Are you trying to decide between navy blue and midnight blue for your next fashion, design, or home decor project?
While they may seem similar at first glance, there are actually a few distinct differences between the two colors that should be taken into consideration.
Below, let’s dive into an in-depth comparison of navy blue and midnight blue!
Differences Between Navy Blue vs Midnight Blue
Despite their similarities, there are some subtle yet important differences between the two colors.
Read on below and explore the differences in their histories, hues, and characteristics to help yourself make an informed decision when it comes to navy blue vs midnight blue:
Navy Blue
Navy blue and midnight blue are both dark, cool shades of blue. They are often seen used for fashion, home decor, and graphic design due to their versatility and timeless elegance.
But, because navy is only sometimes darker than midnight blue it tends to be used for more minimalist looks while still retaining its classic elegance.
Even more, Navy blue, in comparison to midnight blue, has more of a deeper blue hue with hints of grey.
Midnight Blue
When comparing midnight blue vs navy blue in terms of shade, midnight is lighter than navy blue, in terms of greyness – but still retains a deepness that gives the color a classically chic look.
Meanwhile, midnight can easily add depth and sophistication to any room or wardrobe with its distinctive hue.
Together, the colors work well, creating a sense of harmony in any given space or outfit.
But, at the same time, because of their differences in shade and hue, they may provide an interesting contrast that adds visual interest to any design or aesthetic.
Further, both colors are suitable for many uses such as interior design schemes, apparel designs, home accessories, logos/graphic designs, and more.
The bottom line? Despite their similarities, there are some subtle yet important differences between the two colors that you need to remain aware of while choosing between the two for your fashion, design, and home decor needs.
Hex Codes
Midnight blue and navy blue are both deep hues of blue that have a timeless elegance.
They also reflect this naturally in their hex codes:
- Navy blue’s hex code is #003f87
- Midnight blue’s hex code is #191970
The numbers in the hex code refer to the amount of red, green, and blue (RGB) that make up each color.
So for navy blue, 0000 stands for 0 red, 0 green, and 80 (or 128) blue — which gives it a dark hue with hints of grey.
The midnight blue’s RGB combination reads 19 (or 25) red, 19 (or 25) green, and 70 (or 112) blue which creates a slightly lighter tone than navy yet still retains its depth.
Knowing these two color hex codes can be extremely helpful when trying to accurately represent each color on digital platforms such as websites or graphic designs.
In addition, it’s always useful to keep them handy when dealing with printing services or if you want to purchase paint samples for an interior design project.
Psychological Connotations of Each Color: What Each Color Communicates
Midnight blue and navy blue are both considered to be serious, professional colors, no matter what application you use them in.
They are often seen in corporate settings such as office buildings or boardrooms, both on the movie screen and in real life.
That said, both colors have deeper meanings that you should be aware of.
So, let’s have a look at the differences in the literal psychological connotations below:
Midnight Blue
Midnight blue is also known to convey a sense of sophistication and seriousness, with a dash of mystery.
In general, midnight blue communicates refinement and depth – whether used in home decor or in your wardrobe. while navy blue represents confidence and stability.
In terms of fashion, both colors are classic choices that can be worn for many different occasions.
Midnight blue is a popular choice for formal events such as weddings or important work meetings.
Navy Blue
Navy blue, on the other hand, is more versatile, overall, and can be worn for casual or semi-formal occasions such as business dinners or cocktail parties.
In general, navy blue represents confidence and stability. Further, navy blue shades may additionally represent authority and power, depending on how it is used.
For example, navy blue suits tend to ooze a prestigious aura around those who don them.
Popular Usage
Are you looking for some creative ways to use the color navy blue or midnight blue? Let’s dive deeper, below.
While both of these shades are often associated with royalty and power, they can be used in a wide variety of applications.
From fashion to home decor, these two colors offer an endless array of possibilities for anyone who’s looking for something unique and eye-catching.
In this section of our navy blue vs midnight blue comparison, we explore some of the most popular usages for navy blue and midnight blue – as well as how to make the most of both colors.
Fashion
Midnight blue and navy blue are two of the most popular colors used in fashion today.
They can be seen in everything from high-end designer clothing to everyday wardrobe staples such as jeans or chinos.
In terms of formal wear, midnight blue is often the preferred choice when making a statement or standing out in a certain way.
It has an air of sophistication that is perfect for weddings and other special occasions.
Navy blue, on the other hand, is more versatile and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
It is also a classic color that can be worn for any setting, from casual Fridays at work to high-end events where people are looking to make an impression.
Due to their versatility, both colors have become a staple in many wardrobes around the world.
Whether it’s a staple navy blazer for the office or a midnight dress for date night, these timeless hues always manage to look stylish and timeless no matter how they are styled.
Design
Midnight blue and navy blue are both incredibly popular shades of blue used in fashion and design, generally speaking.
From home décor to branding and advertising, these two hues have become a go-to choice for designers who are looking to create something timeless and classic.
Midnight blue is often seen as the more sophisticated option when it comes to design. It has a mysterious quality that can make a design stand out without being overbearing.
Navy blue, on the other hand, has a more stable and conservative feel which makes it the perfect color for brands that want to convey authority and reliability.
Both colors can be used together or separately depending on the desired effect. For example, navy blue might be used as an accent color against a midnight background or vice versa.
Ultimately, no matter how they are used, these two colors always manage to look timeless and elegant in any design setting.
Home Decor
Midnight blue and navy blue also both make excellent choices for most home décor applications you can think of.
Whether it’s a couch, curtains, or a pillow, these two colors can easily bring an element of sophistication and class to any space.
When it comes to darker shades, navy blue is often the preferred choice as the somewhat deeper and brighter hue often creates a subtle yet mesmerizing effect in rooms.
Midnight blue, on the other hand, is great for creating an inviting atmosphere as its more neutral shade will add warmth without being over the top.
Both colors are also incredibly versatile and can be used to create everything from elegant master suites to cozy reading nooks.
With just a few simple pieces of furniture and accessories, either hue can quickly transform any space into a luxurious retreat that looks like it came straight from the pages of an interior design magazine.
Origins of Each Color
Midnight blue and navy blue are two of the most popular hues in design today, but their stories actually reach back centuries.
Midnight Blue
Midnight blue is often seen as a mysterious color due to its deep and dark grey-blue hue.
Initially derived from an indigo dye, this color has been used throughout history as a signifier of status and importance.
From garments worn by royalty in the 16th century to the American civil war uniforms in the 19th century, it’s clear that midnight blue has been a valuable hue for many centuries.
Navy Blue
Navy blue similarly has a long history. Originally used as a hue on ships during the 17th century, it later made its way into fashion trends with its maritime roots still intact.
This color was quickly regarded as an icon of strength and power which cemented its place in fashion forevermore.
Not so long ago, the color was adopted as the official color of many armed forces around the world, such as the UK’s military.
Common Questions
What is the difference between navy blue and midnight blue?
The main difference between navy blue and midnight blue is their hue. Midnight blue has a more neutral tone that can range from almost black to powdery grey, while navy blue has deeper, richer tones. Shades of midnight blue, despite the misleading name, also tend to be brighter than navy blues.
Which color is better for home décor?
Both colors are excellent choices for home décor depending on the look you’re going for. If you’d like to create an inviting atmosphere, some navy blue options would be the better choice as these lighter shades will add warmth without being too intense. If you’d like to make more of a statement, then midnight blues are a great choice as their deep hues can create a subtle yet mesmerizing effect in any space.
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.