Air force blue and navy blue are two of the most popular colors used in home decor, fashion, and design.
Both colors have a long history of being used in naval, military, and even fashion contexts.
They both share many qualities that make them appealing for different purposes, but there are also some key differences to be aware of.
This article will explore the origins and characteristics of air force blue and navy blue in order to help you choose which is the best color for your next project – read on!
Differences Between Air Force Blue vs Navy Blue
Air force blue and navy blue are both shades of dark blue that can be used in a variety of contexts.
However, there are some key differences between the two colors that should be taken into consideration when choosing which hue to use for a given project.
The most prominent difference between air force blue and navy blue is in the saturation level of each color.
Let’s dive into their further differences:
Navy Blue
Navy blue is slightly darker than air force blue, and its hue includes more black than air force blue. This makes navy blue appear richer, deeper, and more saturated than air force blue.
Another important difference between the two colors is that navy blue has a deeper tone with warmer undertones.
The type of undertone a color has can hugely affect how it is perceived by viewers, so it’s important to take note of this before making your decision.
Air Force Blue
Air Force Blue was developed in 1955 specifically as part of the Royal Air Force uniform colors palette – compared to Navy blue historically has been associated with naval forces due to its long-time use as the official color for British Royal Navy uniforms.
Air force blue has a cooler feeling than navy blue with grayish undertones, rather than dark/purple tones of the former.
Depending on the context of the design/project you are planning, either shade may be more suitable. So, make sure to keep these differences in mind while choosing what color to use.
Hex Codes
When it comes to working with color codes, hexadecimal codes are the most common type used in digital design.
Failure to input the precise hex code, letter for letter and number for number is sure to result in the wrong color ending up as part of your design – and then you’ll have to fix it, and spend more time on it than you’d budgeted for.
To make sure you use the exact shade of air force blue or navy blue that you want, here are their corresponding hex codes:
- Air Force Blue: #00308F
- Navy Blue: #003f87
Always remember to double-check hex codes before applying colors to your projects, home decor, or fashion designs.
Psychological Connotations of Each Color: What Each Color Communicates
When it comes to the psychological connotations of air force blue and navy blue, there are a few key differences that should be considered.
Air Force Blue
Air force blue is seen as a symbol of authority, stability, and responsibility – very much similar to Navy blue’s psychological connotations.
Even more, thanks to being associated with the Air Force for almost one full century now, it may also evoke feelings of trustworthiness and reliability in its beholder as well.
Navy Blue
Navy blue, on the other hand, is often associated with strength, power, and safety. This popular blue color also gives off feelings of dependability, conservatism, and last but not least, prestige (and privilege).
When looking at what different shades mean psychologically you should take into account the underlying hues of each color.
As previously mentioned, navy blue has warmer undertones while air force blue has cooler ones which will affect how viewers perceive them.
By choosing one or the other you can play up different moods depending on what you’re trying to convey in your project.
Popular Usage
Air force blue and navy blue are two lovely shades of blue that are more than simply popular in both fashion and interior design – they are beloved blue hues, to this degree.
They are seen as classic shades that can be used to create sophisticated looks and evoke feelings of trustworthiness or stability.
Air force blue is particularly common in the corporate world, where it is often seen on uniforms or for office décor.
Navy blue is also often used in business settings, but it has become increasingly popular in casual fashion as well.
In the following sub-sections of our air force blue vs navy blue, we continue breaking down and laying out the facts about the two colors’ popular usage in fashion, home decor, and design.
Let’s go!
Fashion
Air force blue and navy blue are popular colors in the fashion world, often found in a wide variety of types of clothing and fashion accessories.
Air force blue is particularly popular for military-inspired looks, as the name suggests. It can be used to create professional or structured outfits that exude confidence and dependability.
Navy blue is also a versatile color for fashion, as it comes in a wide range of shades – from deep pacific to powder blues. It can be used to create classic pieces as well as more modern looks.
Navy blue has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many fashionistas opting for this hue over black or grayscale.
Design
Air force blue and navy blue are also a couple of the most popular colors used in interior design.
The colors can be used to create sophisticated looks with a hint of sophistication or dependability.
Air force blue is particularly common for office décor, creating a professional atmosphere that exudes trustworthiness and confidence.
Navy blue has also become increasingly popular in home décor, as it creates a calming atmosphere and builds a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Navy blue is often used in bedrooms or living rooms, to evoke feelings of relaxation and coziness. It is also becoming more popular in kitchen designs, from blues ranging from royal to teal.
Home Decor
In regards to their popular usage in the home decor department, Air force blue and Navy blue continue to gain popularity among designers and homeowners alike.
Air force blue can be used to create a professional and sophisticated atmosphere, while navy blue is often used to evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation.
Air force blue is particularly popular for office spaces, creating an atmosphere that inspires trustworthiness and dependability.
Navy blue is often used in bedrooms or living rooms as it creates a calming atmosphere and promotes feelings of coziness.
This classic darkish blue hue is also becoming more popular in kitchen designs, from shades ranging from royal to teal.
Lastly, both air force blue and navy blue are versatile colors that can easily be matched with other shades, making them a great choice for anyone looking to add personality to their home without being too bold or overwhelming – in other words, they play well together and with other colors.
Origins of Each Color
Air force blue and navy blue both have long histories within military forces, giving them both an association with strength, dependability, and trustworthiness.
Air Force Blue
Air force blue is the official color of the United States Air Force, first being used in 1940 when the Army Air Corps became the United States Army Air Forces.
The color was chosen to represent authority and has been a part of airforce uniforms ever since.
Navy Blue
Navy blue, meanwhile, has been used by naval military forces around the world for roughly three centuries now.
This old-school blue color was favored for its ability to blend into the ocean’s horizon and also for its connotations of honor and integrity.
Today, Navy blue is still frequently associated with strength and sovereignty.
Common Questions
What is the difference between air force blue and navy blue?
The primary difference between air force blue and navy blue is their respective origins. Air force blue was adopted by the US Air Force in 1940, while navy blue has been used by navies around the world for around 300 years now. The colors also have slightly different connotations – air force blue is associated with authority and dependability, while navy blue is seen as a symbol of strength and sovereignty.
What colors complement air force blue the best?
Air force blue pairs well with other shades of blues, including darker shades such as midnight or royal blues, as well as lighter shades such as baby or teal blues. It also pairs well with complementary colors such as tans, creams, and oranges to create a balanced look. Additionally, it goes especially well with white for a classic and timeless look.
What colors complement navy blue the best?
Navy blue pairs particularly well with light gray or beige for an upscale yet modern look. Additionally, earthy colors like greens or ochres work great to bring out the warmth in the color. Pops of bold colors such as reds or yellows can also be used to add an extra layer of richness to your home decor.
Daniela Corango loves to see the color in all things. She’s passionate about fashion, and interior design. She recently moved to New York and lives with her 2 dogs Peppy and Cinnamon.