Decorating With Blue

By Nicole Sforza
Updated August 29, 2014
Credit: Lucas Allen
There’s no easier hue to work with than blue, in all its warm and cool tones.
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Warm Blues

Credit: Lucas Allen

Famously calming and peaceful, blue can have very different effects on a room depending on its temperature. Warm blues, like the shade shown here (or like denim, ocean blue, or slate blue), contain hints of red. Color experts say they advance, or come toward you, so they help make a room feel cozier. Decorators often like warm blues in social spaces, like the living room, the kitchen, or the dining room.

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Cool Blues

Credit: Ellen Silverman

Shades known as cool blues―like cobalt, turquoise, and ice blue―have yellow in them and tend to recede, or back away, which can help a small space look bigger. Color experts explain that cool blues encourage calmness (which is nice for a bedroom) and focus (say, in a home office). Sometimes cool blues can go a little further and be cold. But in a bathroom, where you want a crisp, clean vibe, that can be a good thing.

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Cool Mix

Credit: Roger Davies/ Southern Accents/ My Home Ideas

The range of blues that pop up in this room—on the walls, the furniture, the floor—reflect the tones from sky to sea.

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Getting Warmer

Credit: Roger Davies/ Southern Accents/ My Home Ideas

A hint of green in the robin’s egg blue walls adds a warm note to a palette of restful blues.

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Simply Serene

Credit: Robbie Caponetto/My Home Ideas

Blue walls anchor a calming neutral scheme.

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Something’s Afoot

Credit: Tria Giovan/My Home Ideas

Blue works just as well—and more surprisingly—on the floor as on the walls.

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Big and Bold

Credit: Ditte Isager

A large-scale bench in a deep, rich blue becomes the automatic focal point of this living room.

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Pick Your Paint

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol


Best Blue for a Living Room


Van Deusen Blue HC-156*
“It looks fantastic with rich woods, like cherry,” says Jayne Michaels, an interior designer and a co-owner of 2Michaels Design, in New York City.

To buy: $41 a gallon, benjaminmoore.com for stores.


*Quick reminder: The paint colors you see here and on the following pages might look different on your walls. Please test them out before committing.

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Best Blue for a Dining Room

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

Blue Ceruleum Moyen 32020
“Lush and intimate, for cozy dinners with family and friends,” says Michaels.

To buy: $35 a tube, ktcolorusa.com for buying information.

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Best Blue for a Kid’s Room

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

Clear Skyscape 028-5
“A bold shade for both boys and girls,” says Michaels.

To buy: $51 a gallon, mythicpaint.com.

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Best Blue for a Bathroom

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

Buxton Blue HC-149
“A clean, fresh feeling with white tile and chrome,” says Michaels.

To buy: $41 a gallon, benjaminmoore.com for stores.

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Best Blue for the Ceiling

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

Still Moment FA018
“With white walls, this will make a room feel bigger and airier.”

To buy: $40 a gallon, freshairechoice.com for stores.

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Try a Piece of Blue Furniture

Credit: Ikea


Wood Bookcase

Fill with blue and white objects, as well as books, and it’s a chic cabinet of curiosities.

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available, but find other bookcases at ikea.com.

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Wrought-Iron End Table

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

The Almidi end table’s airy design is great for small spaces.

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available, but find a similar table at casamidy.com.

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Plastic Stool

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

Use one of these polycarbonate stools by Marcel Wanders for extra seating or two as low bedside tables.

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available, but find a similar stool at kartell.com.

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Velvet Sofa

  • Lush navy looks even richer against dark wood floors.
  • To buy: $3,000, mgbwhome.com.

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Wool Rug

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

This double dose of two-toned blue measures 5 feet by about 8 feet, just the right fit for under the coffee table.

To buy: $298, shadesoflight.com.

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Or Add a Hit of Blue With an Accessory

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol


Tulip Votive

Try one on a coffee table or a pair on the mantel.

To buy: $280, Paul Kohn Design, 212-977-5050.

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Handblown Glass Decanter

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

Place near sunshine for full enjoyment.

To buy: $795, joecariati.com for stores.

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Ceramic Table Lamp

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

An unusual blend of modern lines and pastel sweetness.

To buy: $695, 877-746-6608.

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Recycled Glasses

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

For upgrading your morning OJ or toning down a fancy table.

To buy: $11 to $15 each, Ochre Store, 212-414-4332.

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Porcelain Vase

Credit: Geoffrey Sokol

Maximize the impact by packing it with short hot pink zinnias.

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available, but find a similar vase at hyggeandwest.com.

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By Nicole Sforza