Decorating With Blue

Lucas Allen

By Nicole Sforza

1 of 22 Lucas Allen

Warm Blues

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.

2 of 22 Ellen Silverman

Cool Blues

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.

Livingroom with blue walls, floor, furniture, accet pillows and drapes

3 of 22 Roger Davies/ Southern Accents/ My Home Ideas

Cool Mix

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

Dining room with blue carpet, walls, high-backed chairs and blue-accented chandelier

4 of 22 Roger Davies/ Southern Accents/ My Home Ideas

Getting Warmer

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

Bedroom with blue walls accented with blue throw pillows and blanket

5 of 22 Robbie Caponetto/My Home Ideas

Simply Serene

Blue walls anchor a calming neutral scheme.

Kitchen with blue checked ceiling, blue floor, brass hanging pots and sunflowers on island countertop

6 of 22 Tria Giovan/My Home Ideas

Something’s Afoot

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

7 of 22 Ditte Isager

Big and Bold

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

8 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Pick Your Paint

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.

9 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Best Blue for a Dining Room

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.

10 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Best Blue for a Kid’s Room

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

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

11 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Best Blue for a Bathroom

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

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

12 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Best Blue for the Ceiling

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

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

13 of 22 Ikea

Try a Piece of Blue Furniture

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.

14 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Wrought-Iron End Table

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.

15 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Plastic Stool

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.

17 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Wool Rug

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.

18 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Or Add a Hit of Blue With an Accessory

Tulip Votive

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

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

19 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Handblown Glass Decanter

Place near sunshine for full enjoyment.

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

20 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Ceramic Table Lamp

An unusual blend of modern lines and pastel sweetness.

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

21 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Recycled Glasses

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

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

22 of 22 Geoffrey Sokol

Porcelain Vase

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.