Generally, blue comes in different shades but the two most popular shades of the colour are royal blue and navy blue. The main difference between royal blue vs navy blue is that the latter is a darker shade of blue, while the former is a bright shade of blue.
Both royal blue and navy blue do match other colours. However, it’s important to understand the difference between these two shades of blue to help you make the perfect colour combination.
So, what are the major differences between royal blue and navy blue? Keep reading to find out more about the difference between royal blue and navy blue.
What Is Royal Blue?
Royal blue is a deep shade of blue, with a slight purple undertone. It’s a vivid shade of blue that is said to have been developed by a consortium of mills in Rode, Somerset.
Royal blue is a lighter shade of blue compared to navy blue. Its hex code is #4199e1 according to Canva.com.
The History of Royal Blue
The word “Royal Blue” was first used during the early 19th century. There was a competition to make a robe for Queen Charlotte, which led to the creation of the hue.
It was created by a consortium of mills in Rode, Somerset- the winner of the competition. After winning the prize, a business in the village of Rode invented the dye and it got the certificate to sell it under the name “Royal Blue”.
Royal blue was considered a much darker shade of blue before the 1950s. During the late 1980s, the World Wide Web Consortium matched the lighter blue with wits RGB code to the name “royal blue”.
Imperial blue and Queens blue are lesser versions of royal blue- but the Queen blue is a medium-tone version of royal blue, whereas imperial blue describes a darker shade of blue.
Royal blue is a colour on the Union Jack, which is the flag of the United Kingdom.
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What Is Navy Blue?
Navy blue is a darker shade of blue than Royal blue. It got its name from the darker blue and it doesn’t feature tinges of green or purple.
Navy blue has been worn by officers in the British Royal Navy since the mid-18th century. It was later adopted by other navies across the world and has since been called navy blue.
The History of Navy Blue
When this shade of blue was initially used during the early 1800s, it was popularly called marine blue before it changed to navy blue.
Navy blue is historically connected to the hues used in the British Royal Navy uniforms. This is the main reason this shade of blue is called “navy blue”. It was then viewed as a different shade of blue, a colour related to military attire.
Princess Charlotte of Wales once wore a traditional blue dress in one of her portraits from the 1800s. The origin of the shades is said to date back a little further.
Royal Blue vs Navy Blue: Difference between Royal Blue and Navy Blue
Popularity
Royal blue and navy blue are the most popular shades of blue. Navy blue is a more acceptable shade of blue, as people are likely to buy clothes in that hue. This is because navy blue complements any other colour.
Navy blue is also a shade of blue that perfectly fits home decorations and certain designs.
In contrast, royal blue is less popular, as it doesn’t function as a true neutral. Also, you will hardly find people who prefer higher-intensity colours.
Symbolizes
What do navy blue and royal blue symbolize in general?
Well, navy blue is a preferred shed of blue that usually symbolizes authority, confidence, and unity. It’s also seen as a secure colour compared to royal blue.
Navy blue is associated with professional uniforms for different professions responsible for safeguarding and protecting lives.
Considering its origin, royal blue is seen as a colour of royalty. It’s a colour that is generally associated with trust, superiority, confidence, and sovereignty. The colour is also connected with celebration, as it was worn by members of the Royal family during parties.
Additionally, royal blue is a shade of blue commonly used at weddings.
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Brightness
Another difference between royal blue vs navy blue is their brightness.
While royal blue is considered a high-intensity colour, navy blue is a moderate to low-intensity colour.
Navy blue is a darker shade of blue, often coming close to black. Even if they are used in decoration in bright lighting conditions, navy blue remains a non-vibrant shade.
Royal Blue vs Navy Blue: Association
Navy blue is a colour that is often accepted and considered a formal colour for certain uniforms. Navy blue is a popular choice for several uniforms, especially for sailors, pilots, certain military personnel, and even police officers.
This is because this shade of blue was initially chosen as the official colour for navy uniforms during the 1700s.
Royal blue on the other hand is a colour that is associated with royalty. Princess Charlotte of Wales wore a vibrant blue gown in a portrait from the 1800s.
The iconic portrait of Princess Charlotte of Wales in a vibrant blue gown is why this lighter shade of blue is connected to royalty.
When it comes to weddings, royal blue becomes a more accepted colour for the ceremony. Although it’s not a requirement for the bride to wear this shade of blue, many choose royal blue as their best option.
Royal Blue vs Navy Blue: How to Differentiate Royal Blue and Navy Blue
Undertone
Generally, navy blue has a slight green undertone, whereas royal blue has a slight purple undertone. As a result, royal blue will appear more vibrant and navy blue will be darker and more subdued.
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Compare side-by-side
One of the best ways to know the difference between navy blue and royal blue is a side-by-side comparison. Doing this will allow you to see the difference between these shades of blue.
Royal Blue vs Navy Blue: Comparison
| Royal Blue | Navy Blue | |
| Description | Lighter and brighter version of blue shade | Dark and blackened shade of blue |
| Brightness | High intensity | Low intensity |
| Association | Royalty, loyalty, superiority, and trust | Duty, unity, confidence, authority, and stability |
| Initially named | Queen’s blue shade | Marine blue |
| Effect | Calming | Authoritative and commanding influence |
| Hexadecimal code | #4169E1 | #000080 |
| Popularity | Uncommon | Common |
| Function | Royal household and fashion attire for bridal crew | Naval offices, pilots offices, household interior, and collared uniform |
| Occasion of use | Fashionable attire | Official uniforms |
Royal Blue vs Navy Blue: What Are the Colours that Match Royal Blue?
Royal blue is a brighter shade of blue, which means it’s not a true neutral.
However, royal blue perfectly pairs with colours like magenta, gold, coral, silver, pink, yellow, green, and orange. It also matches colours like ivory and white.
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What Colour Matches Navy Blue?
Navy blue is a darker shade of blue, often coming close to black- it’s a colour that can be paired with other colours such as white, beige or camel, light blue, red, and yellow.
Conclusion
Both royal blue and navy blue do match other colours. However, it’s important to understand the difference between these two shades of blue to help you make the perfect colour combination.
Navy blue is a popular choice for several uniforms, especially for sailors, pilots, certain military personnel, and even police officers.
In contrast, royal blue is less popular, as it doesn’t function as a true neutral.
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References
- Canva: Everything about the colour Royal Blue
- PaintTopics: Navy Blue vs Royal Blue: What Is the Difference?
- Thecolorency: Royal Blue Vs Navy Blue: All the Differences Explained
- Wikipedia: Navy blue
- Wikipedia: Royal Blue
