Are you looking for a calm, clean color for your home? You might love Anchors Aweigh by Sherwin-Williams.
This rich, navy blue brings peace and style to any room.
If you’re painting a bedroom, kitchen, front door, or even your furniture, this deep blue can make things look fresh and bold without being too bright.
I first saw Anchors Aweigh in my friend’s living room, and it caught my eye right away. It looked classy but still cozy. That’s when I knew I had to try it too.
In this blog, I’ll share everything you need to know about this paint color. From how it looks in different lights to great color pairings and ways to use it, we’ll cover it all.
What Is Anchors Aweigh by Sherwin-Williams?
Anchors Aweigh (SW 9179) is a deep navy blue paint color from Sherwin-Williams.
It gets its name from a famous sailing phrase, and it brings that same peaceful, ocean-inspired feeling into your home.
This shade of blue is rich and dark but not too heavy. It works well with many other colors like white, beige, gold, and even lighter blues.
Anchors Aweigh is part of Sherwin-Williams’ “ColorSnap” collection, which includes stylish, modern colors for all kinds of homes.
This paint is great if you want something bold but not too loud. It gives off a calm and steady vibe.
Many people love using it on walls, kitchen cabinets, front doors, and even bedroom furniture.
What is Anchors Aweigh’s Undertone?
Anchors Aweigh by Sherwin-Williams features a cool undertone, leaning slightly toward gray or hinting at purple or green in certain lighting conditions. Still, it mostly appears to be a true navy blue.
This undertone gives the color more depth. In bright light, it may look softer and more blue-gray. In darker spaces, it feels deeper and cozier.
It’s a good choice if you want a navy that’s neither too bold nor too bright.
Anchors Aweigh works well with warm wood floors, beige furniture, or gold accents to balance the cool tone.
It also looks clean and sharp next to white trim and ceilings.
This shade can feel calm during the day and cozy at night, great for creating a relaxed and put-together space.
How Anchors Aweigh Looks in a Different Light
This color can change depending on how much light is in the room. It might look brighter in the day and deeper at night. Always test it first in your space.
Natural Daylight
In the daytime, this paint looks like a true navy. It feels crisp and clean, especially in rooms with large windows.
If your room gets lots of natural light, Anchors Aweigh may look a bit lighter and brighter.
The color feels fresh and open, making the space feel calm and inviting.
Morning light may make it appear slightly cooler, while afternoon sun can bring out a touch of softness in the blue.
It works well in rooms where you want a peaceful daytime feel, like a home office or living room.
Evening Light
At night or in dim lighting, Anchors Aweigh may look deeper and cozier. It might even have a slight charcoal or black-blue look in very low light, which feels warm and peaceful.
This makes it a great choice for bedrooms, TV rooms, or any space where you want a snug and relaxed vibe.
The darker tone in low light adds a feeling of comfort and quiet, perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
Artificial Light
Under artificial light, Anchors Aweigh can change based on the type of bulbs you use.
Warm white bulbs can make it look softer and a little cozier, while cool white or daylight bulbs might bring out more of its crisp, navy character.
In rooms with lots of ceiling lights or lamps, you might see less of the natural undertones and more of a steady dark blue.
This is helpful in spaces like kitchens or bathrooms, where lighting is always controlled.
Best Rooms to Use Anchors Aweigh
This deep navy color works in many parts of the home. From cozy bedrooms to bold front doors, it adds style without feeling too dark.
1. Living Room
Use it on an accent wall behind your couch or TV. Pair it with light gray or cream furniture for a cozy but modern feel.
Add a soft rug, some white curtains, and gold or wood picture frames to pull the look together.
Anchors Aweigh can make your living room feel peaceful and welcoming, great for both relaxing and entertaining guests.
2. Bedroom
This is a great bedroom wall color. It helps you relax and sleep. Try it with white bedding and warm wood furniture for a peaceful vibe.
Add soft lighting like table lamps and cozy blankets to make the room even more restful.
A navy blue wall behind the bed can give your room a calm, hotel-style look without being too dark.
3. Kitchen Cabinets
Anchors Aweigh on cabinets is bold but classy. Pair it with white or marble counters and gold or brass hardware for a stunning look.
It’s great for both modern and farmhouse-style kitchens. This deep blue adds color without feeling too bright, and it hides everyday smudges and marks better than white.
Try it on a kitchen island for a strong but stylish pop.
4. Bathroom
In a small bathroom, it can add depth. Use it with white tiles or wainscoting to keep the space bright but dramatic.
Anchors Aweigh looks great with silver or chrome fixtures, and it makes mirrors stand out.
Try using it on the vanity or behind the mirror to create a relaxing, spa-like feel that still feels fresh and clean.
5. Front Door
It’s a perfect navy blue for your front door. It stands out without looking too wild. It also works with brick, white, or gray siding.
Anchors Aweigh gives your entrance a rich, polished look that feels timeless.
Add a wreath, black or brass house numbers, and potted plants to make the entry even more welcoming. It’s a color that looks good in every season.
Colors That Go Well with Anchors Aweigh
Anchors Aweigh looks great with many other colors. Pair it with light shades, warm neutrals, or shiny metals to make your space feel balanced and stylish.
- Whites: Pure White (SW 7005) or Alabaster (SW 7008) are great choices. These soft whites help the deep blue stand out while keeping the room light.
- Grays: Light grays like Repose Gray (SW 7015) or Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) match well. They balance the blue and make the room feel calm.
- Warm Neutrals: Colors like Accessible Beige (SW 7036) or Shoji White (SW 7042) can warm things up. This pairing works great for bedrooms and living rooms.
- Wood Tones: Anchors Aweigh looks amazing with warm wood like oak, walnut, or maple. It adds a natural and grounded feel to any space.
- Gold and Brass Accents: For a touch of shine, add gold or brass lights, knobs, or picture frames. The deep blue and gold look classy together.
Anchors Aweigh vs Other Navy Paints
Not all navy colors are the same. Anchors Aweigh stands out when compared to a few popular dark blues, helping you pick the one that fits your style best.
| Paint Color | Brand | Tone | Undertone | Overall Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchors Aweigh (SW 9179) | Sherwin Williams | True navy | Slight gray, cool | Calm, friendly, clean |
| Naval (SW 6244) | Sherwin Williams | Darker navy | Cool, deeper tones | Bold, serious, dramatic |
| Indigo Batik (SW 7602) | Sherwin Williams | Deep blue with a purple tint | Purple undertone | Rich, moody, creative |
| Hale Navy | Benjamin Moore | Deep navy with gray influence | Gray undertone | Classic, muted, elegant |
Tips for Using Anchors Aweigh in Your Home
A few smart tips can help you get the best look with this navy color. Try these simple ideas before painting your walls, cabinets, or furniture.
- Test Before You Paint: Paint a small area or use a sample sheet. Check how it looks in both daylight and at night with your room’s furniture and lighting.
- Start Small: Begin with one wall or a piece of furniture. It’s a great way to try the color without committing to a full room.
- Use Contrast: Mix in lighter colors like white or soft beige to keep the space from feeling too dark. White trim or curtains can really help.
- Add Texture: Use soft pillows, rugs, or throws for comfort. Wood and metal pieces also add depth and keep the navy color from feeling flat.
- Keep the Ceiling Light: If you’re painting walls dark, leave the ceiling white or very light. This makes the room feel more open and taller.
- Balance with Natural Light: If your room doesn’t get much sunlight, use mirrors and lamps to brighten things up. The deep color will still look great, but feel less heavy.
- Pair with Patterns: Add striped rugs, floral pillows, or checked curtains to bring life to the space. Patterns help break up the solid color and add fun.
Conclusion
Anchors Aweigh by Sherwin-Williams is a beautiful, deep navy that works in many rooms and styles. It’s cozy, calm, and bold in all the right ways.
If you’re like me and love simple, elegant, and timeless colors, Anchors Aweigh might be perfect for your next project.
You don’t need to be a design expert to use it well. Just test it, trust your style, and enjoy the process.
Ready to try Anchors Aweigh in your home? Grab a sample and see how it looks in your space. Start small, and watch your room come to life.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
