Prepare to be mesmerized — and invigorated — by the color blue. It's one of the more popular hues on the spectrum, so it's hard to believe studies show humans only recently gained perception of the shade. Luckily, we've come out of the dark ages to not only discover the transformative properties blue has (plants love it), but we are also quite acquainted with the ways in which it can instantly elevate a room. Now that we've sufficiently sung our praises of this zen-inducing tone, let's explore some blue room ideas and how to make the color work for your space.
Blue Color Trends
As far as trends go, blue is the go-to hue for 2020. Sherwin-Williams crowned Naval — a rich navy shade inspired by the starry heavens and the deep ocean — as the interior paint color of the year.
How to Choose the Right Shade
So what should you consider if you're thinking of switching up your room color to a blue hue? If you have a smaller space, like a dining room, consider painting only an accent wall so the area won't feel too saturated. Then create a sense of warmth by sprinkling in accents like a natural wood table or a striped rug in a bold color such as orange.
And because it's also known for its soothing effect, a refreshing blue shade would look great on your bedroom walls. Work in a combo of white and light blue accents and bedding to add a bit of contrast.
Blue Wall Ideas
A color refresh can instantly give your walls new life, but there a few different ways to get the look. You can, of course, use paint to get a dose of the ocean-like hue. But for an approach that's both renter and homeowner friendly, we love to use wallpaper. You can install removable options if you tend to change up your decor often. And there are even blue patterns as well as solid ones.
Must-Have Blue Furniture
Thanks to its versatility, blue furniture can either help neutralize a space or electrify it. And that all depends on your desired look.
Take blue couches, for example. They're an automatic win in our book. A navy one paired with white or beige accents or mahogany furnishings will help you achieve a cozy aesthetic, particularly in a well-lit room.
On the other hand, if you want to infuse some major energy into a space, an cobalt sofa could do most of the heavy lifting (seriously, LOOK at the sofa pictured here). Decor pieces with more subtle colors (like yellow or cream) will provide contrast and ensure that the eye-popping shade remains the rightful centerpiece of the room.
Use furniture with lighter shades of blue in open rooms, and go with white walls and a shiplap ceiling to get the beachy aesthetic that's associated with coastal decor.
Blue Accents
Wall paint isn't the only thing that can transform a space into a blue haven. Accents like these charming nature-themed prints (from Hunker contributor Trisha Sprouse) can offer the same effect. They're dynamic enough to stand out but soft enough to keep your space from being overwhelmed.
Blue DIYs
For a more unique approach to your blue room ideas, add a personal touch with an accent you create yourself. This naturally-dyed blue macrame DIY wall hanging that Carrie Waller made for Hunker is a stellar example of how a custom accent can complete a design.
You can also incorporate blue with painted wood furniture to instantly add a bit of character and keep an otherwise traditional piece from blending into oblivion. To really make things feel unexpected, make your own blue coffee table, and dress it up with gold accessories.