Decorating With Blue

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.

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.

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

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

Blue walls anchor a calming neutral scheme.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Tulip Votive

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

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

Place near sunshine for full enjoyment.

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

An unusual blend of modern lines and pastel sweetness.

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

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

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

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.