Decorating With Blue
Easy ideas for styling shades of blue.
Whether you prefer bright cerulean blue or a softer shade of sky blue, blue is one of the easiest colors to style. Blue brings a soothing ambience to your home and pairs well with most color combinations. With so many different shades, there are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating with blue. We've put together a list of 12 decorating ideas, from a blue accent cabinet to layered blue bedding to soothing blue wall art. Continue reading for simple ways to start decorating with blue.
1. Opt for Blue Upholstery
As the focal point of the living room, a blue sofa adds the right amount of color. Blue sofas come in a wide range of shades so that you can find one that suits your style. Deep blue shades are an excellent choice for disguising everyday wear, while light blue shades are a great way to soften a dark color palette. Go for a navy cotton sofa for a relaxed farmhouse feel, or pick a blue-and-white striped sofa to match a coastal seating area. For a finishing touch, pile on a few neutral throw pillows to anchor the look.
Pro Tip:
Not sure which upholstery fabric is best for your lifestyle? Check out our guide How to Choose the Best Sofa Fabrics for Your Home to find the right fit.
2. Add a Pop of Bright Color
Add extra storage and a bright pop of blue to your dining room with an accent cabinet. Since it’s so versatile, blue pairs nicely with any color palette. A vibrant royal blue accent cabinet stands out from white shiplap walls and light wood accents. The cabinet is a practical spot to store seasonal serveware or display personal keepsakes. Choose an accent cabinet with glass doors to show off handcrafted ceramics or keep special dinnerware organized. Top the accent cabinet with a vase of fresh florals, or use the surface as a home bar for any last-minute entertaining.
Introducing new textiles is one of the best ways to start decorating with blue and white. For elegant, long-lasting appeal, we suggest adding a patterned or textured piece, such as a set of floral curtains or a vintage-inspired rug. Build off the patterned curtains by choosing a plush area rug in a solid color. Add smaller blue accents, such as a throw pillow or decorative books, to pull the space together.
When decorating with blue, choose furniture in a more subdued shade for an easy way to add color to your space. Soft, grayish shades of blue can be used like neutrals. Pick a set of matching powder blue nightstands to incorporate a pale touch of color, or opt for a dresser in a muted blue as a statement piece. Place a warm-toned area rug in front to complement the blue of the furniture for a well-balanced look.
Soothing blue bedding is ideal for any bedroom, since it’s easy to layer different shades to create a relaxing palette. When decorating with blue, we love pairing deep navy with pale blue for a calming combination. Choose crisp navy sheets to match the headboard and complement a light blue floral quilt. Add a beige coverlet beneath the quilt for a bit of extra warmth and to tie in the other neutral tones in the bedroom for a cohesive look.
Create an eye-catching entryway with blue wallpaper. A classic wallpaper combination like blue-and-white gives the entryway a fresh look without feeling too busy. Opt for wallpaper with a traditional pattern, such as florals or stripes, for a touch of timeless style. The two-toned floral design above introduces depth and dimension, making a great first impression when guests enter your home. Add a vintage-inspired vase to thread the blue-and-white palette throughout the space.
Make your guests feel welcome with a calming color palette. Starting with fresh white sheets, add blue-and-white striped bedding for a classic look. We love the pale blue stripes paired with the patterned headboard and bright shiplap walls. Fold a blue knit blanket at the end of each bed to keep guests warm on cooler nights.
Whether you're settling in with a new novel or breezing through an old favorite, a reading nook is the perfect place to relax with a good book. To create a cozy spot, pile plush throw pillows onto an accent chair or a window seat. Choose throw pillows with similar colors to create a cohesive palette – shades of blue are easy to mix and match! Look for different sizes and patterns to give the reading nook some dimension. Keep a throw blanket or two folded nearby just in case it gets chilly.
A stylish console table makes decorating with blue simple. Using the center of the console table, create a focal point with a piece of blue-toned wall art or a wall mirror. Top the console table with small stacks of decorative books and a pair of blue-and-white vases. Choose vases with vintage-inspired floral motifs or swirling designs to really capture that classic look. Look for vases with different heights to give the console table some variation. Fill in empty spaces with smaller pieces, such as woven baskets or a decorative tray to catch any important items.
Pro Tip:
Not sure how to style a console table? Read our guide Decorating a Console Table 8 Different Ways for simple tips to help you get started.
10. Bring In Blue Wall Art
From natural landscapes to bold prints, decorating with blue wall art brings a touch of serenity to any room. Hang an oversized landscape painting to create a focal point above the sofa, or opt for a set of matching sea-inspired prints above a console table for a stylish vignette. Choose pieces of wall art with simple frames or wide mats to let the art stand out. Style the matching prints with a round mirror for a memorable look.
For outdoor dinner parties to summertime lunches, you can create a memorable tablescape by decorating with blue dinnerware. Start with solid-colored plates, such as white or navy, and add a set of patterned plates or bowls for a bit of decorative flair. Opt for a small detailed design to bring an eclectic element to the spread. Look for blue glassware and navy table linens to complete the blue dinnerware.
Bring a bit of bright color to an outdoor seating area with blue accents. Add striped throw pillows to an outdoor sofa set for extra comfort. The light blue color and striped design of these pillows complements this clean-lined teak set. Choose throw pillows made from performance materials with moisture- and fade-resistant qualities to keep them looking great long-term. Place a durable outdoor rug beneath the sofa set to define the seating area. Look for an outdoor rug with a bold navy stripe for a nautical feel, or go for one with a navy border to incorporate a subtle pop of color.
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