Blue is a popular color that comes in many shades, each with its own unique characteristics. Two of the most popular shades are Royal Blue and Navy Blue, but they can be easily confused with each other. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Royal Blue and Navy Blue and provide tips for distinguishing them. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a home decorator, or a graphic designer, understanding the nuances of these two colors can help you create the perfect color scheme for your project.
Royal Blue Vs Navy Blue: What’s the Different？
What is Royal Blue?
Royal Blue is a bright, bold shade of blue that has a slight purple undertone. It is often associated with royalty, hence its name. Royal Blue is a popular color for clothing, particularly formal wear, as well as for interior design and decor.
What is Navy Blue?
Navy Blue is a dark, almost black shade of blue that is often associated with the military or nautical themes. It is a versatile color that can be used for a variety of applications, including clothing, home decor, and graphic design.
How to Distinguish: Royal Blue and Navy Blue
- Undertones: Royal Blue has a slight purple undertone, while Navy Blue has a slight green undertone. This means that Royal Blue will appear more vibrant and bold, while Navy Blue will appear darker and more subdued.
- Consider the context: The context in which the colors are used can also provide clues. For example, if you’re looking at a piece of clothing, the fabric texture and design may provide hints as to whether it is Royal Blue or Navy Blue.
- Compare side-by-side: If you’re still unsure, the best way to distinguish between Royal Blue and Navy Blue is to compare them side-by-side. This will allow you to see the differences in color and undertone more clearly.
Royal Blue Vs Navy Blue: HEX Codes ＆ RGB values
The HEX code for Royal Blue is #4169E1, and its RGB values are R: 65, G: 105, B: 225.
The HEX code for Navy Blue is #000080, and its RGB values are R: 0, G: 0, B: 128.
Base Color of Royal Blue Vs Navy Blue
Both royal blue and navy blue are shades of blue, but royal blue is a lighter and brighter shade than navy blue.
Royal Blue Vs Navy Blue: Where Does the Name Come From?
As mentioned earlier, royal blue and navy blue are both named after the groups of people who wore these colors historically.
Royal blue was named after the blue color used by the British royal family. It is said that the first recorded use of the term “royal blue” was in 1817, when the color was used to describe a dress worn by Princess Charlotte.
Navy blue, on the other hand, was named after the dark blue color worn by officers in the British Royal Navy. The color was originally called “marine blue” but was later renamed “navy blue” in the early 19th century.
Both colors have since become widely used and recognized around the world, with various shades and tones being used in different contexts, including fashion, design, and branding.
Difference in Color Composition
Royal Blue
Royal blue is a bright, vivid shade of blue that is composed of a combination of blue and purple. The specific composition of royal blue can vary depending on the color system or standard being used, but here are some general guidelines:
RGB
In the RGB color model, royal blue is typically composed of 0% red, 35% green, and 102% blue. This means that it is a highly saturated blue color with a strong blue component.
CMYK
In the CMYK color model, royal blue is typically composed of 91% cyan, 73% magenta, 0% yellow, and 40% black. This means that it is a dark, rich shade of blue with a slight purple hue.
Hexadecimal: In hexadecimal notation, royal blue is typically represented as #4169E1. This notation combines red, green, and blue values to create the desired color. In this case, the red value is 41, the green value is 69, and the blue value is E1.
Navy Blue
Navy blue is a dark shade of blue that is often associated with professionalism, authority, and stability. The specific composition of navy blue can vary depending on the color system or standard being used, but here are some general guidelines:
RGB
In the RGB color model, navy blue is typically composed of 0% red, 0% green, and 50% blue. This means that it is a deep, saturated shade of blue with no red or green hues.
CMYK
In the CMYK color model, navy blue is typically composed of 100% cyan, 100% magenta, 0% yellow, and 50% black. This means that it is a dark, rich shade of blue that is created by combining cyan and magenta pigments.
Hexadecimal: In hexadecimal notation, navy blue is typically represented as #000080. This notation combines red, green, and blue values to create the desired color. In this case, the red value is 00, the green value is 00, and the blue value is 80.
Royal Blue Vs Navy Blue: Color Match
Color Match of Royal Blue
- White: Royal blue and white is a classic color combination that creates a clean, fresh look. This pairing is perfect for a summer wedding or a beach vacation.
- Gold: Royal blue and gold is a luxurious color combination that creates a regal, sophisticated look. This pairing is perfect for a formal event or a winter holiday party.
- Silver: Royal blue and silver is a cool, modern color combination that creates a sleek, futuristic look. This pairing is perfect for a contemporary wedding or a New Year’s Eve party.
- Coral: Royal blue and coral is a vibrant color combination that creates a playful, energetic look. This pairing is perfect for a summer party or a tropical vacation.
- Pink: Royal blue and pink is a fun, feminine color combination that creates a sweet, romantic look. This pairing is perfect for a spring wedding or a baby shower.
Color Match of Navy Blue
- White: Navy blue and white is a timeless color combination that creates a crisp, clean look. This pairing is perfect for a summer wedding or a nautical-themed event.
- Beige or Camel: Navy blue and beige or camel is a sophisticated color combination that creates an elegant, understated look. This pairing is perfect for a fall or winter event, such as a business conference or a formal dinner.
- Light Blue: Navy blue and light blue is a fresh, modern color combination that creates a calming, serene look. This pairing is perfect for a beach wedding or a baby shower.
- Red: Navy blue and red is a bold, striking color combination that creates a patriotic, nautical-inspired look. This pairing is perfect for a 4th of July celebration or a sailing event.
- Yellow: Navy blue and yellow is a bright, cheerful color combination that creates a sunny, optimistic look. This pairing is perfect for a spring or summer event, such as a garden party or a brunch.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Royal Blue and Navy Blue may appear similar, there are distinct differences to look out for. By understanding the key characteristics of each color and using the tips provided in this article, you’ll be able to distinguish between them with ease. Whether you’re shopping for clothing, decorating your home, or creating graphics, knowing the difference between Royal Blue and Navy Blue will help you make informed choices and create stunning color palettes