Looking for navy board and batten wall inspiration? See how we completely transformed our front sitting room with Hale Navy paint to create depth, contrast, and bold coastal style.
This site contains affiliate links. Please visit my disclaimer for more details.
Our front sitting room has always been a bit of a design dilemma. It opens right off the front door, has super high ceilings, and doesn’t exactly scream “functional.” Honestly, I contemplated for months over what to do with this room after we moved in. I decided to make it a pretty sitting room. Since there is no TV in this space, it is the perfect place to relax and read a book or hang out with guests and have great conversations with no distractions.
The one thing I was sure about when it came to this space was that I absolutely loved the board and batten wall treatment. It’s a classic look that feels super elevated. But something about the color was throwing me off. When we moved in, the board and batten was painted white and the walls were painted gray to give it some contrast. It was pretty but I am SO OVER gray. Every house I’ve lived in has been Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray, and I was ready for a change!
So we painted (i.e. my husband painted) the entire interior of our house Benjamin Moore White Dove. Let me tell you — if you are looking for a warm creamy white, this is IT! I love this color so much. It’s white without being “too white” and it is creamy without being yellowy. It is quite possibly the perfect shade of white.
Why This Room Needed More
I definitely loved the white walls way more than the gray, but something just wasn’t working. The tall ceilings, white board and batten, and freshly painted White Dove walls made the space feel kind of washed out and uncontained—like all the beautiful details were getting lost in a sea of white.
I had been toying with the idea of painting the board and batten navy and after sitting with the all white room for a few months, I was finally ready to take the plunge!
DIY Painting the Board & Batten Blue
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is hands down my go-to navy color. Since we recently painted our exterior shutters the same color, I thought it would be a really nice transition to carry that classic coastal shade into the house. So, we decided to DIY paint the board and batten.
We taped everything off and used a small foam roller for the large squares and a small synthetic brush for the details. I considered using our paint sprayer but that sounded like way too much prep work! Honestly, Sherwin Williams makes such high-quality products, you can get a professional finish without ever plugging in a paint sprayer. Invest in some good rollers and brushes if you’re tackling a project like this.
We also used Sherwin Williams paint color-matched to Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. I prefer the coverage of Sherwin Williams paint. Plus, Benjamin Moore tends to be pricier and Sherwin Williams has great sales!
When painting cabinets, furniture, or any wood, I recommend using an enamel paint. It’s going to stand up to chipping much better than a latex. We used SW Emerald Urethane Enamel in a satin finish.
Another thing we did was take the Hale Navy paint all the way down to the baseboards. You can definitely leave your baseboards white but extending your paint down to the baseboards gives a more cohesive, high-end modern look.
Navy Board & Batten White Walls
Painting our board and batten Hale Navy created a bold, well defined space that made our coastal sitting room feel larger and more intentional. I love the way the dark navy contrasts with the creamy White Dove walls. It creates the perfect coastal vibe the minute you walk into our home!
The original white board and batten was pretty, but the navy color is next level. I must have walked by this room two dozen times after we finished just to admire this gorgeous aesthetic!
Things to Consider with Hale Navy Board & Batten
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is dark. I would call it a moody dark blue/charcoal mix. If your room has a lot of natural light, you are golden! But if you don’t, Hale Navy can make things look even darker.
Also, if the furniture in your room is already dark, consider lightening things up with a neutral rug or window treatments. You’ll need lighter accents to help keep the room from feeling too heavy (unless that’s your thing, which is okay too!).
This Hale Navy board and batten wall truly transformed our entry space, and I’m so glad we went for it. There are still a few finishing touches this space needs (floor lamp and art) before it’s officially complete, but I will be revealing that soon!
I hope this gave you some good inspiration for your next design project. Happy decorating!
Navy Board & Batten FAQ
Board and batten is a classic wall treatment where narrow strips of wood (battens) are placed vertically over a smooth surface or wider boards, creating a timeless, textured look. It’s often used to add architectural interest to plain walls.
Definitely! Board and batten has stood the test of time. Whether painted white for a clean farmhouse feel or a bold color like navy for modern coastal style, it works beautifully in both classic and updated spaces.
Yes! Board and batten is one of the most DIY-friendly wall treatments. With a little planning, the right tools, and patience, you can completely transform a room in a weekend.
For wood walls, a satin or semi-gloss enamel is ideal. It adds subtle sheen, holds up better to wear, and is easier to wipe down—especially if it’s in a high-traffic area.
Hale Navy is a favorite for a reason—it’s bold but classic. It works beautifully on board and batten, especially when paired with white walls or trim to make the contrast pop. Just make sure your room has enough light so it doesn’t feel too dark.
This post is about a Hale Navy board and batten wall makeover.
