Discover the timeless appeal of Benjamin Moore Navajo White, a versatile paint color that has captivated homeowners and designers for decades. In this article, we’ll delve into the origin and characteristics of Navajo White, and explore how to pair it with complementary colors, select the right finish, and apply it for stunning results. Join us as we unveil the secrets to creating a warm and inviting space using this classic and enduring hue.
Benjamin Moore, a trusted name in the paint industry since 1883, has a reputation for providing high-quality products and colors that stand the test of time. Among their diverse palette, one color stands out for its enduring popularity: Navajo White. This paint color has graced the walls of countless homes and commercial spaces, leaving a lasting impression on designers and homeowners alike.
The origin and meaning of Navajo White
Navajo White’s name originates from its connection to the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the United States. The color, inspired by the natural hues found in the Navajo Nation’s landscape, holds significance in the tribe’s culture. However, over the years, the name and color have evolved, with Navajo White now representing a warm, creamy off-white that harmonizes with various design styles.
Characteristics of Navajo White
The color composition of Navajo White (#eee7d5) features subtle yellow and orange undertones, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Light plays a crucial role in determining the appearance of this shade, with its intensity varying based on natural and artificial lighting conditions.
Navajo White is part of the Off White Collection. Compared to similar off-white shades, it leans towards a warm and cozy feeling, distinguishing itself from cooler, more sterile whites. It’s quite like Benjamin Moore’s Royal Silk paint, an off-white with notes of cream (#ede8d5).
Complementary colors and accents
Navajo White’s versatility makes it easy to pair with various other colors. To create a harmonious color scheme, consider coordinating it with soft grays, muted blues, or earthy greens. For example, when matching Navajo White with other Benjamin Moore paints, consider Simply White (#f6f6ed), Thicket (#a1a07e), Chantilly Lace (#f4f6f1), Bennington Gray (#c2b59a), or Bavarian Cream (#f7f7e7).
On the other hand, if you prefer a bolder look, use accents in deep burgundy, navy, or rich chocolate brown to add contrast and depth to your space. For instance, Navajo White pairs well with various deep-hue paints from Benjamin Moore, such as Dark Burgundy (#663347), Hale Navy (#434b56), or Chocolate Candy Brown (#614a3b).
The key is to balance the warmth of Navajo White with complementary hues that enhance its beauty.
Ideal spaces to use Navajo White
Navajo White’s adaptability makes it suitable for various residential and commercial spaces. In homes, it works exceptionally well in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, where its warmth creates a welcoming atmosphere. In commercial spaces, Navajo White can be used in offices, retail settings, and the hospitality industry, lending an air of sophistication and timeless appeal. Its versatility also extends to exterior applications, where it can provide a subtle backdrop for landscaping and architectural details.
Tips for selecting the right finish
Choosing the correct finish for your Benjamin Moore Navajo White paint project is crucial. Matte, eggshell, and satin finishes work well in low-traffic areas and provide a subtle, elegant sheen. For spaces with higher traffic or moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms, consider using a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish for added durability and ease of cleaning. Ultimately, the finish should align with your project’s requirements and aesthetic goals.
Successful application techniques
To achieve the best results when applying Navajo White, proper surface preparation is essential. Clean and prime the surface to ensure optimal paint adhesion. Use high-quality brushes, rollers, or paint sprayers to apply the paint evenly, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for coverage and drying times. The right techniques will ensure a professional-looking result that showcases the beauty of Navajo White. Find out more about Benjamin Moore paint.
Real-life examples and inspiration
If you’re looking for authentic displays of Benjamin Moore Navajo White to get inspired for your next interior design project, check out these examples:
Anne@DesignDreams
So happy for you that you found the perfect white – white is so HARD!!! My fave white is Simply White.
Have a great day!
xo
debbiedoo's
It sure is a hard choice! I feel we made the right one for sure. We love it!
Penny @ The Comforts of Home
Debbie it looks great! I too grew tired of my yellows walls, I painted in every house we had. This house has neutral walls and I really like it, but I might be changing the shade just a bit down the road.
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
Living in the desert, Navajo White is the staple around here for every home and every builder uses it. It really is a fabulous color. Your room looks amazing.
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge
It looks great Debbie! Benjamin Moore is my favorite paint. I’m de-yellowing our house too and painted our living room in their White Dove a couple of months ago. And I actually painted my youngest daughter’s room in Navajo White eggshell finish this spring. Great minds think alike. 😉
Rosemary
Beautiful, Debbie. I knew it would be. The color works perfectly with your decor.
Kim
Looks great, Debbie. It is hard choosing the right white. I have slowly lightened up most of our walls over the last couple years, too. Sometimes I still see a yellow undertone on some walls. I think my painter, aka hubby did not put enough paint on the walls up high where I painted really good down low.
debbiedoo's
Yes that could be the case. These took two good coats!
Nancy
What a great choice, it is awesome with your amazing decor! Love that JP sign!!
joan@anythinggoeshere
i love navajo white. a lot of our house windows face north and it is the perfect white to warm the rooms up.
Bliss
I know your color well, the outside soffits on our house are Navajo White. I like it on the inside now too.
debbiedoo's
Thanks Bliss!
Shannon Fox
Lil’ Miss Lucy Loo. I see you 😉
LOVE the new walls! Fresh & bright, adore it.
And that new coffee table looks ridiculous good.
Amazing how open and airy it looks with the new color.
Looking great Mike & Deb!
debbiedoo's
Thanks Shannon! Lucy is happy as can be:)
Sonny
it looks Fabulous Deb~!! I bet it makes the whole house feel GOOD.. enjoy
debbiedoo's
Thank you Sonny! So nice to see you:)
Liz @ Infuse With Liz
Debbie the new wall color looks wonderful! Isn’t it funny how we all went for the colorful wall colors and are now returning to the light colors again We’re big fans of Benjamin Moore paint too and can’t say enough good about it. We painted over our golden yellow walls almost 2 years ago and I love the light new color we chose. I like the new coffee table- your room is large and can afford larger scaled pieces like that- great choice!
Shirley@housepitalitydesigns
Looks so beautiful Debbie…and yes, it is so hard photographing yellow toned walls…they never look the same in pics…the room is gorgeous!…Great color choice~
Patty
Really is a pretty color and makes your room look larger. I LOVE the Justice of the Peace sign because I am a Justice of the Peace. I may have to make myself one on my Cameo. I have seen signs advertising this but truthfully I am a little afraid of who would come to my door. Please tell your husband thanks for finding that.
debbiedoo's
How cool Patty! I sure will:) He asked me yesterday if I had any justice of the peace visitors. I said NOPE not yet. Now I can tell him I have.
Cindy
Debbie looks good. The pup looks adorable in that picture
We used Navajo white in our old house. We used that atrium, white dove that range of colors. My hubby said no more whites. I don’t go too dark with colors anyway
Cindy
Julie
Thank you, Debbie! I’ve been reading many blogs and watch many decorating shows.
Too much white or gray seems too stark, but we are searching for the perfect white to go with yellow, and whatever the season’s accent colors are!
I love how you use many colors in your decor and the whimsy things make your home inviting, cheerful, and comforting! Thanks for helping me finally end the search!
debbiedoo's
You will love it Julie. We love that the paint color goes all year round with our home and seasonal decor. You are welcome!
Maria
Thanks Debbie for your article on Navajo white from BM.
Which white trim color did you use with it?
Thank you and best wishers your way,
Maria
debbiedoo's
I just used classic white:)