Pros of a blue living room
A blue living room can be a great idea for several reasons. Here are some of the main pros of choosing a blue color scheme for your living room:
It creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Blue is known for being a serene, tranquil color. Using different shades of blue in your living room can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. The cool tones evoke feelings of calmness and can even have a slight sedative effect. This makes a blue living room ideal for decompressing after a long day.
It’s versatile. There are so many different shades of blue to choose from light sky blues to navy blues, that it allows you to get creative. You can opt for an energetic bright blue or a moody dark blue. Blue is extremely versatile, so you can easily incorporate other colors into your design as accents. Blues complement many other colors like grays, greens, and yellows.
It’s timeless. Blue is a classic color that has remained popular for decades. Unlike bolder color trends that come and go, blue has enduring appeal. A blue living room is unlikely to feel dated anytime soon. The timeless quality of blue makes it a great choice if you plan on being in your home long-term.
It creates visual interest. Monochromatic blue rooms have a put-together tailored look. But you can also use blue creatively and play with different tones and textures to add visual interest. Combining matte and glossy blues or throwing in bold blue patterns can give your living room a stylish pop.
It makes the room feel larger. Light blues especially have the effect of making a space feel more open and airy. The cool tones recede in space, causing the walls to appear farther away. This can help a small living room feel more expansive.
Cons of a blue living room
While blue living rooms offer many perks, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider as well:
It can feel cold. If you go for a pale icy blue or steely navy, it could give your living room a stark, cold feeling. This can be countered by choosing warm wood tones, cozy textures, and sufficient lighting. But some deep shades of blue might be too chilly for a living room meant for relaxing.
It’s predictable. Blue is a safe, popular color for living rooms. So while a blue room is never a bad choice, it not be the most exciting or unique option if you’re looking to make a bold statement. It can come across as a bit expected.
It can be depressing if overdone. Too much blue in a living space can start to feel dreary or melancholic. Try to avoid going overly monochromatic and stick to lighter or medium blues. Dark navy blue walls may look sophisticated, but can be depressing if there’s not enough contrast.
It can clash with warm wood tones. While blue and wood tones can complement each other beautifully, if the undertones clash, it can look disjointed. For example, an orangey wood coffee table might conflict with a cool toned blue. Be mindful of all the undertones in your living room.
It shows dirt easily. Dust and dirt tend to show up more obviously on blue. This means your blue living room will likely require frequent dusting and vacuuming to keep it looking clean. Solid blue couches and carpets will need frequent washing too.
Tips for decorating a blue living room
Here are some top tips to optimize a blue living room design:
Select the right blue tones. Aim for blue hues that align with the mood you want- light sky blues for airy, icy blues for modern, navy for dramatic. Neutral blues like periwinkle are flexible. Avoid going too dark.
Incorporate contrast. Add warmth and visual interest with woods, metallics, and white. Contrast blue walls with white trim for a crisp, nautical vibe. Wood floors will keep the room from feeling cold.
Add in natural textures. Bring in natural elements like woven baskets, stone vases, jute rugs. Soft textures will prevent a blue room from feeling sterile.
Choose the right lighting. Overhead lighting can feel harsh and clinical. Table lamps, sconces, and natural light are better suited for a blue living room. Dimmers help control brightness.
Use patterns and prints. Solid blue walls get boring fast. Liven up a blue room with prints like geometrics, floral, paisley, or abstract. Patterns in white, yellow, and gray will pop nicely against blue.
Warm it up with metallics. Metallic accents like gold, silver, and copper reflect light beautifully in a blue room. Metallic throw pillows, frames, vases all add warmth and sheen.
Play with textures and shapes. Tufted sofas, nubby wool rugs, rattan chairs- textured elements keep a blue room cozy. Round mirrors, curved furniture, billowy drapes soften edges.
Paint an accent wall. Not ready for full blue domination? Paint just one wall blue to dip your toes in. The pop of color makes a statement without overwhelming.
Show off your style. A blue living room is the ideal blank slate to layer in your personal treasures. Display art, photos, collections to make the space truly yours.
Different shades of blue for living rooms
There is a massive range of blue hues to explore for your living room. Here are some of the most popular shades and how they can be used:
Navy blue – A deep, dramatic blue that feels refined and elegant. Works well with whites and creams for contrast. Can feel cold, so add metallics and wood tones. Best for traditional or nautical designs.
Royal blue – A vivid, jewel-tone blue that makes a bold statement. Pair with silvers and grays for a glamorous look. Better as an accent than full walls. Not ideal for small spaces.
Light blue – Serene and airy. Soft powder blues and sky blues open up a room. Easiest shade of blue to decorate with- goes with everything. Can feel washed out without contrast. Great for cottage, coastal, or farmhouse styles.
Periwinkle blue – A mellow purple-blue hue. Feels romantic, fresh and lively. Lovely on walls or as accents. Works with both warm and cool palettes. Versatile neutral that fits any room.
Ice blue – Crisp, cool and tranquil. Paired with white, it achieves a modern spa-like vibe. Can feel stark and clinical so add natural elements. Best for contemporary rooms.
Steel blue – A gray blue that feels refined and masculine. Works in modern, industrial and traditional spaces. Combine with woods, black, and brown for a classic palette. Can read cold so layer on textures.
Turquoise blue – Vibrant and playful. The brighter the better for boho or eclectic rooms. Combine with orange and yellow accents for a tropical feel. Avoid going too dark as it can get dingy.
Midnight blue – A moodier, inky blue. Use as an accent alongside whites for impact. Easily feels dreary so add metallics and lighter blues for balance. Best for larger living rooms that can handle the drama.
Furniture considerations for a blue living room
The furniture you choose will make or break your blue living room. Follow these tips when selecting furnishings:
Sofas/chairs– Stick to neutral solids or subtle patterns. A loud floral couch will clash. Simple leather or linen in beige, gray or ivory allows the blue to shine.
Coffee tables– Glass, metal or white washed woods work well. Avoid orangey woods that will contrast poorly. Opt for round or oval shapes to soften edges.
Rugs– Jute, sisal or wool rugs add cozy texture. Abstract prints or simple stripes complement without competing. Lighter tones prevent a dark floor.
Shelving– White bookcases keep walls breathing. Wood shelving warms up the space. Curved edges are pleasing. Display books, art, plants.
Lighting– Crystal chandeliers, sconces and table lamps catch and reflect light. Metallic finishes like nickel or mercury glass add sheen.
Window treatments– Floor to ceiling drapes in solid blues or subtle patterns frame windows nicely. Roman shades also work well.
Aim for classic and timeless over bright and trendy. The goal is to let the blue walls and accents be the star. Fill the space with comfy, cozy pieces you can enjoy for years.
Example blue living room color schemes
Here are three example blue living room color palettes to inspire your own design:
Light Blue and White
- Walls: Cloud white
- Trim/ceiling: Glossy white
- Main furniture: White or beige
- Accents: Robin’s egg blue, turquoise
- Metallics: Polished silver, mercury glass
This airy, ethereal scheme feels cheerful and bright. The pale blue pops gorgeously against the white backdrop. Touches of silver and glass add luminescence.
Navy Blue and Wood
- Walls: Navy or rich blue
- Trim/ceiling: Crisp white
- Main furniture: Oak wood
- Accents: Ivory, jute, brass
- Metallics: Antique brass, gold
The navy walls create a cozy, enveloping effect. Warm wood furniture prevents it from feeling cold. Creamy ivories, woven jute, and glinting metals add texture and interest.
Periwinkle Blue and Green
- Walls: Periwinkle blue
- Trim/ceiling: Bright white
- Main furniture: Sea green, mint green
- Accents: White, canary yellow
- Metallics: Antique silver
The periwinkle walls paired with vivid greens and pops of yellow is fresh and lively. White trim keeps it light. Silver accents tie it together elegantly.
Conclusion
A blue living room can be an inviting, aesthetically pleasing choice when done right. Stick to lighter blues, incorporate warm metallics and wood tones, add in plenty of textures, and display your personal style. Use the color creatively through patterns, accent walls, and eclectic furnishings. Avoid going too monochromatic. With careful planning, a blue living room can be an absolutely beautiful and livable space that you’ll enjoy for years to come. The color is versatile enough to be tailored to any style, from modern to cottage and everything between. So don’t be afraid to incorporate this timeless, calming hue throughout your home.
