You’re staring at a wall of blue paint swatches and they all start to look like the same generic "navy." It’s frustrating. You want something moody, but not depressing. Something that feels expensive without being stuffy.
That’s usually when people stumble upon Sherwin Williams Dark Night (SW 6237).
Honestly, the name sounds like a Batman reference, which is cool, but the color is actually much more complex than a comic book hero. Most people think they want a true navy like SW Naval, but once they see Dark Night on a wall, they realize what they were actually looking for was depth. It’s not just blue. It’s a shapeshifter.
What Color Is It, Really?
If you look at the swatch under the harsh fluorescent lights of a hardware store, Dark Night looks like a deep, inky blue. But don't let that fool you. This isn't a "one-note" color.
The secret is in the undertones. Dark Night is a heavily saturated sea-blue that carries a massive amount of green and slate in its DNA. Depending on the time of day, it can lean toward a moody teal or a dark forest green. It’s basically the color of the ocean at 2:00 AM.
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The LRV Factor
Let’s talk numbers for a second, but I’ll keep it simple. The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Dark Night is 4.
In paint speak, that is very dark. For context, 0 is absolute black and 100 is pure white. At a 4, this paint absorbs almost all the light that hits it. If you put this in a room with zero windows, the room is going to feel like a cozy cave.
Some designers love that. Others get scared.
But here’s the thing: in a room with big windows and lots of natural light, the green undertones wake up. It stops looking like "dark blue" and starts looking like a rich, "peacock" jewel tone. It’s vibrant despite being so dark.
Dark Night vs. The Usual Suspects
You’ve probably heard people rave about Benjamin Moore Hale Navy or Sherwin Williams Naval. They are the "safe" choices.
Hale Navy is the reliable friend. It’s a classic navy with gray undertones that stays pretty consistent. It’s "adult," sure, but it can feel a bit flat if you’re looking for drama.
Naval is Sherwin Williams’ superstar. It’s a very "true" navy with a slight purple-berry lean. It’s crisp and clean, especially with white trim.
Dark Night (SW 6237) is the wild card. Because of that green/teal influence, it feels much more "designer" and less "nautical." If Naval is a crisp suit, Dark Night is a velvet blazer. It has more texture and moodiness.
Where This Color Actually Works (And Where It Fails)
I’ve seen people try to use Dark Night as a whole-house color. Please don’t do that. Unless you live in a literal castle with 20-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, it will be overwhelming.
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The Home Office Power Move
This is arguably the best use case for SW 6237. There’s something about a dark, moody blue-green that makes you feel focused. It’s excellent for Zoom backgrounds—it makes skin tones pop and hides the clutter of a messy bookshelf behind you.
Kitchen Islands and Lower Cabinets
If you have a white kitchen and it feels a little "sterile," painting the island Dark Night is a game-changer. It grounds the room. Pair it with brass or gold hardware, and suddenly your kitchen looks like it belongs in a magazine.
The "Cozy" Bedroom
A lot of people are doing "color drenching" now—where you paint the walls, trim, and even the ceiling the same color. Dark Night is a top-tier candidate for this. It creates a "cocoon" effect that is genuinely great for sleep.
When to Avoid It
- Tiny Bathrooms with No Windows: It can feel like being in a box.
- South-Facing Rooms (sometimes): In intense, hot afternoon sun, the green undertones can become very loud. If you don't like teal, you might be annoyed by how green it looks at 4:00 PM.
Real-World Pairings
You can’t just throw any color next to a beast like Dark Night. You need balance.
The Whites:
Skip the stark, "hospital" whites. They’ll look too jarring. Instead, go for something creamy like SW Alabaster (SW 7008). The warmth in Alabaster plays nicely with the cool slate in Dark Night. If you want something a bit more modern, SW High Reflective White works if you want that sharp, high-contrast look.
The Woods:
Warm woods are your best friend here. Think walnut, cognac leather, or a medium-oak floor. The orange/yellow tones in the wood are the direct opposite of blue on the color wheel, which makes the whole room feel balanced rather than just "dark."
The Metals:
Unlacquered brass or brushed gold is the gold standard (pun intended). Chrome or silver can feel a bit cold next to Dark Night, making the space feel more "office-like" and less "homey."
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How to Get the Finish Right
Since Dark Night has such a low LRV, the sheen you choose matters more than usual.
- Matte/Flat: This is the most "high-end" look. It makes the color look like velvet. The downside? It’s a magnet for scuffs and fingerprints.
- Eggshell/Satin: This is the sweet spot for most walls. It has a tiny bit of a glow but won't reflect your lamps like a mirror.
- Semi-Gloss: Only use this on trim or cabinets. If you put semi-gloss Dark Night on a wall, every single bump and imperfection in your drywall will scream for attention.
Stop Guessing: The Samplize Trick
I’m going to be blunt: do not buy five gallons of this paint based on a screen. Screens lie.
Go get a Samplize peel-and-stick sheet. It's real paint on a sticker. Put it on the wall you want to paint, then look at it at 8:00 AM, noon, and 8:00 PM. You will be shocked at how much the color moves. One hour it’s a deep charcoal-blue, the next it’s a vibrant peacock green.
If you love it in all three lights, you’ve found your winner.
Actionable Steps for Your Project
If you're sold on the "Dark Knight" vibe (even though it's technically called Dark Night), here is your roadmap:
- Audit your lighting: Count your windows. If you have low light, plan for "moody." If you have high light, plan for "teal."
- Pick your "B" color: Choose your trim color before you buy the dark paint. SW Alabaster or SW Snowbound are the safest bets for a soft transition.
- Start small: If you're nervous, paint a powder room or a single accent wall behind your bed. It’s a low-risk way to see if you can handle a color this deep.
- Upgrade your hardware: If you're doing cabinets or a vanity, swap out old silver handles for warm gold or antique brass. It’s the finishing touch that makes Dark Night look intentional and expensive.
Dark Night is a commitment, but for the right room, it's one of the most rewarding colors in the Sherwin Williams catalog. It’s bold, it’s a bit mysterious, and it definitely won't be mistaken for "just another navy."