Blue is an endlessly versatile multi-faceted hue and can range from sky blue to dark navy to sapphire blue. The advantage of blue in decoration is that it is a color that combines very well with other colors, its different shades blend easily to decorate many interior styles: minimalist – modern, glamorous – decadent or maritime – fresh, and more! What color goes with blue? Several colors! This guide offers you tones to harmonize with blue for different interior styles.
The color blue and its shades
Blue is a multifaceted color that contains over 180 shades in the Pantone color palette. Blue is not just blue! The colors range from light shades to dark shades, which also decline from warm to cold tones. The question of what color goes with blue then requires a detailed answer. Basically, the color blue is divided into four categories, in which all shades are classified.
The 4 categories of blue
- Pure Blue : Pure blue is one of the primary colors. In terms of color theory, it is one of the three primary colors, along with yellow and red, from which all shades of the color spectrum can be created. Pure blue is often described as medium blue or sky blue.
- Blue with a hint of green : When mixing blue with green, it is really a combination of blue and a hint of yellow. This results in beautiful shades of blue which, depending on their intensity, appear slightly greenish, thus becoming, for example, turquoise, petrol, ocean blue or topaz.
- Blue with a gray undertone : A blue with a gray undertone, such as horizon blue, appears slightly muted and less bright than other shades of the blue spectrum. Navy blue, midnight blue, pigeon blue or even denim blue fall into this category. This blue shade has a particularly minimalist and soothing effect in decoration.
- Blue with an undertone of red : Undertones of red give blue a vibrant color that is expressed in variants such as plum, cobalt blue, or indigo. You can take advantage of this light effect and combine blue with other bright colors or use it as a highlight in the room.
Before wondering what color goes with blue, you should be clear about the desired effect. Blue is associated with the sea, the sky, it represents clarity, immensity and silence. In decoration, blue brings a calming effect to a room, promoting deep relaxation. For this reason, blue tones are particularly popular in bedrooms, but also in the office, as they also promote concentration and sharpen the mind.
Blue tints can also be found in the bathroom or in wellness areas, such as spas, to enhance the relaxation effect on the body. Thus, the muscles relax more easily and the stress is reduced. Depending on the colors combined with blue, the effect in the room can be changed.
Combine different shades of blue with each other
Of course, it is possible to harmoniously combine different shades of blue. In this case, it is important to emphasize the contrasts! Complementing each other beautifully, light blue lightens dark tones and dark blue emphasizes light shades. Cozy effect assured, probably very appreciated by your family!
If you combine shades of blue together, you should incorporate a third neutral color, such as white, gray or beige to contrast with the different shades of blue.
What color goes with blue? 5 associations
Since you don’t change decorations as often as clothes, you should take into account the different moods produced by color combinations. We suggest a few to you:
1. Blue and yellow
What does the combination of blue and saffron yellow mean to you? Certainly a bright sun, a blue sky and the sea, summer atmosphere guaranteed! This colorful combination also creates a warm ambience and brings a lively atmosphere into the room. While light blue and delicate yellow bring a light note to your decoration, dark blue is more elegant with mustard yellow.
2. Blue and red
The combination of red and blue colors is delicate. In order for this combination not to appear overloaded, one of the two colors must rather be in the spectrum of light. Combined with a third light color such as beige, cream or light gray can also have a balancing effect. The mix of red and blue is particularly popular in country interiors. Thus, this mixture of colors offers a good balance between relaxation and dynamism. A burgundy red goes well with a midnight blue for an all-velvet and warm interior.
3. Blue and white
Blue and white are a popular color combination for a nautical, travel-inspired style. Light materials such as linen, cotton or silk accentuate both colors and underline their airy character. The mix with warm wooden elements is particularly harmonious, bringing more cosiness into the room. Because white and blue are characterized by their freshness and therefore tolerate an opposite pole well to balance the whole.
4. Blue and Orange
With this brilliant mix, you bring your spaces to life! Orange is the complementary color of blue and is therefore particularly suitable for a combination of bright colors. Lovers of original styles will appreciate the combination of dark navy blue or royal blue with warm orange tones such as mango and coral orange. A blue sofa, for example, can be combined with specific accents such as orange decorative cushions or an abstract painting. Get examples at Homary!
5. Blue and black
Blue and black can be very stylish, especially if it’s a dark blue. This combination should be used sparingly in order to maintain a light spirit in the room. On the other hand, light blue goes well with black. The set can be part of a modern and minimalist style, associated with a bright color.
Palettes of warm and cold color combinations with blue
Blue is a relatively neutral hue and can therefore be paired with almost any color. Each combination offers a different style and atmosphere.
Warm blues give a comforting vibe. The more they are mixed with light tones, the more the room inspires a feeling of freshness.
Materials and shades: what color goes with blue?
You can go deeper into the “ what color goes with blue ” question, and consider the materials you might pair with it. Because the blue color can offer a different effect depending on the material it covers.
Sample of materials to pair with blue:
- Velvet: The blue tint reinforces the elegant effect of this luxurious material. Dark blue in particular, such as royal blue or navy blue, underlines the noble character of the velvet. Upholstered furniture such as sofas or poufs are particularly suitable for wrapping themselves in blue velvet.
- Linen: Linen has a fresh and light effect. The natural material is linked to the warm season and holidays in Greece or on the Côte d’Azur. To reflect this feeling of lightness in the furnishing, light blue shades are recommended. In combination with white, light blue looks particularly delicate and light. Choose your seat in linen or your decorative cushions in light blue and enjoy a holiday feeling every day!
- Wood: Although it is rarely blue in color, interior experts like to combine it with blue. Indeed, blue calls for appeasement and reinforces the comfortable aspect of wood. This is why this combination of materials and colors is mainly used in the living room or the kitchen. The wood has a warm character and contrasts with the coldness of certain shades of blue.
- Metal: Silver or gold metal is also suitable for a striking combination with blue. The glossy surface lends a special style to your interior design. While the silver metal is rather modern, the combination of blue and gold is more luxurious and cozy.
