Salty Dog
Sherwin-Williams · SW9177
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The Analysis
Salty Dog is a deep, saturated navy that absorbs significant light due to its low LRV of 4.73. This creates a cozy, enclosed feeling that makes large rooms feel intimate but can make small, windowless spaces feel quite cramped.
This is a bold, high-contrast choice that works best as an accent wall, cabinetry color, or for a moody, monochromatic study. It is too dark to serve as a general-purpose wall color for a whole home unless you are intentionally aiming for a dark, dramatic aesthetic.
LRV 5History & Origin
While deep blues are rooted in classic nautical and colonial design, Salty Dog’s clean, pigment-heavy finish feels contemporary. It bridges the gap between traditional dark wood interiors and modern, high-contrast design.
How to Use It
Use this in rooms with plenty of natural light, such as a south-facing library or kitchen, to prevent it from turning into a flat black. Pair it with warm brass hardware to pop against the blue, or natural oak tones to soften the intensity of the pigment.
The Mood
Living with this shade is a grounding experience, offering a sense of stability and calm. It is a restful, sophisticated choice that avoids the over-stimulation of brighter colors, making it ideal for spaces where you want to wind down.
Colour harmonies
Complementary
Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.
Analogous
Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.
Split complementary
Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.
Triadic
Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.
Tetradic (square)
Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.
Monochromatic
Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.
Add harmony palette to a room
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Brand Matches
Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.
Lighting
See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.
- Natural