Blue is one of the most versatile colours around and works well in any room. Blues with cool undertones will bring some essential freshness to any interior, while lighter hues like powder blue will make maximum use of natural light.
A blue colour scheme will bring a sense of calm and serenity to your spaces, even if you’ve been heavy-handed with your palette choices. Lighter tones make the perfect base for any interior design, making them a good swap for muted neutrals. Meanwhile, more dramatic colours like cobalt blue can transform the energy of any corner of the home.
Use pale blue in a bedroom or living room if you want to unwind or brighten up a dining space with navy blue tones enriched with cool grey accents. You can use more intense colours like royal blue in a kitchen, with these darker shades working well alongside stainless steel appliances and all-white cabinets.
However, sticking to an all-blue palette can be boring. The good news is that there are plenty of other colours you can work into the mix to make those blue-infused interiors more interesting.
The Range of Blue Paint Colours
You probably have a single shade in mind when you think about the colour blue. However, this section of the colour wheel offers plenty of variety. Dark blue shades are ideal for creating drama, with denim blue and teal being particularly effective.
If the thought of dark blue walls doesn’t appeal and you prefer paler blue tones, there are plenty of alternatives to consider. A baby blue paint colour is a good choice for bedrooms, while vintage shades like duck egg will work wonders in a period property.
What Goes With Blue?
Looking for the perfect colour to compliment blue decor with? You’re not short of options. With everything from mint green to hot pink working nicely alongside blue walls, you can have plenty of fun putting together a classic colour combination.
If you’re in the market for a more refined interior, think about pairing a deep blue with chocolate brown accents. If you’re a fan of more contemporary aesthetics, balance out an intense teal with burnt orange. Vibrant yellows can also be used to bring a little sunshine to blue-inspired interiors.
Cool tones work incredibly well together, which is why grey will always make a fine addition to a blue interior. Use a powder grey shade to coordinate with light blue walls, or reach for something darker like charcoal if you want to create contrast. If you want to stick with a timeless pairing, think about combining sky blue walls with crisp white accents.
Greys
Grey and blue are meant for each other. Pair pale blues with light greys and bring out the intensity of navy shades with charcoal hues.
Indigo L429 + Chalk F484
If you want to make a statement, go with an inky blue like Indigo L429. In larger rooms, this one works well as an all-wall colour, but you can still use it effectively for feature walls in smaller interiors.
It’s best to stick to a more muted grey to balance things out. An off-white like Chalk F484 is a good choice, with its delicate green undertones bringing some subtle vibrancy.
Try a Colour Out
Kaolin H497 + Cumulus Y354
If you’re decorating a bedroom, use a milky cream like Kaolin H497 as your grey. The yellow and green undertones both pair perfectly with any blue paint colour.
To keep things simple, use a calming light blue like Cumulus Y354. If you want to make more of a statement with primary colours, use a blue rug or introduce some light blue accents to your space.
Neutrals
If you’re unsure of how to decorate with blue, make life easy for yourself and use neutrals. These easy-going shades work well with any colour and will always pair well with a grey interior.
Merino Y458 + Forget Me Not H353
A creamy white like Merino Y458 is an ideal swap for classic white. With its warm undertones, it’ll leave your space feeling fresh and airy.
A pastel blue will work nicely here. Try something like Forget Me Not H353 for a low-key colour scheme that can be readily personalised with blue decor and furnishings.
Royal M436 + Snowhite F470
Want to go with a darker palette? Try a deep blue like Royal M436. Although this is a deeper shade, a hint of green brings much-needed vibrancy.
To dial things down slightly, stick to a muted neutral like Snowhite F470. This soft linen hue is perfect for ceilings, room accents and interior doors.
Yellows
If you’re decorating with blue, a touch of yellow goes a long way. These two colour families make perfect partners, with those sunny shades giving any blue wall an instant lift.
Parmesan F302 + Petrol S491
If you’re using a darker blue, use a creamy yellow like Parmesan F302 as your secondary colour. Light and refreshing, it’s a great choice for coating interior doors and architectural details.
A dark cadet blue like Petrol S491 will go well with a more pared-back yellow. If you’re decorating a smaller room, consider saving this for a feature wall.
Denim N429 + Papyrus Y392
Bold blues can make a tired room into something really special. A deep shade like Denim N429 is ideal for living rooms and dining spaces, but can also be used sparingly in bedrooms and bathrooms.
You’ll need something a little more subtle to balance out an intense blue like that. A creamy yellow like Papyrus Y329 is an exceptional choice, while its neutral base also means you can add a couple of jewel tones into the mix.
Browns
If you’re planning a more sophisticated room makeover, a combination of blue and brown is something to consider. Both tend to have cool undertones, making them a fine fit with hardwood floors and natural materials.
Royal M436 + Driftwood V484
Use a deep blue like Royal M436 to get things started. With its olive green undertones, it works incredibly well alongside indoor plants and brown accents.
Next, use an earthy brown like Driftwood V484. Thanks to its grey qualities, this colour can also be paired with slate and charcoal-infused tones.
Rain J490 + Stonehenge V477
If you’re thinking about a softer palette pairing, use a light blue like Rain J490. With grey undertones, it’s the perfect partner to earthy tones like brown.
A rosy stone brown like Stonehenge V477 will make a welcome addition here, with the subtle pink undertones bringing some essential warmth.