Blue is a popular color that comes in many shades. When people think of blue, they often think of primary shades like navy blue, royal blue, and sky blue. However, there are many other shades of blue that are used frequently in design, fashion, marketing, and beyond.
In color theory, blue is considered a primary color and it can be combined with other colors to create secondary shades. Mixing different amounts of blue with white creates lighter tints of blue, while mixing blue with black produces darker shades.
When selecting a blue color palette, it’s common to choose a primary, secondary, and tertiary blue shade. This creates a harmonious palette with depth and dimension. The three main shades work together seamlessly while offering subtle variations in hue and tone.
This article will explore three popular blue shades and examples of color palettes featuring those hues. Whether you’re a designer looking for a balanced blue scheme or just interested in color combinations, this guide will give you ideas for working with different blue tones.
Navy Blue
Navy blue is a very dark shade of blue that got its name because it was used prominently in British Royal Navy uniforms. The exact specifications for navy blue have varied over time, but today it is generally considered to be a dark azure blue with hints of green.
Navy blue has RGB values of 0, 31, 63. It often serves as the darkest shade in blue color schemes and palettes. When lightened, it takes on a brighter royal blue tone. Navy works well for creating a sense of strength, authority, and professionalism.
Here are some examples of navy blue color palettes:
Navy Blue, Sky Blue, and White: This trio offers good contrast with a light, medium, and dark blue. The cool navy balances out the bright sky blue, while white adds brightness. This combination could work for corporate materials, logos, or nautical themes.
Navy Blue, Robin’s Egg Blue, and Salmong Pink: These colors have a preppy, spring-like vibe. The dark navy offsets the soft robin’s egg blue (a pale turquoise), while salmon pink adds a pop of color. Use this scheme for events, patterns, or accessories.
Navy Blue, Baby Blue, and Mint Green: Pastel baby blue and mint green work alongside the deep navy blue beautifully. This palette is calming but still interesting. It’s ideal for self-care, interiors, or baby themes.
Royal Blue
Royal blue is a rich, vivid shade of blue that was historically used for the attire of kings, queens, and other rulers. It conveys luxury, elegance, and authority. In color psychology it represents trust, reliability, and confidence.
The exact specifications of royal blue have changed over time, but today it is generally considered a azure blue with some purplish tones. It is brighter than navy blue but still relatively deep and saturated. Royal blue has RGB values of 65, 105, 225.
Some examples of color palettes featuring royal blue:
Royal Blue, Pale Yellow, and White: This combination provides high contrast with a bright, uplifting feel. The pale yellow keeps things fresh alongside the rich royal blue. Use for cheerful designs.
Royal Blue, Red, and Gold: These regal colors work for designs wanting to convey luxury, such as for jewelry, crowns, crests, and other royal symbols. Gold adds metallic sparkle.
Royal Blue, Light Gray, and Tan: The light gray and tan offer subtle neutrals that let the royal blue pop while also feeling elegant and sophisticated. Nice for minimalist style.
Sky Blue
As its name suggests, sky blue is the light azure tone of a clear summer sky. It represents clarity, openness, and intelligence. Sky blue has peaceful, calming connotations.
The exact shade of sky blue varies, but it is generally considered a pale azure tone with hints of green. It is much lighter and brighter than navy or royal blue. Sky blue’s RGB values are 0, 204, 255.
Some classic sky blue color schemes include:
Sky Blue, Buttercream, and Burgundy: These warm and cool colors contrast beautifully. Buttercream adds softness, while burgundy balances the lightness. Works for vintage themes.
Sky Blue, Cherry Red, and White: The red and blue create a patriotic palette, especially with crisp white. Use for nautical, Americana, or summertime designs.
Sky Blue, Leaf Green, and Lavender: Cool pastels that feel breezy, calm and romantic. Try for spring/summer events, stationery, or feminine designs.
Using a Full Blue Palette
While the focus here is on three blue shades, you can always expand the palette for more complex designs. Some ideas:
– Add a dark blue like navy, a medium-light blue like robin’s egg, and a pale blue like baby blue.
– Mix cool and warm blues together, like a sky blue, denim blue and indigo blue.
– Incorporate bright pops like cerulean, turquoise or teal along with softer hues.
– Include blue-greens like aqua or marine blues for oceanic themes.
Don’t limit yourself to just three – explore many shades of blue for rich, vibrant designs and styles. Combining different tones, tints and hues can really showcase the beauty and versatility of the blue color family.
Choosing the Right Blues for Your Purpose
When selecting the three blue hues for your project, consider the impression you want to convey:
– Light blue shades feel ethereal, breezy and peaceful.
– Medium blues like royal blue are reliable and professional.
– Dark navy blues convey strength, power and sophistication.
The mood you want to set will help determine whether you need cooler or warmer tones of blue. You’ll also want to think about the other colors paired with the blues – some shades look more striking with bold brights, while others suit softer pastels.
Your industry or style is important too. Corporate schemes may rely on navy blue for its traditional feel, while kids’ themes can involve playful sky blues. Jewelry often utilizes royal blue for its luxe vibe. Purpose will guide your blue choices.
Always view colors together before committing to a palette. Colors can look very different side-by-side than when viewed individually. Test out combinations to ensure your blues work cohesively for maximum impact.
Using the Blue Color Palette in Design and Decor
Incorporating a three-shade blue palette into designs, decoration, fashion, and beyond is an easy way to add striking visual appeal. Here are some tips:
Graphics: Use contrasting blues together – like a vibrant sky blue, clean white, and inky navy blue. Or try pairing complementary colors with blue for flair.
Logos: Navy blue lends itself well to corporate logos for its commanding feel. But don’t be afraid to test out brighter blues too for a modern vibe.
Web design: Light blue schemes feel open, uplifting and trustworthy online. Darker shades can also project confidence. Avoid using only muted, duller blues.
Interior decorating: From accent walls to furniture, royal blue makes a statement in living spaces. Navy blue is versatile too – try it in moderation.
Events: The energizing, cheerful quality of sky blue works perfectly for parties, weddings, baby showers and more.
Clothing/accessories: Navy blue flatters most skin tones. Royal blue suits richer fabrics like silk or velvet. Pastel blue is ideal for spring and summer styles.
In any application, watch out for using too much blue, which can feel overwhelming or cold. Balance it out with warm neutrals, metallics, and pops of color.
Conclusion
Navy blue, royal blue, and sky blue represent three versatile shades that form the foundation for countless blue color palettes. From deep and authoritative navy to uplifting sky blue, this range covers both soft and saturated tones.
Keep color theory like hues, tones, and contrast in mind when building a three-blue palette. Consider the mood you want to set and how the shades will be applied. Navy, royal and sky blue tend to work seamlessly together, but don’t be afraid to incorporate other blues and complementary colors too. With the wide spectrum of blues available, the possibilities for unique palettes are endless.