3 Ways to Use the Sherwin-Williams 2020 Color of the Year

The company's latest announcement—a rich navy blue—will make you want to pick up a paintbrush.

Published on September 23, 2019

The Sherwin-Williams 2020 color of the year is finally here—and we couldn't be more in love. Today, the paint company announced its pick of Naval SW 6244, a rich shade of blue that feels like a crisp take on the timeless navy color we know and love. We chatted with Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, to find out more about the selection. She said they've been seeing a lot of deep, moody colors lately, so the company wanted to choose something bold—but it also had to fit with art deco elements like marbles and metallics that are having a major moment right now. Enter Naval.

sherwin-williams color of the year blue kitchen island — Image courtesy of Sherwin-Williams.

"Since we're seeing a shift toward moodier, deeper versions, we chose a versatile navy that we know will last for years to come," Wadden explained. "Navy isn't necessarily 'new,' but it's the perfect hue to set the stage and act as a backdrop for what's to come—a 'new neutral' of sorts."

The shade of blue continues the trend of 2020 colors inspired by nature, including a muted green from Behr and an aquatic blue from PPG. Because Naval is so versatile, there are so many ways you can use it in your home. To help you get started, we've narrowed down the top three ways we plan to use Naval this year.

3 Ways to Decorate with Navy Blue

01 of 03

Update Small Accents

Living room with blue table and framed artwork — Ann VanderWiel Wilde

The easiest way to incorporate a new color into your home is to start small. Paint dresser drawers or give a side table a fresh color. If you're looking for a less time-intensive way to add Naval to your space, pick up a few blank canvases and paint an abstract design—no artistic skills necessary!

Sue says her team sees a lot of smaller accent pieces when they first introduce a deep shade like Naval, and the materials aren't limited to just paint. "It's a striking color, so many people feel comfortable incorporating a darker hue first through other elements and accessories, like throw pillows, a bedsheet set, an abstract art print, or a lacquered console table," she says.

02 of 03

Paint Your Walls

navy blue bedroom walls with white wainscoting — Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

If you're looking for a bigger change, pick up a gallon or two and paint an entire room. And don't worry about Naval overwhelming a small space. "This hue strikes the perfect balance between bold color and the calming and awe-inspiring power of nature," Wadden says. "It feels luxurious and relaxing at the same time."

So go ahead and paint an accent wall—or cover all four walls! Because the color can be so calming, think about using it in a space you use to relax, like a bedroom or living room.

03 of 03

Paint Cabinets or a Vanity

blue vanity — Christina Wedge. Christina Wedge

Naval has the power to pack a big punch, even with small applications. Because the color experts envisioned Naval being paired with luxury finishes like marble or metal, it's the ideal choice for kitchen cabinets or a bathroom vanity. "In modern spaces, these elements have a more minimalist application," Wadden says. In other words, less can be more. Splash Naval onto an island for a focal point in the kitchen, or paint an existing wood vanity with the shade of navy for an easy partner to other neutral finishes.

Sherwin-Williams is the fourth major brand to announce an official color for 2020. We've compiled all the colors of the year so far to make it easy to find inspiration for your own space. We'll see you in the paint aisle!

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!