Blue room color
50 Blue Room Decorating Ideas
Björn Wallander
Perhaps because it's the color of both the sky and the sea: In color therapy, blue tones are said to evoke clarity, pureness, and increased intuition. In the home, the shade is immediately calming and welcoming, whether used in a deep navy for a touch of drama, or a pale robin's egg in a more subtle space. Whatever shade of blue is for you—and whatever decorating style, from nautical to regal—ahead are more than 50 examples of blue-centered design that's just right.
Photography By William Waldron/ Produced By Robert Rufino
1 of 54
Royal Walls
A daybed in the guest room of this Hampton's home is draped with a vintage throw, and the sofa is by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; the cocktail tables from Tonic Home have custom-made tops by Plexi-Craft, the side tables are by Jonathan Adler, and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore Regal in Patriot Blue.
Michael Mundy
2 of 54
Blue if by Sea
In this Hamptons home decorated by Victoria Hagan, white furniture is part of a nautical theme that is just as striking as it is cozy. A white armchair and large white coffee table are cushioned by deep blues evocative of the nearby sea.
Obert Gili
3 of 54
Pop of Pastel
Fashion designer Lisa Perry stripped her family's Florida getaway to its purest white essence, then filled it with bright colors and bold artworks. The incredibly white living room sofa is by de Sede, the cocktail table is by Cini Boeri and the painting, Elaidyl Alcohol, is by Damien Hirst.
Photography by Simon Upton
4 of 54
Coordinated Tones
In the living room of a Paris apartment, which was designed by Jean-Louis Deniot, a sofa by Collection Pierre is upholstered in a Brochier fabric trimmed with ribbons by Samuel & Sons; lamps by Paul Evans flank a glass wall sculpture by Christophe Gaignon, the cocktail tables are custom designs, and the walls are painted in Paint Library's Eucalyptus.
Simon Upton
5 of 54
Ceiling, Too
The tub in the master bath of this Paris apartment is by Jacob Delafon, with fittings by Waterworks, the sconces are by Niermann Weeks, and the Veere Grenney chair is covered in an Armani/Casa fabric; the chandelier is by Tony Duquette, and the vanity, mirror, and marble flooring are all custom designs.
Björn Wallander
6 of 54
Upholstered Accents
In the living room of Patrick Printy and Dan Holland’s Arts and Crafts bungalow in Oakland, California, the custom sofa is covered in a linen by Peter Dunham Textiles, a pair of vintage John Stuart Clingman chairs is upholstered in a Ralph Lauren Home tartan, the bust on the custom cocktail table is by Oly and the rug is from Iran. The fireplace, repainted a high-gloss black, the bookcases and the oak flooring are all original to the house and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Smoke Embers.
Björn Wallander
7 of 54
Room to Room Blue
Björn Wallander
8 of 54
Blue With Tan Accents
In the master bedroom of this Oakland bungalow, the bed by Room & Board is dressed with a Libeco duvet, the antique chest is English, the custom love seat is upholstered in a China Seas fabric and the George Nelson pendant light is from Design Within Reach. The rug is an antique Heriz and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Anchor Gray.
Eric Piasecki
9 of 54
Right Light Blue
In this Manhattan townhouse, Quadrille fabric curtains with just a touch of blue play off the bold turquoise walls, painted in C2 Paint Luxe in Bewilder. The sofa and club chair, both by Anthony Lawrence-Belair, are covered in Holland & Sherry wools.
Simon Upton
10 of 54
Moody Grey Blue
In the master suite of an Upper East Side home, the curtains in this monochromatic blue room perfectly match the decor. The armchairs are a 1950s Gianfranco Frattini design and the painting is by Friedrich Kunath.
Andrew Boyd
11 of 54
Sapphire Board Room
In an opulent boardroom, deep blue curtains and wallcoverings perk up a cognac table and chair set-up.
Mike Schwartz
12 of 54
Solid and Pattern
A formal living room with colorful furniture and art by Elizabeth Krueger Design
Andrew Frasz
13 of 54
Blue Oval Rug
Play with varying shapes like a spherical chandelier or an oval rug.
Design by Kellie Franklin
Thomas Loof
14 of 54
Blue Trimmed Celing
In this East Hampton house designed by Celerie Kemble, the living room walls are painted in a high gloss by Fine Paints of Europe to match Pantone's Legion Blue. The sofas are by Celerie Kemble for Henredon, upholstered in a Brunschwig & Fils printed linen. The ceiling is inset with a felt paper by Star, the midcentury chandelier is by Stilnovothe and the vintage chairs in front of the faux-mable mantle are from Chariloom.
Mark D. Sikes
15 of 54
New Nautical
A blue striped rug is an ideal base for overstuffed club chairs upholstered in a blue pattern of the same tone.
Ricardo Labougle
16 of 54
Cerulean Opulence
The custom sofas in the library of this Seville home are upholstered in a Nobilis velvet and a Madeleine Castaing fabric from Kravet. The 19th-century chairs and bronze side table are Italian, the Empire chandelier is French, and the mantel is Louis XVI.
The custom wallpaper is by Zuber, and the floor tiles are a combination of Carrara, Nero Marquina, and Bardiglio gray marbles.
Ricard Labougle
17 of 54
Navy Couches
Milan-based designers Miguel Queda and Simone Ciarmoli at the vacation home they built on the Greek island of Folégandros. In the living room, Meridiani sofas are covered in a fabric by Dominique Kieffer, the Charlotte Perriand cock-tail table was found at a Paris flea market, and the flooring is Karystos stone; the artwork over the sofa is by Marco Basta, and the two small oil paintings were found at flea markets in Milan and Athens.
Simon Upton
18 of 54
Ombre Rug
In the living room of Jean-Louis Deniot's Miami penthouse, the sofa from Deniot’s collection for Baker is in a Martyn Thompson Studio fabric, the 1930s Jindrich Halabala chairs are in a JAB Anstoetzfabric, the vintage cocktail table is by Paul Frankl, and the gold side table is by Hervé Van der Straeten; the 1920s bronze-and-alabaster chandelier once hung in the Villa Kerylos in France, the indoor-outdoor rug is by Galerie Diurne, the artwork is by Franz Kline, and the shelf holds a Roger Desserprit sculpture (center) and a French 1940s lamp.
Simon Upton
19 of 54
Floor to Ceiling
In a French-inspired Chicago penthouse guest bedroom, the headboard covered in a vintage French fabric, and a pillow and coverlet in a Lee Jofa silk.
James Merrell
20 of 54
Teal Tones
Blue gives this dining room in a Bridgehampton farmhouse a calming atmosphere. The Julian Chichester chairs are covered in Lulu DK and Rose Tarlow Melrose House fabrics. The trim is painted in Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore. The blue is broken up by the white and black curtains.
William Waldron
21 of 54
Statement Blue Tiles
In a Bordeaux, France bathroom designed by Michael Coorengel and Jean-Pierre Calvagrac, vibrant blue tiles complement a 19th-century washbasin.
William Waldron
22 of 54
An Ode to Indigo
From the sofa to the walls, this library designed by Thom Filicia is an ode to indigo.
Björn Wallander
23 of 54
Cool-Toned Blue
Architect Cynthia Wang and designer Jamie Bush helped conjure this country cabin in Lake Tahoe with a touch of cool for a Silicon Valley family.
In the modern master bedroom, the wall's blue-grey hue complements the cool-toned furniture: an armchair and stool by Minotti, upholstered in a Holly Hunt leather, a side table by Jonathan Adler and a bench and dresser by Lawson-Fenning. The drawing is by Ching Ho Cheng and the carpet is by Decorative Carpets.
Simon Upton
24 of 54
Patterned Blue Walls
The whimsical walls in this Southampton cottage, belonging to fashion designer Lorry Newhouse, are saturated with blue patterns. The wallpaper in the bedroom and the fabric for the chair, bed skirts, and curtains are by Rose Cumming. The coverlet and shams are by Matouk. The prints and mirror are Victorian.
William Waldron; Produced by Robert Rufino
25 of 54
Vibrant Blue Living Room
A wallcovering by Elitis adds a pop of color in a Hamptons beach house. The living room sofa is by Calypso Home and the slipper chairs are upholstered in a fabric by Prismatek; the Orkney Island-style chair is from Room Service Home.
Mikkel Vang
26 of 54
All Over Blue
In a New York City apartment designed by Alex Papachristidis, the husband's office is personalized with a muted blue Cowtan & Tout sisal-blend paper. The steel desk by John Vesey was found at an auction and the lamp is from John Rosselli Antiques.
Richard Powers
27 of 54
Robin's Egg Blue
Robin's-egg blue walls in the Marrakech living room of Caitlin and Samuel Dowe-Sandes's home. The handmade cement tiles used for the flooring is from the couple's design firm, Popham Design.
William Waldron
28 of 54
Soft Blue Room
Designer furniture and art dealer Ralph Pucci recruited Vicente Wolf to design his Long Island, New York, beach house. In the home's blue guest room, a Charles P. Rogers bed is dressed in bedding by Restoration Hardware. The Bertoia chair is paired with a vintage Indonesian desk, and the photograph is by Christopher Makos.
Simon Upton
29 of 54
Bold Blue
A San Francisco home office designed by Thomas Britt features walls and chairs that are upholstered in a bold blue cotton by Etro.
The painting is by Kim Douglas Wiggins; the table is vintage, and the rug is by AM Collections.
Francesco lagnese
30 of 54
Blue Meets Red
In the living room of Amy Fine Collins's family getaway, a powder blue wall complements painted Louis XVI chairs that surround a 1940s table from Sutter Antiques.
50+ Best Blue Paint Colors
Farrow & Ball Parma Grey No. 27
Farrow & Ball
“I’m obsessed with Farrow & Ball’s Parma Grey. It is a grown-up and sophisticated take on light blue that doesn’t scream ‘baby shower.’ I love this color from floor to ceiling, including trim for a classic and refined look.” — Alessandra Wood, Modsy
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore White Heaven 2068-70
Benjamin Moore
“The color blue, besides being America’s favorite color for decades, is the global winner by far as well. A primary color, blue is relaxing and connotes harmony, calm, and infinity.
A Drake/Anderson favorite shade of blue is an ethereal wisteria, with a purple-ish cast. Our go-to for this delicious color is Benjamin Moore’s White Heaven 2068-70, the perfect celestial hue!”— Jamie Drake, Drake/Anderson
SHOP THE COLOR
Sherwin-Williams Still Water SW 6223
Sherwin-Williams
“Funny enough, long before I was a designer I wasn’t a fan of blue. But now, it's a color that constantly makes me smile. Every time I use a tint or hue of it in a project, it motivates me to continue to play with the color. I once used Still Water by Sherwin-Williams in a client’s bedroom; it was so perfect for the vibe I was trying to create that I vowed to never use it. It was too special to be shared anywhere else.” — Beth Diana Smith
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue HC-147
Benjamin Moore
“We love using a sky blue on the ceiling to bring the outdoors in and give the space a sense of endlessness.
We painted the shiplap ceiling in a children’s library Benjamin Moore’s Woodlawn Blue, and it was a great finishing touch.” — Marguerite Rodgers
SHOP THE COLOR
Clare Good Jeans
Clare
“When you want to add some color to a bedroom, blue is always my go-to! Good Jeans from Clare has enough depth in the color and richness, while not being too dark or overwhelming. Just like a good pair of jeans!” — Rozit Arditi
SHOP THE COLOR
Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204
Sherwin-Williams
“I love this blue; sometimes it's blue-blue, and other times it’s blue-green. Of all the paints I have ever used (and there have been a lot), this is the one that changes the most based on time of day, weather outside, and natural light. One of my favorite things about paint colors like Sea Salt is simply enjoying how much they evolve.” — Isabel Ladd
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue No.
289
Farrow & Ball
“Blue always seems to be crowd-pleaser, and Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue might be my latest crush. A gorgeous earthy blue that you dream about.” — Kristen Peña
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal 2136-40
Benjamin Moore
“I really enjoy using blue hues with hints of green in them. As a California beach girl and lover of oceanic hues, I appreciate the visually calming impact they can have in a space. My go-to paint for a soothing and spalike effect that delights the senses is Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Teal.” — Breegan Jane
SHOP THE COLOR
Sherwin-Williams Amalfi SW 6783
Sherwin-Williams
“Amalfi is a bright blue that is perfectly named for the Mediterranean coast. It’s a burst of ‘water color’ that is both uplifting and calming. We like to pair more dramatic colors like this with neutrals to make it more balanced.
It’s a great way to add bold color without going overboard.” — Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry, Pulp Design Studios
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green HC-157
benjamin moore
“Don’t be fooled by its name; Narragansett Green is a hue of blue that we’ve been using as a statement color. It’s both moody and sophisticated with a deep, nautical flair.” — Chanae Richards
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Symphony Blue 2060-10
Benjamin Moore
“My bedroom doesn’t receive a lot of natural light, so I needed to find a richly saturated blue that wouldn’t look dull. Benjamin Moore's Symphony Blue hits all the right notes, no pun intended. It’s a gorgeous marine blue that has a real sense of depth to it. In a way, the room felt more expansive after I painted it; like being at the bottom of the sea.” — Tara McCauley
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball Railings No.
31
Farrow & Ball
“My favorite blue paint is Farrow & Ball's Railings because it’s somewhat masculine with a soft off-black hue and blue undertones. This rich color subtly adds a dramatic twist to any space.” — Sara Ianniciello, director of design at Whitehall Interiors
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Deep Royal 2061-10
Benjamin Moore
“Recently, I fell in love with deep blues, which look both blue and black. My favorite is Deep Royal by Benjamin Moore.” — Silvia Kuhle, Standard Architecture
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball Skylight No. 205
Farrow & Ball
“Farrow and Ball’s Skylight is a soft pale blue gray that I love for its chameleon-like quality, taking on many different feels throughout the day and night. It can read cheerful and light with the morning sun and then transform into a more sophisticated moody envelope in the evening.
” — Marea Clark
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball De Nimes No. 229
Farrow & Ball
“Farrow & Ball’s De Nimes organically blends tones and contrasting materials like stone, wood, and metals. When so many blues present cool and striking, De Nimes is that down to earth, natural blue that reads grounding and fundamental to an entire palette.” — Cortney Bishop
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments 1563
Benjamin Moore
“Benjamin Moore’s Quiet Moments is a soft blue gray that is the perfect restful backdrop. It’s a great option for a soft spalike color and works well in bedrooms and bathrooms.” — Zandy Gammons and Liles Dunnigan, The Warehouse Interiors
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Delphinium CC-872
Benjamin Moore
“Delphinium Blue is part of Benjamin Moore’s Designer Classics Collection and provides sophistication and punch.
It can be mood altering, which works very well in a work-from-home environment.” — Marion Philpotts-Miller
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Water's Edge 1635
ELLE Decor
“We’ve used this perfectly toned mid-blue for cabinetry and walls. I love how it creates a little drama and depth without too much darkness.” — Erin Gates
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Iceberg 2122-50
ELLE Decor
“Benjamin Moore’s Iceberg is our go-to for master bedrooms and bathrooms. This soft shade of blue is serene, cool and easy on the eyes first thing in the morning!” — Marika Meyer
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Light Blue 2066-70
ELLE Decor
“This color makes me think of a beautiful day where the sky is perfectly blue. It's refreshing so it’s great for any kid’s room or bathroom, but also for a home that has a more traditional or beachy feel.
” — Linda Hayslett
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
Megan Tatem
“Hale Navy is easily used in a boy’s bedroom as it is in a dining room. It's sophisticated and playful all at once. It also works great with all accompanying colors.” — Nancy Mayerfield
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Windy Sky 1639
Benjamin Moore
“A blue as pale as Benjamin Moore’s Windy Sky can almost serve as a neutral. It’s a cool-toned shade with enough color to make a subtle statement, but not so much that it overpowers the space. A pale blue like this one offers a sense of serenity and calm and pairs well with so many other colors.” —Anne Hepfer
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball Luluworth Blue No. 89
Farrow & Ball
“I love using Farrow & Ball’s Luluworth Blue. I chose it recently for a beach house overlooking the ocean.
It has a hint of sea green in it and it's the perfect bedroom color for a coastal property. It’s not too cool, and it’s beautifully serene and peaceful.” — Katharine Pooley
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Stained Glass CSP-685
Benjamin Moore
"My favorite blue paint of the moment is Benjamin Moore’s 'Stained Glass.' It’s a gorgeous deep sophisticated blue with accents of green. As a plus, it pairs beautifully with unlacquered brass hardware!" — Katie LeClercq
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Brittany Blue 1633
Benjamin Moore
"It's such a calming, soothing color. It's perfect for a dressing room, as a backdrop for clothing, jewelry, and accessories." — MA Allen
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball Hague Blue No. 30
Michael Stillwell/Farrow & Ball
“We love Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball.
It’s a deep moody blue that picks up moments of grey, so it can change with the light. It’s very elegant and timeless. We’ve used it on beams in a loft and on a front door to make it a focal point. We recently used it in a hallway and art looks fantastic on it. We’re currently using it on kitchen cabinets with brass hardware and it looks phenomenal. It brings character to the kitchen without making it feel too blue or too grey. It’s the perfect shade.” — Dolores Suarez and Caroline Grant, Dekar Design
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Breath of Fresh Air 806
Benjamin Moore
"We love Breath of Fresh Air by Benjamin Moore. We often paint and lacquer ceilings in this hue to give detail and added layers in a room.” — Shelley Johnstone
SHOP THE COLOR
Donald Kaufman Color Azurite
Donald Kaufman Color
“Blue is my absolute favorite color and so many shades of blue show up in our work.
One of my favorite blues is Azurite, which adds so many dimensions to a room. This classic color works with so well with almost any other color and creates many different feelings depending on the time of the day.” — Kazuko Hoshino
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Blue Note 2129-30
Benjamin Moore
"A rich, deep shade of navy blue that casts a unique tone in whatever space you paint with it. I love this color so much, I used it in my own bedroom!" — Becky Shea
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore New Providence Navy 1651
Benjamin Moore
"The stunning blue works great as an accent color and looks beautiful with brass finishes. This hue has a great electric personality that brings any room to life." — Birgit Klein
SHOP THE COLOR
Sherwin-Williams Granite Peak SW 6250
Sherwin Williams
"I love my blues to have a lot of gray in them which makes them more palatable and pleasant to the eye.
This moody blue is a favorite of mine for built-in cabinetry in an office or laundry room. It pairs well with brass accents so bring on the decadence in your cabinet hardware, library lights, or mesh panel inserts on your doors. It’s a chameleon of a color as it works well with deep, saturated hues or soft, subtle neutrals." — Donna Mondi
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball St Giles Blue No. 280
Farrow & Ball
“Right now my favorite blue is ‘St Giles’ by Farrow & Ball. It’s ethereal and moody, vibrant but still soft — a wonderful shade. I used it in a living room recently, and it gives a fresh feel to the space. Sometimes blues are too sweet, too classic, too cutesy, or preppy, this one somehow is just right and feels a bit irreverent and whimsical.” — Summer Thornton
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Polo Blue 2062-10
Benjamin Moore
"I use this shade of blue whenever I want to add drama to a space.
It is the perfect balance of modern masculinity and classic design. Matte or high gloss finish, you can't go wrong!" —Amanda Sacy
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Caribbean Blue Water 2055-30
Michael Stillwell/Benjamin Moore
"I love Benjamin Moore's 'Caribbean Blue Water' for its depth and intensity. I've used it both as a lacquer finish as well as dead flat, on walls and on a ceiling, and it never disappoints. Veering a bit towards teal, it looks good in bright sunlight as well as more dimly lit spaces, and pairs well with other colors almost as though it were a neutral." — Kelly Behun
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue No. 281
Farrow & Ball
"My favorite blue paint is Farrow & Ball's 'Stiffkey Blue,' which is a really gorgeous, moody, inky navy; perfect for sexy and tailored bedrooms and high gloss offices and libraries." — Ariel Okin
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Avalon Teal CSP-645
Michael Stillwell/Benjamin Moore
"Blue is one of my favorite colors to work with.
Teal, in particular, really speaks to me. It embodies the power and tranquility of the San Francisco Bay. I really love Benjamin Moore's Avalon Teal — it is such a strong color and changes with the light, reminiscent of the sun setting over the water. You can't look at this color without feeling calm and serene." —Kendall Wilkinson
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Old Glory 811
Megan Tatem
"This classic cobalt has a softness that makes it the perfect accent in almost any space. I've used it in high gloss for a contrast front door and on a dining room ceiling in tandem with graphic black and white wallpaper. Both applications are unexpected, warm and add a hint of Americana to the space." —Emilie Munroe
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Gentleman's Gray 2062-20
Megan Tatem
"This is a rich dark blue with a lot of gray in it. This color has great depth and is gorgeous in a room from floor to ceiling.
" —Lindsey Coral Harper
SHOP THE COLOR
C2 Brigand C2-757
Megan Tatem
"This is hands down my favorite blue paint. It's almost black in some lights, picking up shades of blue when light is introduced. Like a beetle's skin or the background in a Rembrandt painting: it's bold, mysterious and utterly sexy." —Jon Call
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Fairview Blue 779
Megan Tatem
"This is my all-time favorite. It's a bolder blue, but isn't too offensive because of its lighter tone. I love that a color can make a statement in a room without being too overwhelming. I even had my bedroom painted this shade, and it was wonderfully calming." —Maddy Pasqualini
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball Inchyra Blue No.289
Megan Tatem
"This color is so heavy, with rich blue green pigments, it feels like a cashmere blanket, at first cool to the touch but enveloping and slowly warming.
We are using it next in a matte finish in a formal Bermuda dining room, knowing that most meals will be outdoors except in winter months. The mood will be deeper but we'll want a reference to that ocean surrounding the island." — Celerie Kemble
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue HC-155
Megan Tatem
"Blues can dominate and overpower a room, but not Newburyport Blue. It is subtle yet strong enough to anchor a room or even the exterior of a house. I love the results I have achieved in intimate cozy room walls where contrasting art and drapes stand out elegantly." — Moises Esquenazi
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Tranquility AF-490
Megan Tatem
"It has enough gray in it to muddy it up and give it depth, so even though it's a light blue, it feels moody and sophisticated. I love it in a master bedroom; it's a great background to layer in bold colors.
" — Karen Vidal
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore New York State Of Mind 805
Megan Tatem
"It's a deep enough blue to be elegant, but not too dark that it makes the room feel enclosed. Blue can be tricky. If you pick the wrong color it can feel like it belongs in a kids' room. But New York State of Mind is a blue for grownup spaces. It's chic, understated and happy." — Lauren Behfarin
SHOP THE COLOR
Paint & Paper Library Bluebird
Megan Tatem
"I love how bright this color is and how it can be made sophisticated with black and white, or it can be used as a building block color for children. It is also my new 'splash of' color. Where previously I have gone for yellow, increasingly I find myself wanting to add this blue as an accessory." —Rita Konig
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Stunning 826
Megan Tatem
"The name says it all.
It's stunning. It's deep, bold and oh-so cozy. I have used it on everything from walls in a traditional dining room to cabinetry in a modern kids' bathroom. It mixes well with crisp white, soft gray, silver, gold and even black. Using a deep blue as a base can give a space major visual impact." —Jess McClendon
SHOP THE COLOR
Sherwin-Williams Distance SW 6243
Megan Tatem
"It's a beautiful marine blue with touches of gray and indigo. You could use it on a front door or in a cozy room like a library. The color works great on walls with white trim or in a room with a lot of white furniture." —Trip Haenisch
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Whispering Spring 2136-70
Megan Tatem
"This is my preferred choice for low ceilings and walls of rooms that need a hint of depth and dimension. It is atmospheric and expansive.
" —Don Stewart
SHOP THE COLOR
Farrow & Ball Pavilion Blue No. 252
Megan Tatem
"It has a luminescent quality and shifts between a watery blue to a gray green-blue depending on what it is paired with and the natural light in the room. We have been using it on ceilings and as trim color to complement graphic wallpapers." —Christine Markatos
SHOP THE COLOR
Sherwin-Williams Cruising SW 6782
Megan Tatem
"The dark bluish, greenish hue reminds me of one of the various colors of the ocean that I experienced during my recent summer trip to the Cayman Islands. This calming hue would look fabulous as a wall color in a powder bathroom, dining room or study. This color is a bold, radiant and impactful hue of blue, which are all the qualities that I look for in a statement color." —Nina Magon
SHOP THE COLOR
Benjamin Moore Blue Veil 875
Megan Tatem
"It's a blue with undertones of gray that has a very ethereal quality to it, lending itself easily as an overall 'neutral' that has depth and sophistication.
I used it in a California beach house as the wall color of all the hallways and common areas over a bright white wainscot. It is such a subtle blue that changes throughout the day with the natural light, remaining calm and soothing but not at all boring." — Jeff Andrews
SHOP THE COLOR
Kelsey Mulvey Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others.
Blue color in the interior 💎 and its combinations: a complete guide
Let's deal with the blue color in the interior. In this article, we'll take a look at what colors it pairs with, how to use blue in different rooms, and what psychologists say about the shades of this color.
Let's deal with the blue color in the interior. In this article, we'll take a look at what colors it pairs with, how to use blue in different rooms, and what psychologists say about the shades of this color.
Contents :
- Psychology of blue in the interior
- Shades of blue: dark blue, blue green, light blue, gray blue
- Combination of blue color in the interior
- 2 blunders in the use of blue
- How to use blue color in the interior of the kitchen
- Blue color in the bedroom interior
- Blue color in the interior of the living room
- Photo examples
- Quartblog Digest
Psychology of blue in the interior
In psychology, craving for blue means reliability, organization, unhurried decision-making.
Blue accents in living and working spaces are very "help out" if a person is prone to mood swings, tired of the pace of metropolitan life, and cannot concentrate on what is important.
By the way, psychological relaxation practices are often held in blue-blue rooms.
Chromotherapy (literally translated as “treatment with color”) explains the effect of the blue environment in more detail, and the discoveries of this science are partially used in the art of design.
How the blue color changes the atmosphere of the room and its meaning in the interior
It has been scientifically proven that the blue color relieves nervous tension, fatigue, normalizes blood pressure and relieves insomnia.
Therefore, sapphire and other blue shades can be used in the design of the office (where they help to focus on plans and deeds), and especially in the bedroom or lounge area.
In living rooms, where a person is most often, the blue color gives a feeling of calmness, prompts pleasant sensible reflections.
But besides this, expressive blue accents in the room often hint at wealth, nobility, and delicate taste.
After all, pure blue is also the color of velvet and other expensive fabrics, marine souvenirs, oriental ceramics.
The deeper the shade, the more expressive all these positive qualities are.
In addition, even a dark blue tone (if used sparingly) surprisingly makes the space feel deeper and freer.
However, due to the abundance of blue, despondency can appear, sometimes the feeling of anxiety and alienation deepens.
A more positive sensation is given by a diluted blue, close to blue, smoky or lavender. Such colors inspire, awaken imagination and bold dreams.
So let's move on to how to choose the right blue shade for any living area and use its energy.
Shades of blue: dark blue, blue-green, light blue, gray-blue
Pure dark blue color - deep, aristocratic, very adult. He is able to make the atmosphere richer and more comfortable at the same time.
There are examples of this in classical European and ethnic oriental interiors.
However, the power of deep blue comes out when it is used sparingly - in furniture, in textiles, and stands out against the background of the main color scheme.
American classic style, for example, welcomes such a color scheme: a delicate beige-brown background and expressive blue details.
In Arab and Moroccan homes, blue is also called royal, but it is used moderately, as if cooling the hot oriental palette of colors.
Light blue shades, close to blue, look less status, but these colors are used to decorate rooms in health resorts, in recreation areas. They are very pleasant for the eyes and the body as a whole: they erase disturbing thoughts and return a relaxing feeling of carelessness, even relieve insomnia.
Soft bluish tones are characteristic of the French classics and French romanticism. Tellingly, these styles have smooth color transitions and no sharp contrasts.
Thus, the blue color appears best in combination with similar tones - with gray (typical French!), White, pistachio or dark blue.
Grey-blue and blue-lilac have a similar pleasant effect.
Any shades of the spectrum between blue and blue-red (purple) are warmer and more comfortable than pure blue. They allow the eyes to rest, relax, and are best suited for kitchens. And they serve as a marker of the most "home" interior style - Provence.
And finally, a very interesting natural tone is formed by mixing blue with green - the color teal. This is the color of seascapes, basic in beach and tropical interior styles.
At the same time, it makes the interior more youthful and interesting if it is used as an accent in a spacious living room, library, lounge area.
About how blue accessories change the environment and what colors they can be combined with, let's say in more detail.
Blue color combination in the interior
Rule 1 .
Saturated dark blue, "royal" color almost always looks easy and advantageous not as a base, but when it dilutes a light color palette.
Example 1. If such a tone is present on an accent wall in a small bright bedroom, it relaxes, maintains a feeling of spaciousness and freedom. Note: in this case, there should be enough diffused light in the room.
In a large and dimly lit living room, the abundance of the same shade will look gloomy.
Example 2. At the same time, bright blue accessories - a sofa, paintings - can look quite interesting in a bright guest or dining area. They will make the atmosphere more fresh, youthful.
There is one exception. Deep blue is used in large blocks, equally with gold or silver, in an expensive Art Deco style. In this case, it deprives the interior of lightness, but instead focuses on the high cost of finishing, the status and taste of the owner. And this finishing option is suitable for an office-studio or hallway.
Regulation 2 . Muted blue tones, on the contrary, are very successfully used in the basic color scheme of living rooms.
Example 1. In the Provence style, for example, gray-blue furniture is welcome.
Example 2. Nautical style provides ready-made examples of how to successfully combine bright blue accents and a turquoise or gray-blue background palette.
Blue next to other colors: lots of interesting effects
Pure blue is quite strong, and if there is a lot of it in a room, it creates a cold environment in a phenomenal way. However, with the right combinations with other colors, it only slightly refreshes the interior.
2 gross errors in the use of blue
Saturated blue almost never (except in one case) can be harmoniously combined with pure red. Both colors will reinforce each other and tire your eyesight.
A combination of deep blue with dark brown or black will also look gloomy.
And now for the fun.
Blue color looks nice and beautiful in such combinations
- next to light neutral colors - white, gray, beige
- with diluted red and yellowish shades - fuchsia, pink, coral, orange, sand
- with similar shades - blue, light purple.
The combination of basic blue and white colors is most successfully played in the Gzhel style. This is a style that harmoniously passed into the interiors from the Russian art of ceramic painting.
But many nations outside of Russia have their own Gzhel - in China, the Mediterranean! Therefore, blue and white prints and color blocks can be used in marine, colonial, oriental styles. Such notes bring lightness to the interior.
Subdued blues, in particular the most navy blue-greens, combine perfectly and softly with sandy yellows, beiges, light woods.
Such basic combinations are used in beach style, tropical, eco-style, that is, in those situations when you need to create a pleasant environment for relaxation and recuperation.
And the combination of blue with light blue, gray-blue, violet even more relaxes and harmonizes the mental state. And in the lounge areas, you can apply different gradients of blue, sometimes with the addition of other "beach" and tropical shades.
Next to shades of gold or silver, a deep blue tone shows its chic. Rare and elite blue materials and mural elements are becoming more visible. And in the traditional status styles of interiors - classic, art deco, palace oriental - this effect is often used.
Clever combinations of blue with pink or coral can be used in simpler and more modern youth rooms. On a pink background, the blue color looks dynamic, fresh. And for connoisseurs of pop art or the ever-young disco style, this is an interesting find.
There is one exceptional case that we mentioned - oriental style.
Only in bright and spacious oriental interiors can blue be used in tandem with red, rich orange and even black, organically complementing the fabulous patterned picture of a rich house.
As you can see, complementary colors can make the same blue tone more calm, relaxing or, conversely, strong and status.
Let's say in more detail with which companion colors it can be used in different living areas.
How to use the blue color in the interior of the kitchen
For the kitchen, history itself has created the most harmonious design option - Gzhel. With just two colors, this style allows you to make a large kitchen space free, solid and incredibly homely at the same time.
Due to the fact that the blue color is present in patterns, small details, it enhances the effect of white - it expands the space, makes the interior light.
True, such a style requires a careful selection of furniture, household appliances and even plates and small accessories. Therefore, it is more practical to use blue in large blocks. But not pure blue - it suppresses appetite and makes the atmosphere formal.
It is interesting to combine Provence style color schemes (gray-blue furnishings and white, beige or white-pink background finishes) and crockery with Gzhel elements.
Bedroom interior blue
In the bedroom or lounge area, it is desirable to create a soft and relaxing French environment, with a gray, blue or milky white base tone and with different gradients of blue in the accents.
In the bedroom for a child or ageless adults, you can use the same colors, neutral and pleasing to the eye, but only in the form of interesting marine prints.
In the country bedroom - with large windows and natural finishes - "beach" colors and combinations look perfect. For example, a blue-green background color and sand or woody tones that set it off.
Blue color in the interior of the living room
This design is also suitable for a spacious lounge area of a city apartment.
And in a spacious living room, you can use bolder color ensembles with blue. For inspiration, here are two radically different examples.
The first option is to create a fresh and informal atmosphere.
To do this, you can use single blue pieces of furniture and bright posters and accessories. Harmoniously combine everything into a single picture in the style of pop art will allow gray, white or beige.
The second option is the opposite example of how to emphasize status and fine taste with the help of blue. In this case, the classic color scheme is used - deep blue is used in decoration and textiles and is combined with golden, silver or beige shades.
And finally, to zone a spacious living room-studio, to separate an intimate relaxation area, you can use blue and a color block contrasting with it (white, pink, sand).
Any shade of blue can have a relaxing and therapeutic effect if applied correctly in a living space. But all these tones are about 180 (!).
Review different designs and combinations to see which blue is right for you.
Blue color in the interior - photo examples0003
Quartblog Digest
Blue sofa in the interior: 20 examples - A blue sofa can decorate any living room.
We have collected 20 examples for you that will prove it.
Blue and green: 40 examples of color combinations - Blue and green is not the most common color combination. However, it can look very nice. Our selection today is proof of that.
All shades of blue in the Swedish blogger's apartment - In addition to all the shades of blue - from pastels and turquoise to rich navy blue - the house has a lot of vintage furniture, flowers, unusual accessories and paintings.
22 beautiful blue bedrooms - Blue is considered the ideal color for the bedroom: it calms and sets you up for relaxation.
Studio in Helsinki 24 m² with blue accents - Designer Marina Sargsyan designed a tiny apartment of only 23.9 m² for a young client.
Add to Favorites3
- Tags0001
Color psychology
Blue is the calmest color in the palette. Its range is great: from aquamarine to sapphire, and each brings its own mood to the interior.
First of all, blue is associated with space, the sky and the sea - places unknown and boundless for man.
Light colors give a feeling of freshness, and dark blue is credited with mystical properties.
Shades
Light shades are light and fresh, while deeper ones are elegance and conservatism.
Sapphire and other dark tones have been linked to depression and should be avoided in large amounts.
Bright colors are used for decoration elements. Neat turquoise and aquamarine inserts will make guests feel open and optimistic, but their overabundance will lead to increased nervousness.
Influence on the size of the room
Blue visually expands the space, so they are recommended to decorate small rooms.
In spacious halls, an excess of blue will make the room uncomfortable, which will negatively affect mood and performance.
Deeper, closer to sapphire, tones are best not used as a base, but combined with other colors, since dark shades in large quantities "narrow" the room.
If it is necessary to make the room visually higher, then heavenly tones are used when finishing the ceiling. In addition to causing a feeling of lightness, they will be associated with a high sky.
The floor should be painted in dark shades, or a combination of light tones and other colors.
Combination of blue with other colors
Soft tones such as sky blue and aquamarine are combined with pastel colors of pink, red, green and beige.
Sea wave is recommended to be used together with brown. It goes well with light woods.
For inky and close tones, a combination with white, light gray, beige and brown is suitable.
Do not combine blue with red, orange, bright green and other colors that create a sharp contrast.
Textures
Textured dark shades add elegance to interiors.
If there are curtains in the room, blue velvet is the ideal material for them. For tulle, it is better to choose light shades.
Blue color goes well with glass.
This must be taken into account when choosing lamps and edging mirrors. Lighting choice
In all blue-dominated rooms, soft, even light is the best option.
In warm lighting, the interior in blue colors looks more natural than in cold lighting. Although in some design solutions, cold light is also acceptable.
Selecting a room
Making blue the main color is better in rooms with windows facing south or east. On the north and west side, cold shades in natural light create a gloomy atmosphere.
Blue in styles
Blue is compatible with almost all styles: its pastel colors are used in the classics, more saturated colors in the baroque. Bright shades are often found in pop art, and in the loft it is one of the main ones.
Room interiors
Living room
For a spacious living room, it is better to use pastel colors and focus on individual decor elements with a rich color.
Blue edging of mirrors, wooden stairs with aquamarine and cornflower blue inserts, velvet curtains look good in the hall.
If the walls are light, then the furniture must be selected in sapphire color.
Bedroom
Bedrooms are decorated in dark or pale blue colors. Contrasts should be avoided.
The best combinations for the bedroom - with white or gray. Together they create a peaceful atmosphere.
The floor is selected parquet, it should be decorated with a fleecy carpet in ink or blue.
Children's room
Children's room can be decorated with the theme of the sea or space.
Pillows, ottomans and rugs with thematic design are used as decor.
Kitchen
Decorated in light colors, often combined with white. Bright and dark colors should be avoided.
The contrast of the ultramarine kitchen set and the white wall looks good.
Bathroom
Can be used in any colour, contrast or solid blue.
Walls are often decorated with darker tiles, and finishing elements are accentuated with bright colors. The edging of the mirrors is light, the shells are in pastel colors, the carpets are in the color of the sea wave.
The sauna is designed according to the same principles as the bathroom.
Dmitry Kondakov, architect-designer at TriTsveta interior design studio
Hello. Want to know how designers choose colors? Why do you like one color and not another?
My name is Dmitry Kondakov, I am an architect-designer. I have been using shades of blue in my interiors for more than 10 years and I am ready to share my techniques and best practices with you.
First you need to understand if the blue color suits you. To do this, in the process of questioning, I try to determine the psychotype of the customer's personality. I need to understand what kind of character he has, how he spends his day and how a blue interior can affect him. If a person comes home to relax after a working day, if he wants to surround himself with an atmosphere of calm, stability, trust and reliability, then the shades of blue suit him.
In the second stage we dive deeper, we show the blue created by nature itself - blue sky, lake and sea depth, blue berries and flowers.
We ask what associations these images evoke. For example, one customer really liked the deep ultramarine, as he had memories of participating in a real regatta as a child. And the same color caused excitement in another client, as she cannot swim and is afraid of the depth. Guess who we hung the picture of the sailboats to?
This is how we select the blue color that will evoke only positive emotions. This is very important, because you will see it every day.
The third step is to determine the amount of blue in the interior. To do this, we use the formula familiar to all designers - 60/30/10. This formula is based on the percentage of colors in the interior and is needed for their harmonious combination with each other. The background color occupies about 60% of all areas and elements in the interior. For example, it is white, it expands the space, fills the room with air and light. It's like a blank slate for an artist.
The main color is shades of blue taken from nature - the color of the sky, the sea, the depths of the ocean, flowers and berries.
