Red and dark blue are both bold, vivid colors that make a statement. When paired together, these powerful hues can create an eye-catching combo or a jarring clash depending on the shades and proportions used. Careful color coordination is needed to pull off this daring color scheme successfully.
Quick Answers
– Yes, red and dark blue can work well together if the right shades are chosen and they are balanced properly in an outfit or interior space.
– Deeper, richer shades like burgundy, maroon and navy tend to match better than bright primary versions of red and blue.
– Make one color more dominant and use the other one for accents to keep the look sophisticated. An even split of the two colors can be overwhelming.
– Add a neutral color like gray, tan or white to give the eye a break from all the intensity.
– Consider going for a analogous palette by choosing red and blue hues that are side-by-side on the color wheel.
Choosing the Right Shades of Red and Blue
The specific shades of red and blue you select will make all the difference in determining if they look classy or clownish together. Here are some guidelines on picking flattering shades:
– Deeper, richer reds like burgundy, maroon and oxblood tend to complement navy and dark midnight blues best.
– Lighter and brighter reds like cherry, crimson and fire engine red usually clash with brighter, primary blues.
– Muted, dusty blues work with muted brick reds or rusty reds since they have gray undertones.
– Pure, clear blues pair well with pure, clear reds. Opt for a cool-toned blue with a cool-toned red.
– Mixing warm and cool shades usually looks disjointed. Keep the undertones the same.
– Monochromatic looks using different shades of red with different shades of blue can work well.
Proportion and Placement
How much of each color you use and where you place the red and blue also affects the overall look:
– Use one color as a dominant background color and the other as accent details. Too much of both overwhelms the eye.
– Try using blue as the main color and add in red accessories or vice versa. Just don’t evenly split the space.
– Place the colors far apart rather than side by side to help distinguish them visually.
– Alternate red and blue stripes or patterns rarely turn out elegantly. The contrast is just too stark.
– Add plenty of neutral space between the red and blue areas to create separation.
– If combining them in clothing, choose one color for tops and another for bottoms or accessories.
Complementary Neutrals
Adding neutral shades is a foolproof way to pull off the bold red and blue combination stylishly.Neutrals help ground the look and tone it down.Ideal options include:
– White, beige, cream and tan
– Light to mid-gray
– Navy blue, black or charcoal gray
– Metallic grays or silvers
Keep neutrals between the red and blue areas to prevent a jarring color clash. Use neutrals in large quantities compared to the red and blue for a refined look.
Analogous Options
Selecting analogous shades of red and blue that lie next to each other on the color wheel results in a sophisticated, monochromatic vibe. Some analogous pairings to try:
– Burgundy and navy blue
– Brick red and cobalt blue
– Winesap red and sapphire blue
– Ruby red and royal blue
– Cherry red and periwinkle blue
These combinations have enough contrast to be eye-catching but stay away from a Christmas-y aesthetic. The analogous shades have a cohesive harmony.
Using Red and Blue in Interiors
In interior design, red and blue work best when decorating separate rooms or areas rather than fully integrating them in one space. Here are some tips:
Living Room
– Paint one wall blue and keep the rest neutral like tan or gray
– Add a bold red rug or accent chair to a navy blue room
– Use different shades of red and blue on throw pillows
Bedroom
– Do a dark blue headboard with red bedding
– Paint the walls blue and add a red dresser or chest
– Use one color for bedding and the other for window treatments
Kitchen
– Red appliances with blue cabinetry or walls
– Bright red bar stools around a navy blue island
– Alternate red and blue decorative tiles as a backsplash
Bathroom
– Navy blue walls with a cherry red vanity
– woven towels or rugs in red against blue shower tiles
– A red mirror frame on a blue painted wall
Outfit Ideas with Red and Blue
Here are some stylish ways to mix red and blue when putting together an outfit:
For Women
– A navy blue blazer with a bright red top or blouse
– A form-fitting burgundy dress with blue heels or bag
– Distressed jeans with a blue denim jacket and red scarf
– A red wrap skirt with a blue button-down shirt
– Blue wide-leg trousers with red strappy heels
For Men
– A navy blue suit with a red tie and pocket square
– Dark wash jeans with a red sweater over a blue collared shirt
– Maroon chinos with a blue blazer or sport coat
– A blue dress shirt underneath a red crew neck sweater
– A red polo or t-shirt under a blue jacket
Home Decor Accents
Carefully chosen red and blue home decor provides a bold, lively vibe. ey pieces to try:
| Accent | Red and Blue Examples |
|---|---|
| Throw pillows | Red and blue ikat or striped patterns mixed together |
| Rugs | Traditional kilim, braided, or shag rugs in red and blue |
| Blankets | A furry red throw at the end of a blue couch |
| Curtains | Sheer red curtains hung on windows framed with blue shutters |
| Artwork | Blue and white canvas with red frames or brightly painted red and blue abstract art |
Cautions When Decorating with Red and Blue
While red and blue can create vivacious, lively interiors, take these precautions to keep spaces from feeling chaotic or tacky:
– Don’t evenly split a room between red and blue. Pick one dominant color.
– Avoid using primary colors together without darker or softer shades to balance them out.
– Don’t overcrowd a room with too many red and blue accents competing for attention.
– Refrain from using red and blue patterns side by side as they can vibrate against each other.
– Don’t decorate every room in a home with red and blue. Vary color schemes for contrast.
– Prevent a patriotic vibe by staying away from navy, white and cherry red together.
– Don’t pair warm red tones with cool blue tones as they clash. Stick to warm versions of both or cool versions.
Conclusion
Red and dark blue can create an energizing, bold decor combo with proper shade selection and balance. Deeper, richer shades tend to complement each other better than bright primaries. Keep one color dominant and the other as accents. Add plenty of neutral basics to temper the high visual contrast. With smart strategies, red and blue make a striking, sophisticated color scheme.
