Kensington blue and hale navy are two shades of light blue that have become popular choices for home decor and fashion design.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the differences between the two greyish-blue shades – from their origins to how they’re used in fashion, design, home decor, and other artistic projects today.
Read on below and we’ll explore whether one is better than the other and what you should consider when choosing between them for your next project.
Differences Between Kensington Blue vs Hale Navy
While both Kensington blue and Hale navy are similar shades of blue, they have distinct differences you should be aware of.
Let’s have a look at the main differences between Kensington blue vs hale navy:
Kensington Blue
Kensington is a lighter shade than most blue colors, with a slightly cool and calming tone to it – though it is much greyer than the official “light blue” color.
Further, Kensington blue is also more vibrant than its counterpart, hale navy, as well as has a greater degree of brightness.
For these reasons, Kensington blue can create a higher sense of excitement due to its vibrancy.
Hale Navy
Hale navy tends to be darker in color with warmer undertones than other types of blue.
In comparison to Kensington blue, this particular blue shade is slightly greyer and less bright.
In addition, hale navy can be used to create an atmosphere of calmness and tranquillity.
Hex Codes
Another difference to take notice of in our Kensington blue vs hale navy comparison is the two color’s hex codes:
- Kensington blue’s hex code is #4E78A0, indicating a rich and deep shade.
- Hale navy’s hex code is #434C56, as it is a slightly darker blue color.
Knowing these codes can be helpful for designers who need to precisely choose colors that complement each other in their work.
Additionally, these codes are useful for accurately matching colors across a variety of platforms and digital devices.
Psychological Connotations of Each Color: What Each Color Communicates
The meaning behind Kensington blue and Hale navy are both impactful.
Kensington Blue
Kensington blue is often seen as an optimistic, hopeful color that imbues a sense of peace. It represents tranquility, and serenity, and promotes self-reflection and appreciation for others.
Hale Navy
Hale navy is also seen as a calming shade that can bring a feeling of balance and harmony, though it is less “optimistic” than Kensington blue – because it is greyer. It may invoke a rainy day vibe, however, if used for home decor (wall paper or paint) without proper lighting.
On an emotional level, the combination of these two colors can have a powerful psychological effect on people, inspiring creativity and evoking feelings of joy.
Popular Usage
In the world of design, Kensington blue and Hale navy are two shades that have become immensely popular.
These colors have been used to create beautiful designs in both fashion apparel and wall art prints.
Learn more, about Kensington blue vs hale navy below:
Fashion
When it comes to fashion, Kensington blue and hale navy make for a timeless combination.
Kensington blue is often seen being used as the base color, creating an effortless, breezy feel.
This can be paired with hale navy for elements such as lapels, collars, and hems for added contrast and visual interest.
Both colors are versatile enough to work in any outfit, making them ideal choices for both day and night wear.
These two shades can also be combined to create an edgier look with striped shirts or statement jackets that stand out from the crowd.
Design
Kensington blue and hale navy are popular shades in the world of design.
Kensington blue is often used as a base color, creating a light and airy backdrop to feature other colors, while hale navy is often seen being used to create contrast, providing a strong visual element to any design.
From fashion apparel to wall art prints, these colors have been used in many different ways to make designs that stand out.
When paired together, they can create an eye-catching look that works for both home and fashion projects alike.
Home Decor
Kensington blue and hale navy are both popular choices for home décor projects. That said, Kensington blue has a softer, airier feel compared to hale navy which is often chosen for its slightly bolder tones.
Kensington blue can be used in walls, furniture, and accents for a subtle, timeless look that adds just the right amount of color.
While hale navy works great as an accent color or an anchor piece, such as an upholstered sofa or bed.
Its deep shade provides a sense of warmth to any room. Whether you’re looking for something subtle or vibrant, both colors are great options for giving your home the perfect finishing touch.
Origins of Each Color
Here’s a short history of each color’s origins:
Kensington Blue
Kensington blue is a color that has been used in fashion and home décor for several centuries. Its name originates from the city of Kensington in England.
It’s thought to be derived from the color of the buildings in the area, which are a light slate blue shade.
Hale Navy
Hale navy, on the other hand, has its roots in American fashion, with its name coming from Joseph Hale – an American designer who popularised the shade during the 19th century.
This deep navy color became known as ‘Hale Navy’ and continues to be a popular choice for clothing or home decor projects today as it is something between grey and light blue and suitable for many various applications.
Common Questions
What’s the difference between Kensington blue and hale navy?
Kensington blue is a softer, lighter shade of blue with an airy feel to it. It is more subtle than hale navy which has a slightly darker grey hue and is often used for deeper tones in home decor or fashion designs.
Which one should I use for my project?
It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Kensington blue provides a lighter and crisper look than hale navy, making it ideal for lighter, more casual projects like wall art or clothing designs. Hale navy, however, is better suited for deeper tones and can be used to create a slightly bolder statement. Consider the overall look and feel you want your project to have when choosing your color.
Can both colors be used together?
Absolutely! Both shades of blue work well together, so you can use them either subtly blended or as contrasting elements in your design. That said, hale navy works better for accents if you’re using them together in a design or for home decor where they are the primary colors.
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.