, navy is most accurately described as a very dark blue. Its position on the color wheel, hue angle, and underlying blue pigment all confirm it as a deep shade of blue. However, the addition of black gives navy a unique personality with muted, neutral tones and a near-black appearance in low light. Overall, navy occupies its own niche as a sophisticated, versatile dark blue.
References
[1] Kuehni, R. (2012). Color: an introduction to practice and principles. John Wiley & Sons.
[2] Sharma, A. (2003). The World Book encyclopedia. World Book.
[3] Guilford, J., & Smith, P. (1959). A system of color preferences. The American Journal of Psychology, 72(4), 487-502.
[4] International Commission on Illumination. (2004). Colorimetry (3rd ed.). CIE Publication 15:2004. Vienna, Austria: Bureau Central de la CIE.
[5] Fairchild, M. D. (2013). Color appearance models. John Wiley & Sons.