Blue is a timeless and versatile color that has remained popular in home decor for decades. With new shades and textures emerging, blue continues to be a top choice for paint colors, furniture, accessories, and more. Blue evokes feelings of calmness, tranquility, and relaxation – ideals many aim for in their homes. As we look at current and upcoming color trends, evidence suggests blue will continue to reign in interior design.
The Psychology of Blue
Blue is often described as a calming, peaceful color. Studies have shown the color blue can actually lower blood pressure and heart rate. Rooms decorated in shades of blue are said to promote relaxation. This calming nature of blue is likely a top reason it remains prevalent in home decor. Home is meant to be a place of comfort and retreat from the busyness of life. Choosing decor in calming colors like blue can help create that sense of peace. The color blue also promotes productivity and focus. So it is an excellent choice for home offices, studios, or learning spaces.
Different Shades of Blue in Decor
Blue is extremely versatile as decor colors go. The hue can take on many shades and tones from bright and bold primaries to muted pastels. Choosing the right shade of blue for your home comes down to personal preference and the mood you want to create. Here are some of the most popular shades of blue used in interior decorating:
Navy Blue – A darker, richer blue that feels bold yet sophisticated. Navy blue adds drama and intrigue to any room.
Light or Powder Blue – The soft, subtle tones of light blue bring feelings of tranquility and relaxation. Powder blue is especially popular in bedrooms.
Royal Blue – Sophisticated like navy, yet slightly brighter. Royal blue adds a pop of personality and vibrancy to decor.
Pale Blue – Subtle, peaceful, breathable. Pale blue is an airy neutral that opens up space.
Blue-Gray – Melding blue and gray creates a moodiness with a hint of modern. Blue-gray palette are trending in contemporary spaces.
Sky Blue – Similar to pale blue, yet with hints of vibrancy. Sky blue makes a cheerful color for kids’ rooms.
Teal Blue – Blending blue and green creates the tranquil, rejuvenating tone of teal. Teal blue is a spa-like color.
Turquoise Blue – Bold, bright, energetic. Turquoise blue brings a fun, southwestern vibe.
Using Different Shades in One Room
While a single shade of blue can set a room’s mood, combining shades and tones creates even more depth. Decorating with contrasting blues lets you layer on calm and vibrant tones. For example, you may paint walls a soft sky blue then layer in navy blue with decor items and accents. Or pair pale blue with bright turquoise for visual interest. Use muted blue-grays on larger elements like sofas or sectionals paired with punches of teal or cobalt blue in pillows, art, and accessories. Mixing multiple blues keeps the palette cohesive while adding personality.
Blue for Different Rooms in a Home
Blue is versatile enough to use throughout an entire home. Here are some top ways different blue shades can be incorporated room-by-room:
Living Room – Try a muted blue-gray or pale blue for living room walls. Add in navy blue accent chairs or throw pillows. Use bright pops of teal or turquoise in vases, pillows, and artwork.
Kitchen – Blue is very popular in kitchen design. Use light or powder blue on upper cabinets for a soft contrast with white lower cabinets. Or opt for navy blue lowers and pale blue uppers. Add teal barstools for a pop of color.
Bedroom – Soft powder blue is ideal for bedrooms as it promotes relaxation. Layer in brighter blues with bedding and decor accents. Use spa-like teal blue for a master suite.
Bathroom – Aqua blue, teal blue, or sky blue work nicely in bathrooms. Pair soft blue walls with crisp white trim and accessories. Add blue and white beach-inspired decor for a coastal vibe.
Home Office – Incorporate bright blue accents like turquoise vases or teal desk accessories to stimulate focus and productivity. Paint the walls a deeper navy blue for contrast.
Kids’ Rooms – Vibrant turquoise or sky blue are fun upbeat shades for kids’ spaces. Accent with brighter crayon blues in bedding, toys, and art.
Dining Room – Navys and richer blues set a stately mood in formal dining rooms. Lighten up with pale blue plates and napkins.
Blue Paint Color Trends
Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams select a Color of the Year annually based on upcoming trends. These blue hues were recently chosen:
2020: Benjamin Moore First Light 2102-70 – A pale gray blue that evokes clarity and freshness.
2021: Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal 2136-40 – A vivid blue-green that provides a sense of stability with its grounded hue.
2022: Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog SW 9130 – A soothing blue-green that aims to reconnect us to nature and one another.
2023: Benjamin Moore Raspberry Blush 2282-70 – While not a blue, Raspberry Blush pairs beautifully with light and navy blues.
These selections show the continued popularity of muted, calming blues alongside vibrant energizing blues like teals.
Blue Decor Trends
Beyond paint, blue shows up across home decor trends:
Matte Navy Kitchens – Matte navy cabinets, walls, or accents lend a sophisticated moody vibe.
Vintage Blues – Dusty shades of blue in vintage-inspired decor hearken back to the blue persuasion of eras past.
Bold Blue Backsplashes – Navy, royal, or teal blue backsplashes pop against white kitchens.
Blue Bathrooms – From blue walls to blue tiles, bathrooms are going blue in a big way.
Blue and White Pairings – Classic blue and white looks remain a foolproof combo in decor palettes.
Blue Accent Walls – Using blue on an accent wall adds character without overpowering a space.
Teal Velvet Furniture – Pairing teal blue with velvet on accent chairs or headboards feels lush.
Blue Kitchen Islands – A blue kitchen island makes a bold style statement.
Nautical Looks – Blue and white stripes and other nautical elements are perennial favorites for coastal homes.
Moroccan Tile Blues – Vibrant Moroccan-style blue and white tiles liven up backsplashes.
How Long Will Blue Stay on Trend?
Looking back through history, blue has been a prevalent color in home decor since the early 1700s. Following the locked-down year of 2020, blue emerged as the 2021 color of choice across industries. The hue continues to have outstanding staying power. There is no indication blue will be going out of style any time soon. If anything, we are seeing more creative uses of blue tones and textures that keep it from ever feeling tired or dated. Blue offers too many beautiful benefits for decor not to remain sought-after for years to come.
| Decade | Notable Blues |
|---|---|
| 1710s | Prussian blue |
| 1810s | Navy blue |
| 1910s | Cobalt blue |
| 2000s | Blue gray |
Conclusion
Blue continues to be one of the most popular hues for interior decorating and design. Thanks to its versatile range, inherent calmness, and crisp modern appeal, blue suits any style. Both light and bright blues alongside deeper richer blues work beautifully throughout the home. 2021 trends showed increased use of energizing teals and aquas. While restful powder blue remains a neutral favorite. There is no indication blue will decline as a top decorating choice any time soon. This timeless color seems here to stay in every shade imaginable.
