Blue grey is a cool, neutral shade that combines the calming properties of blue with the subtle sophistication of grey. With undertones of both colors, blue grey can work in a variety of settings from home decor to fashion. But is it truly a good color choice? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of blue grey to help determine if it’s the right hue for your needs.
The Appeal of Blue Grey
So what makes blue grey an intriguing color option? There are several factors that contribute to its versatility and visual appeal.
Calming Effect
One of the main benefits of blue grey is its soothing, tranquil vibe. Just like blue, blue grey evokes feelings of relaxation and stability. This makes it an excellent paint color for bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces where you want to cultivate serenity. The cool undertones create a comforting retreat.
Soft Sophistication
While vivid blues can feel juvenile or nautical, blue grey has a more refined elegance about it. The grey tones mute the blue, making it feel sophisticated and upscale. This makes blue grey a great choice for formal living areas, home offices, and luxurious master suites. It provides a crisp, polished look.
Neutral Backdrop
With hints of blue and grey, blue grey is an extremely versatile neutral shade. It serves as a blank canvas in any room, letting other decorative elements shine. Blue grey walls nicely showcase art, furnishings, accessories, and architectural details. The muted color doesn’t compete for attention.
Natural Inspiration
Blue grey shades are often inspired by beautiful colors found in nature like blue seas, hazy skies, stones, and more. This gives the hue an organic, earthy appeal. Blue grey can mimic natural textures and materials in an interior space.
Potential Drawbacks of Blue Grey
Despite its many positive attributes, blue grey does come with a few caveats to consider:
Moodiness
While blue grey’s calm vibe is usually an advantage, some may find it too somber or cold in certain contexts. Used in excess, blue grey can feel dreary and depressive if it lacks contrast. Be sure to balance it with warmer accents.
Drab Effect
If not used carefully, blue grey can read as monotonous or drab. Because it’s such a tranquil, muted shade, it’s important to add visual interest through accent colors, textures, lighting and furnishings when using blue grey.
Lack of Contrast
Since blue grey is a more subtle neutral, it can be tricky finding colors that contrast well with it. You’ll need to take care when selecting accent hues to ensure they pop against blue grey backgrounds. Vibrant analogous colors like cerulean, violet and seafoam green are complementary options.
Difficulty Matching
The blue-grey mix means there are many possible variations of the color from a bluish tint to a greyish one. Nailing down the exact shade you want for a cohesive look can be frustrating during the design process. Viewing many swatches is a must.
Decorating with Blue Grey
If you want to use blue grey in your home’s design, here are some tips for decorating with it successfully:
Select the Right Undertones
Blue grey paint colors can range from those with strong blue undertones to ones that appear mostly grey. The undertones will dramatically impact the look. Choose bluer hues for airy, relaxing spaces and greyer shades for elegant spaces.
Add Warmth and Texture
Wood furniture, rattan accents, sheepskins and woven textures infuse warmth and dimension to keep blue grey palettes from looking one-note. Metallics also add polish.
Use Energizing Accents
Punchy accent colors give blue grey backgrounds energy. Yellow, chartreuse, crimson and coral provide vibrant pops. Distressed antique furniture also livens up the muted color.
Play With Lighting
Natural light keeps blue grey feeling bright and inviting. Use accent lighting like pendant lights, wall sconces and table lamps to create cozy ambiance in the evenings.
Layer With White
Crisp white trim, linens, furniture and accessories make blue grey walls pop. White offers contrast while maintaining the color’s quiet sophistication.
Combining Blue Grey With Other Colors
Blue grey is extremely versatile when it comes to color pairings. Here are some of the most attractive combinations:
| Color Palette | Description |
|---|---|
| Blue grey and yellow | Citrine yellow injects warmth and energy into cool blue grey |
| Blue grey and teal | Analogous colors give this pairing a soothing coastal feel |
| Blue grey and green | Emerald green pops against blue grey for a refreshing, natural look |
| Blue grey and blush | Soft blush pink feminizes and brightens blue grey’s sophistication |
| Blue grey and purple | Regal purple makes a bold yet elegant statement with blue grey |
| Blue grey and orange | Spicy orange injects blue grey with energy and visual interest |
| Blue grey and red | From cherry to burgundy, rich reds give blue grey palettes passion |
| Blue grey and wood tones | Natural wood finishes ground blue grey’s cool tones with warmth |
| Blue grey and black | Classic black accents let blue grey shine while still creating contrast |
| Blue grey and white | Crisp white makes blue grey pop while keeping the palette light and airy |
Using Blue Grey in Fashion
Beyond home decor, blue grey is a prevalent color in today’s fashion world. It flatters a wide variety of skin tones while still making a stylish statement. Here’s a look at incorporating blue grey into your wardrobe:
Cool And Casual
Pairing blue grey with white, denim and natural tones creates relaxed casual outfits. A blue grey tee, jeans and tan shoes makes an effortless weekend look.
Menswear Inspiration
Blue grey suiting is a contemporary take on the traditional navy or charcoal suit. The color is softer and more modern. Match with a crisp white shirt and muted tie.
Office Attire
For the office, a blue grey sheath dress or blouse and trousers combo emanates professional polish. Add a blazer for power meetings.
Athleisure Edge
Blue grey leggings, tank tops, sweatshirts and sneakers adapt the color for sporty athletic outfits. Marled blue grey fabrics are on trend.
Red Carpet Glamour
For special occasions, an elegant blue grey evening gown or jumpsuit provides understated glam. Metallic shoes and jewelry glitz it up.
Blue Grey Paint Options
If you’re ready to use blue grey in your home, there is an abundance of gorgeous paint options to peruse. Here are some of the most popular blue grey paint colors to consider from major brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and Behr:
| Paint Color | Paint Brand |
|---|---|
| Palladian Blue | Benjamin Moore |
| Rain | Sherwin Williams |
| Gray Matters | Behr |
| Mountain Peak | Valspar |
| Impressionist Blue | Dunn Edwards |
| Nebulous Blue | PPG |
| White Duck | Farrow & Ball |
| Heavenly Haze | Ralph Lauren |
| Cascade Green | Clare |
| Aegean Teal | Kelly Moore |
Conclusion
So should you use blue grey? If you’re seeking a versatile, lived-in color with both style and substance, blue grey is likely a wonderful option. It works well in any room of the home, satisfying a palette that craves a cool, neutral backdrop. Sophisticated and invigorating accent colors keep blue grey palettes from falling flat. Just don’t overuse it or the moodiness can take over. When thoughtfully incorporated, blue grey offers the best of both worlds—blue’s calming effect and grey’s refined elegance. Find the right balance for you.
