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Traditional blue living room ideas


Beautiful Blue Living Room Ideas

By

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 08/11/21

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

The color blue, no matter how pale or dark, is a spectacular hue known for its unmistakable calming and also dramatic effects. It is also one of mother nature's favorite shades from the pitch-perfect beauty of both the morning and evening skies to stormy ocean waters. When it comes to decorating a living room, there is an ideal shade of blue for every mood and style you wish to evoke.  So whether your thing is nautical or modern, these gorgeous blue living rooms will help you identify your new favorite shade.

6 Essential Living Room Decorating Tips to Follow

45 Best Blue Rooms - Decor Ideas for Light and Dark Blue Rooms

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

An ode to azul.

By Hadley Mendelsohn

Thomas Loof

Blue. Even the word itself feels full and soft, like an embrace or a deep breath. Visually, of course, it's even more powerful. Writers have been waxing poetic about the color for eons: "We love to contemplate blue, not because it advances to us, but because it draws us after it," said 18th-century playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Contemporary novelists go on and on about it too: "That this blue exists makes my life a remarkable one, just to have seen it. To have seen such beautiful things," muses poet Maggie Nelson. "The world is blue at its edges and in its depths. This blue is the light that got lost," echoes writer Rebecca Solnit.

Just as this color has enchanted writers, artists, philosophers, and scientists for centuries, it's also the most popular choice for interior designers. From living rooms to bedrooms, kitchens, powder rooms, and beyond, the 45 blue rooms ahead might inspire you to douse your home in this wholly calming, restorative color.

Janie Molster

1 of 45

Enhance the Architecture

“Saturated colors balance the strength of the architecture,” says Janie Molster of this 1700s Virginia living room with walls in Benjamin Moore's Mill Spring Blue.

Shannon McGrath

2 of 45

Play With Shapes

Just looking at a blue room can slow your pace and calm you down. A monochrome palette allows us to focus on the incredible interior architecture and dramatic statement pieces in this living room designed by Robson Rak. The soothing tones and shapes, from the marble side table to the bubble pendant light and rounded sofa, make it both understated and bold.

MIGUEL FLORES-VIANNA

3 of 45

Add Blue Details

Keep everything neutral and then opt for soft blue accents. Here, Cathy Kincaid painted the bed frame and used decorative pillows for a splash of blue. We love the contrast between the high-end, traditional monogrammed bedding, an orate mirror, full drapes, and a canopy bed against the unexpectedly cheeky throw pillow.

Nanette Brown

4 of 45

Mix In Earth Tones

Designer Nanette Brown opted for a moody color palette in this New York City living room. The dark blue painted walls are a fun surprise, especially when paired with rich chocolate brown fabric and brass accents.

Tamsin Johnson

5 of 45

Include Eye-Popping Accents

Setting the tone for the rest home in the entryway is mission critical. Here, interior designer Tamsin Johnson used traditional staples and injected personality with blue accents, from the Art Deco area rug to the abstract painting and elaborate candelabrum.

Paul Costello

6 of 45

Mix Materials

Interior designer Shaun Smith's New Orleans bathroom should be your blueprint for decorating with blue. He worked around the retro tiled wall by choosing an all-blue color palette punctuated by rattan pieces. Not only is it a good idea to keep wallpaper out of splashing range, but it can also cut your cost in half if you only buy enough for half the square footage.

Anne Pyne

7 of 45

Use a Tight Palette

In designer Ann Pyne's New York City apartment, a bright blue velvet sofa with marigold piping reflects the color scheme of the custom mural but brings a touch of soft opulence to the more clean-lined edges of the graphic pattern.

Francesco Lagnese

8 of 45

Ground the Space

Color stretches all the way up to the high rafters in this living room designed by Thomas Jayne and William Cullum. As you can see in the mirror, the color of these walls changes depending on the way the light hits it, shifting between sharp mint green and soft sea foam green. The red and blue work nicely, too, grounding the sharp blue-green paint. To elongate your already tall ceilings, hang a pendant light high above the sitting area.

LAURE JOLIET

9 of 45

Try Old-Fashioned Patterns

Dubbed "The Blue Room" at Firehouse Hotel—L.A.'s coolest new boutique spot designed by ETC.etera—this bedroom is absolute goals. If you weren't sure you wanted to anchor your space around blue before, you probably do now. The contrast between a classic toile motif and modern geometric is the perfect blend of quirk and tradition.

Thomas Loof

10 of 45

Lean Into High Shine

The tight prints and splashes of red help marry the playful yellow and turquoise lacquer paints in this wide-open landing that Kati Curtis transformed into a jewel box of a reading nook.

2LG Studio

11 of 45

Paint Half the Wall

The sky blue paint sets the stage in this bathroom designed by 2LG Studios while a palm leaf tree brings it to life. To play up the cool tones of the paint, the designers used silver hardware. crisp white materials, and gray-stained wood panels.

Fantastic Frank

12 of 45

Soften It Up

A soothing soft blue feels adds an ethereal, dreamy quality to every space while offering a ton of versatility, making it particularly well-suited for the bedroom. The linen bedding and makeshift side table accent chair contribute to that easy, undone elegance. Even the floorboards have been washed inn a lovely gray-blue!

Roland Bello

13 of 45

Embrace Whimsy

A classic blue wall mural gets a burst of contemporary energy with deep pink lampshades and a pinstriped sofa in this sitting room corner designed by Miles Redd.

Mali Azima

14 of 45

Play With Texture

This sitting room designed by Janie Molster features unique texture-rich details, from the tapestry wall decor to the elaborate ceiling moldings. The blue paint brings just a touch of grounded coolness to the warmer tones throughout.

Lucas Allen

15 of 45

Stick to a Theme

Nautical rules in this master bathroom designed by Alexander Angle. Inspired by the occupant's own passions and interests, but with a design-savvy touch, this bathroom feels polished yet personal. The vintage trunks, light blue walls, and gold pendant are tasteful nods to maritime adventure.

BJORN WALLANDER

16 of 45

Swim in Blue

High-gloss paints are a surefire way to make a bold statement. In this bedroom designed by decorator Alisa Bloom, the rich, liquidy sheen bounces light around a dark room, a spin on that old mirror trick designers love. Bloom used Fine Paints of Europe’s Delft Blue 4003 in Hollandlac Brilliant to illuminate the entire bedroom.

Heidi Caillier

17 of 45

Play with Tone

A smokey gray-blue mural wallpaper pairs unexpectedly well with the warm wood console in this hallway designed by Heidi Caillier. The accessories adorning table, like the plaid lamp shade, metal vase, and hazy mirror, marry the cool tones with the natural browns.

Regan Baker Design

18 of 45

Make a Statement Wall

This master bathroom designed by Regan Baker Design is absolutely hypnotizing thanks to the blue tile statement wall. Rich in both color and pattern, it doubles the room's depth and character.

Cameron Ruppert Interiors

19 of 45

Go Glossy

This dining room in a family home designed by Cameron Ruppert Interiors gets a dose of glam from lacquered blue paint. The upholstered chairs and beige and cream carpet lighten the mood.

Studio DB

20 of 45

Use as a Neutral

In this blue living room designed by Studio DB, the peach and marigold throws add just the right amount of variance. The matching walls and sectional interact with the light beautifully, casting an ethereal glow throughout. For a similar effect, opt for a pale, barely-there shade of blue paint.

Francesco Lagnese

21 of 45

Shrinking Violet

A vibrant blue-violet shade is perfect for a kid's room. It makes bunk beds feel more sleek and modern—and maybe will convince your kids that sharing a room is actually cool.

Tara Striano

22 of 45

Get Ocean-Inspired

Blue is one of those colors that feels accessible—it's bold enough to feel like you're taking serious risks, but still classic. Two different blue-green hues give a Florida kitchen an elegant beach vibe. Brass lanterns keep it from feeling too coastal.

Björn Wallander

23 of 45

Layer Your Blues

The walls of this family room were lacquered in a custom ocean color, which gives the color even more depth.

Cameron Ruppert Interiors

24 of 45

Bring It to the Floor

The night sky-inspired floor tiles lay the perfect foundation for this whimsical children's bathroom designed by Cameron Rupert Interiors. With contrasting prints, playful motifs, and pops of red, it's a space both kids and adults can love. Take note if you love blue but also want to play with other colors.

Nicole Franzen

25 of 45

Play Against Type

When you don't want to overpower the room with blue, keep it confined to the artwork and lighting. Here, it still stands on its own while also sharing the spotlight with other bold colors, like hot pink and olive green.

Crosby Studios

26 of 45

Go Monochrome

Love powdery blue? Here's your pick. In this space designed by Crosby Studio, the calming, periwinkle blue hue stains every inch, from the curtains to the trims, ceilings, furniture, and counters. There's something undeniable modern about using one specific color, and a pastel shade delivers a great sense of bold quirkiness that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Maura McEvoy

27 of 45

Make Like David Lynch

The blue velvet of the upholstery contrasts the light blue walls. Both have cool undertones, which makes the room feel cohesive.

House Beautiful

28 of 45

Wash It Out

Going bold doesn't always involve going for a vibrant or dark color. Instead, texture can create drama. In this aqua living room, gleaming lacquer conveys elegance.

Maura McEvoy

29 of 45

Grab a Pattern

An ornate wall covering makes a small entryway feel like a jewel box. Chinese statues up the well-traveled vibe.

DAVID TSAY

30 of 45

Play with Scale

Paint isn't the only way to incorporate blue in a big way. This floor-to-ceiling azure tile shower makes for a shower you never want to leave.

35 Unexpected Color Combos for Palette Inspo

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

Blue living room: the right use of blue in the interior: a photo of design ideas

Blue has a powerful energy and evokes a lot of different emotions. Psychologists are united in one thing - such a palette is rich and varied, but it pacifies, evokes a feeling of calm and well-being. But the use of gamma in the interior causes certain difficulties - the color can be cool and rather dark, neutral or saturated, it is difficult to combine it with other tones if there is no design experience. The skillful use of this palette still brings a lot of pleasure: the blue living room becomes a favorite place for the whole family, because there is a feeling of freedom, it is always fresh and easy to breathe.

When decorating, the shade is chosen depending on the purpose and area of ​​the room: a deep night color would be more appropriate for a bedroom, and gentle blue for a nursery. The living room can be different, and the choice of tone depends on the degree of natural light, the location of the windows, the style of the composition.

Blue walls in the living room

Blue walls in the interior of the living room is an opportunity to make the atmosphere balanced, sensual and free. Despite the cool spectrum, oriental sages attribute feminine properties to it. And this is not only sensuality, but also care, creativity. Therefore, such a palette for the design of a room can evoke interesting emotions - a feeling of calm and security, as if someone hid you in this room from all the problems of the daily routine.

At the same time, nothing constrains thoughts and feelings here, and you can devote yourself to your favorite business - drawing, reading or writing a book, embroidery or sewing, any creativity. But such an influence does not mean that you need to paint the entire room in this color: furniture or decor, textiles, or only a living room in a combined space with a kitchen and dining room can be made in blue.

If the choice fell on the finish, you can use different shades and techniques that will help make the room harmonious, comfortable and free.

The whole range can be used in a room decorated in any style, the main thing is to remember the sense of proportion and the rules of harmonious composition.

Recommendations for designing a living room in blue tones

The design of a living room in blue tones can be implemented in various styles, and a lot depends on the direction - the choice of basic notes, saturation of the main color, the vastness of the range, design techniques.

Living room in this range can be bright, glamorous or aristocratic. You can design it in a modern or retro style, make it cool enough or still find warm combinations.

It is important to remember that blue, despite being compatible with the entire natural palette, requires careful treatment, because it is quite bright and intense.

Interesting compositions of blue with other colors in the interior

In an effort to make their house or apartment original, owners often use non-standard design ideas selected for another room. Often, techniques are designed for other parameters - illumination, area, style, and the result is disappointing. To prevent this from happening, you should listen to the advice of experts regarding color combinations and their application.

A classic duet in a blue and white living room

More or less contrasting - depending on the saturation of the color of the deep sea, always successful and stylish, such a duet makes the atmosphere fresh, spacious, extraordinary. The combination is applicable in different styles - in the marine, Greek Mediterranean, classical and high-tech. Literally in any design, the duet has the right to use, but with different additions - bright or pastel, extravagant or restrained.

Extravagant black and blue living room interior

Appropriate only in spacious rooms where there is a lot of natural and artificial lighting, large windows are installed, a duet of blue and black palettes can be an interesting way to organize the play of light and shadow, gradient decoration and ultra-modern composition.

Although the combination is acceptable in Art Deco, Baroque, Empire style. Here, black can become even deeper, because matte velvet surfaces are used, so it is worth diluting this combination with light details.

Living room in blue tones with a sunny companion

A harmonious and widespread color combination option in modern and nautical interiors will help make cool colors more comfortable in any climate. The best would be a duet of azure with a yellow palette to eliminate the contrast that is unpleasant to the eye.

Using orange instead of yellow will bring an oriental touch to the interior of a blue living room if you use ornaments and a terracotta shade. If you prefer gloss and monochromatic solutions, the room will turn out to be modern, dynamic, cheerful.

Terracotta and pastel blue - an exceptional option for decorating a kitchen-living room in the style of Provence, country, in the Italian Mediterranean direction. Such interiors will be warm and harmonious in this natural palette.

Blue with rose-red tones

You can combine blue with pink or red, but you should do it very carefully. For example, an active fiery tone will be contrary to the blue palette, which is calm and peaceful. You can use red accents in a room where most surfaces are painted in either pastel sky or another neutral color, and richer tones cover only a small part of the furniture or interior details.

Pink is even less appropriate in a blue living room, with the exception of combining it with other rooms: for example, a designer kitchen in a raspberry palette can contrast with the color of the sea in an art deco, pop art, hi-tech, futurism room.

Noble harmony of blue and brown

The softest and most discreet duet in any intensity of blue - a combination with brown in all its palette. Both cream and beige, and the tone of chocolate wood can be easily combined with any range.

Indoors, they can act equally – walls, furniture, textiles, details are painted evenly. Their color can be blue, and brown, and combined. Such interiors are elegant, stylish, calm. Bright accents in moderation will give a little dynamism and emotionality.

Precious metal living room

Silver and gold are perfect additions to any tone. The first gives the room even more coolness and restraint. Here, a gray-blue range can be used in any saturation, and such an interior can turn out to be monochrome, since notes of a more intense range can play on gray and silver.

Gilding, on the other hand, is the priority of the classical style, and here white with traditional gold trim most often complements the heavenly palette.

A selection of photos of a blue living room

Many people like the blue color, so the very desire to decorate a living room in this palette is not surprising, photos of designer rooms of blue, azure and saturated colors of the deep sea can help with this. Here it is easy to find a variety of ideas that, with proper handling, can be transformed to the parameters of your house or apartment. Different shades will allow you to interpret design techniques for any room, so that it is comfortable for your family.

Blue and white living room interior, 42 photos

A refreshing white and blue living room is a good solution for those who work hard mentally or physically.

White and blue colors fill the atmosphere with freshness, create a feeling of cleanliness and fullness of space with air, relieve stress and immerse you in relaxation.

Although, of course, a pale blue tint has a greater relaxation effect, and bright turquoise already invigorates and tones, in general, blue tones have a stabilizing effect on us. They help to cope with negative emotions, focus on further activities during the day, or move on to a serene rest.

The white and blue concept of the living room is laid in many traditional, ethnic and modern styles: Classic , village (country) , Mauritan , British , Art Deco , Modern , minimalism . In this article, we will give general practical recommendations, focusing on which you will create a beautiful and comfortable design, whichever of these styles you choose.

WHERE TO START DESIGNING A WHITE AND BLUE LIVING ROOM

The first thing you need to do is estimate the area of ​​the room. For a small living room of 15 sq.m. and less recommended is a combination of white with pastel blue colors.

Some experts believe that it is better not to place bright accents in a small-sized white-and-blue living room, otherwise the light tones of blue will lose their attractiveness, fade against the background of rich colors. If you want to diversify the situation with something, they advise adding beige, coffee-and-milk, light yellow, pearl gray, light green or pale pink accessories.
Examples of small blue and white living rooms are shown in the photo.

In a spacious room, you can experiment with deep, intense, noble tones such as indigo, and even a combination of several of these shades is welcome.

These photos show the blue and white interiors of spacious living rooms.

Someone in a white and blue color scheme is embarrassed by white because of its "hospital sterility". Alternative shades of white, such as milky or creamy, will help to avoid this feeling. You can use several of these light colors at once: for example, pick up a pale cream wallpaper, a snow-white tablecloth in the dining area and curtains in a natural linen shade.

In a spacious room, experiments with additional accent colors are allowed - for example, with yellow, orange, red, green. Of the warming shades, terracotta and coral are of particular interest, and of the cooling ones - grassy, ​​olive, pistachio.

Another factor to consider is which side the living room windows face, north or south. The white and blue combination is ideal for rooms on the hot sunny side, but it is advisable to decorate the northern room in a more relaxed combination of white and light blue.

HOW TO INTRODUCE A WHITE AND BLUE COLOR COMBINATION INTO YOUR LIVING ROOM

To make it easier for you to shop in the future, plan each element of the future interior: wall, floor and ceiling decoration, furniture, lighting, textiles and decor.

1. BASIC SURFACES (WALLS, FLOOR, CEILING)

Four white walls are, of course, boring, although for a very small living room this option is saving. White will expand the space to the maximum, and the room will be perceived in a new way. Although no one forbids you to pick up white and blue wallpaper or white and blue with a small pattern. It is better to refuse a large drawing, as it visually narrows the room.

Alternatively, make an accent blue wall and decorate it with white shelves or other light decor. And in the spacious living room, you can make a dark blue accent wall.

Wall murals are a versatile solution for both small and large rooms. Only with a modest quadrature is it worth choosing images with a perspective - for example, with a ship sailing in the distance, a bridge or a path.

Striped wallpaper will help visually correct the architectural flaws of the room. Vertical stripes will raise the ceiling, and horizontal stripes will stretch the narrow walls of the room wide, which will give the “trailer” a more square shape.

Choosing the flooring for the blue and white room is no problem. Choose whatever wood tone you like - light, medium or dark. Light wood (for example, honey-gold) will make the living room cozier, while dark wood will effectively contrast with blue surfaces and objects.

A bleached finish with greyish streaks is also suitable. In combination with a white ceiling, it will create a feeling of weightlessness, floating in the clouds.

As for the ceiling, there are two options - leave it neutral or make it accent. If you don’t want to highlight the ceiling, order a glossy or matte stretch fabric in white or simply plaster the top. And the combined white and blue ceiling will already be a decorative element - in this case, you should not overdo it with shades of blue in the decor, it is enough to limit yourself to a small set of accessories.

2. FURNITURE

The contrast of blue and white tones is more evident in the design of the living room walls and furniture. So, against the background of a white wall, they put a blue sofa, and against the background of blue wallpaper - a white one.

Wooden or wicker furniture is a perfect accent.

Base blue is suitable for bleached oak and other light woods, blue for furniture in medium and dark tones.

The photo shows the interiors of the living rooms in white and blue tones, successfully complemented by wood products.

Open shelves in white or blue will also look good in a modest living room.

In a large living room with rich blue walls, it is worth limiting yourself to laconic furniture. The darker the blue tint on the main surfaces, the more minimalistic the sofa and armchairs should be.

Also note that the blue color looks brighter on glossy furniture fronts.

If you don't need such a powerful visual effect in a small room, choose a wall with frosted facades.

3. LIGHTING

A light blue and white living room doesn't need fancy lighting. But still, it is worth taking care of the lighting fixtures so that it is comfortable in each functional area. So, the central ceiling chandelier should be supplemented with a couple of table lamps and a floor lamp.

When using dark blue tones on large surfaces, purchase wall sconces or install spotlights. So the blue wall will not seem like a gloomy spot or a bottomless abyss.

4. TEXTILE

Curtains choose from contrasting or monochrome color schemes. If you want to create a contrast, match blue curtains to white walls or vice versa. For a small living room, a monochrome option is suitable - white walls and white curtains or white curtains with small splashes of blue.

The choice of carpet should also be approached responsibly, as this is a rather large element, and an unsuccessful print can greatly spoil the overall picture. The photo shows an example of a well-chosen carpet. The strip is involved in the organization of space, sets the direction of attention from the recreation area to the kitchen and vice versa.

5. DECOR

The decoration of the hall in blue and white suggests Gzhel ceramics, and this is a good idea. By the way, ceramics are painted in white and blue style not only here. In Europe, China and Japan, such products are also made - each country has its own authentic style and painting plots.

A traditional white and blue living room or a modern, eclectic space with classic touches will fit in with golden decor. Details with a golden sheen will slightly warm the atmosphere, while the blue-white room will not lose its original freshness.

6 DESIGN IDEAS TO REMEMBER:

Just like a cake needs a cherry in the center, the interior needs an original finishing touch or an unusual idea embedded in the overall concept. We hope our selection will inspire you and give you an idea of ​​what is missing in the design plan of your living room.

1. ECO SUNBURST

Sunburst is a sun-mirror with beams that is the hallmark of today's Art Deco style. We are used to the classic gold and silver versions of this mirror, and this photo breaks the mold - here is the same sunburst, only in an ecological style. How do you like this idea?

2. ARCH MOTIFS

This living room features an arched motif that is repeated twice in the design of the fireplace and the window. If you do not have the opportunity to reproduce the same shape of the window and the fireplace portal, then make, for example, an arched door and pick up a large oval coffee table.

3. FURNITURE WITH MIRROR FACADES

Mirrors are a great tool to visually enlarge a room. And when they are on the facades of furniture, it looks extra-creative.

4. MULTILAYER UPHOLSTERY

There are decorative cushions with multi-layer covers imitating flower buds. As it turned out, furniture upholstery is done according to the same principle.

5. FLUFFY CUSHIONS

Pillows with faux fur covers will bring a touch of warmth and comfort to a simple blue and white living room. A couple of such pillows are enough, and the perception of the room will change.

6. PAINTED CHEST OF DRIVES

One unusual piece of furniture in the living room does not hurt. For example, a chest of drawers painted blue on white. Such a chest of drawers will make the atmosphere more relaxed and hospitable.

Please write in the comments what would you apply from this article in practice. And for more ideas, check out our constantly updated portfolio of our designers. To contact the specialist you like, call us at the numbers listed above or fill out the feedback form on the website below.

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♦  Heading: Color solutions for the living room.