Medieval blue and navy blue are two shades of dark blue that can be tricky to tell apart.
It’s important to understand the nuances between them, as a subtle change in color can make all the difference in achieving the desired look or atmosphere.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the unique characteristics of each of these blue hues and how they can be used to create different effects.
Read on – explore medieval blue vs navy blue!
Differences Between Medieval Blue vs Navy Blue
The differences between medieval blue and navy blue can play an important role when it comes to creating the desired look or atmosphere when decorating a home, office space, or other area.
Both shades are dark blues and can be mistaken for one another due to their subtlety.
Here, we’ll explore some of the unique characteristics of each shade:
Medieval Blue
Medieval blue is a deep and muted shade of blue that resembles steel with a slight hint of purple.
It’s often used as an accent color and is best suited in traditional spaces as it gives off a vintage vibe.
Navy Blue
Navy blue has more saturation than its counterpart, giving it a bolder and brighter appearance.
It’s ideal for contemporary design schemes and pairs well with metallic finishes such as brass or silver.
Hex Codes
The hex code for these two distinct shades of blue are:
- Medieval Blue’s Hex Code: #4D6082
- Navy Blue’s Hex Code: #003f87
Without these codes, you’d never be able to insert these exact blue hues into your designs.
Psychological Connotations of Each Color: What Each Color Communicates
The psychological connotations of a color can make all the difference when it comes to how viewers perceive what they’re seeing.
From businesses to interior design, colors are often chosen carefully to create the desired atmosphere or emotion.
Here, we’ll explore some of the main psychological meanings associated with medieval blue and navy blue.
Medieval Blue
Medieval blue is associated with stability and authority, making it a popular choice for businesses looking for an official feel.
Its deep shades create an inviting atmosphere that can be seen as comforting but also grandiose.
Navy Blue
Navy blue conveys loyalty and trustworthiness, which is why it’s often used by government offices, medical facilities, and other service providers who want customers to have faith in their brand.
It also exudes sophistication and professionalism and these qualities tend to draw people in without being too overbearing.
Popular Usage
The combination of stability and trustworthiness that both medieval blue and navy blue offer make them extremely popular in a variety of industries.
Whether it’s for fashion, design, or home decor, these two blue shades are often used to create an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular usages for these hues of blue.
Fashion
In fashion, medieval blue and navy blue are often combined with lighter neutrals like beige or white to give outfits an air of sophistication.
These shades of blue also work well together as part of a monochrome look, which is perfect for formal occasions.
Desig
Both of these colors are excellent choices for logo designs, especially when the focus is on professional branding elements like trust and reliability.
They can also be used as accent shades in interior spaces, making them great choices for modern office buildings and corporate headquarters.
Home Decor
When it comes to home decor, both medieval blue and navy blue can provide a sense of calmness and security.
They’re perfect subtle touches to any room while still offering enough visual contrast to keep things interesting.
Origins of Each Color
Both medieval blue and navy blue have long and storied histories, with different meanings depending on the time-period.
Here, we’ll explore the origins of each blue hue, as well as some of the popular affiliations they had throughout history.
Medieval Blue
Medieval blue has been used since ancient times in a variety of cultures. Egyptians used it to paint tomb walls, while Romans painted their temples in this deep shade.
In the Middle Ages, it was often associated with royalty and nobility, the elite members of society.
Navy Blue
Navy blue is believed to have first appeared during the Napoleonic era in France. It quickly gained popularity among sailors due to its association with stability and trustworthiness.
Over time, it became a symbol of power and strength in governments around the world.
FAQs about Medieval Blue vs Navy Blue
What is the biggest difference between medieval blue and navy blue?
While medieval blue is darker, both shade are relatively close on the color wheel. The main distinction lies in their origins and symbolism. Medieval blue has been used since ancient times to signify royalty and nobility, while navy blue was first used during the Napoleonic era in France.
How do these two colors work together?
Medieval blue and navy blue often work quite well together for fashion, design, or home decor purposes. When combined with lighter neutrals like beige or white, they create an air of sophistication. They can also be used as part of a monochrome look for formal occasions.
Are there any other color combinations that work well with these shades?
Of course! Neutral tones like gray, black and white often pair nicely with these two blue colors. You can also experiment with adding a splash of color by using brighter shades like yellow or green to add interest to your designs.

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.