Blue is an extremely popular color choice for living rooms. It creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere that can help household members unwind after a long day. With so many shades of blue to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right hue for your space. The ideal blue depends on your style, furnishings, and lighting. Let’s explore some of the most attractive blue shades for living rooms and how to select the perfect one.
Light Blue
Light or pale blues like powder blue, sky blue, and baby blue are fantastic options for small living rooms with limited natural light. These soft blues give the illusion of a larger, airier space. They also pair beautifully with white or beige furniture and decor. The light colors prevent the room from feeling dark or closed in.
Powder blue is barely saturated, creating a nearly neutral backdrop. It works with virtually any style from modern farmhouse to boho chic. Sky blue has a bit more vibrancy while remaining soft and subtle. It’s ideal for coastal, cottage, or eclectic spaces. Meanwhile, baby blue is extremely light and restful. It’s perfect for nurseries or living rooms meant for relaxation.
The main downside of pale blues is that they show dirt very easily. They require vigilance to keep looking crisp and clean. Dusty, faded light blue walls are not an attractive look. If you dislike meticulous housekeeping, steer clear of the lightest shades.
Classic Blue
Richer blues like navy, cobalt, and royal blue inject drama into a living room. They create an elegant, sophisticated mood. Dark blues work well in rooms with ample natural light. They can feel imposing or gloomy in dim, windowless spaces.
Navy blue is a top choice for traditional living rooms thanks to its timeless appeal. It’s versatile enough for coastal, farmhouse, or transitional spaces too. Navy pairs beautifully with white and khaki accents. Cobalt blue offers vibrancy and visual depth while maintaining a classic mood. Use it to establish a bold, luxe aesthetic.
Royal blue is regal and commanding. It’s ideal for living rooms meant to feel majestic and important, like a palace drawing room. But it could overwhelm a small or cozy space. Coordinate it with gilded accents for extra panache.
The biggest hazard of deep blues is looking too cold or impersonal. Temper them with warm metals, wood tones, and soft fabrics. Avoid pairing them with equally bold reds or oranges.
Blue-Green
Blue-green hues like aqua, teal, and turquoise infuse living rooms with vitality and verve. These mix-match shades straddle the line between warm and cool for ultimate versatility.
Aqua leans more toward the blue side of the spectrum. It has a crisp, refreshing quality suited to modern and eclectic spaces. Energizing aqua makes a cheerful paint color. Pair it with chartreuse or fuchsia accents for fun pops of contrast. Just take care not to overdo this bold shade.
Teal has a jewel-toned vividness perfect for striking living rooms. Use it on an accent wall or in a print. Its hardness contrasts beautifully with soft furnishings like velvet pillows and wool throws. Teal makes a dramatic impact without feeling overwhelming.
Turquoise combines green and blue for an oceanic, tropical effect. It’s ideal for beach-themed living rooms. Turquoise also brings to mind retro 1950s decor. Play up the mid-century vibe by combining it with butter yellow and orange.
The main cautions with blue-greens are keeping them from skewing tacky or juvenile. Rely on luxe textures and accessories to maintain sophistication. Blue-green works best as an accent rather than all over the walls.
Criteria for Selecting Blue Paint
Now that we’ve surveyed popular blue shades, how do you choose the perfect one for your living room? Follow these guidelines:
- Consider the room’s size and natural light. Dark blues suit spacious, sunlit rooms while pale blues flatter small or dim spaces.
- Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Soft blues like powder or sky blue create serene, relaxed moods. Vibrant blues like aqua or cobalt feel energetic and dramatic.
- Look at the existing furniture and decor. Complementary blue tones will enhance these instead of clashing. For example, pair navy blue with leather and wood furniture.
- Pick a multipurpose blue if the living room flows into other areas like the kitchen or dining room. Mid-tone blues offer versatility for open floor plans.
- Paint blue swatches on the wall and view them at different times of day. Make sure the hue you select looks great in morning, noon, and evening light.
Best Blue Paint Colors
Now let’s look at specific blue paint recommendations from top brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr:
| Brand | Paint Color Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sherwin Williams | Passive | Pale periwinkle blue |
| Sherwin Williams | Rainwashed | Soft aqua blue |
| Benjamin Moore | Hale Navy | Classic navy blue |
| Benjamin Moore | Blue Danube | Rich blue tone |
| Behr | Blue Print | Vibrant royal blue |
| Behr | Streamline | Cool blue green |
Explore paint chips to find appealing blues in your preferred saturation level. Test potential colors before committing to be sure you love the shade.
Complementary Colors for Blue
Certain hues naturally pair attractively with blue to create cohesive living room palettes. Here are complementary colors to consider:
- White: Fresh and bright, white makes blues pop. Use white trim or furniture against blue walls.
- Ivory: Warmer than white, ivory is soothing against vivid blues. Try ivory upholstery.
- Green: Analogous blue-greens like teal beautifully complement mid-tone blues. Add jade pillows.
- Yellow: Cheery yellow energizes blue palettes. Sunny yellow accent chairs create fun contrast.
- Neutral earth tones: Chocolate browns, tans and bronze metals ground light blues.
Incorporating these hues creates harmonious living room color schemes that highlight blue shades.
How Lighting Affects Blue Paint
Keep in mind that both natural and artificial light impacts how blue paint colors appear. Here are factors to consider:
- North-facing rooms with cool, indirect light take to lighter blues best.
- South or west-facing rooms with warm light can handle deep blues without looking too imposing.
- Fluorescent and LED lights boost cooler undertones while incandescent lights warm up the color.
- Install dimmers to adjust lighting for daytime versus evening ambiance.
- Maximize natural light during the day by opening curtains and blinds.
Previsualize how your blue will look under typical lighting conditions. If needed, tweak with adjustable lamps or smart bulbs.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect blue for your living room requires balancing style, mood, lighting, and existing decor. Light blues promote tranquility in small spaces while bold blues make dramatic style statements. Classic navy and cobalt work in both traditional and modern settings. Vibrant aqua or teal inject energy into eclectic rooms. Test paint swatches at home before deciding. Ultimately, choose a blue that reflects your personal taste and enhances how you use the living room.
