When choosing a blue color for your kitchen, there are a few key factors to consider. The shade of blue, the amount of natural vs. artificial light in your kitchen, and the overall style you want to achieve should all influence your decision. Choosing the right blue can create an inviting, relaxing environment or a cool, modern look in your kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular blue hues for kitchens and help you select the perfect shade for your space.
Different Types of Blue for Kitchens
There are many shades of blue you could choose from for your kitchen walls, cabinetry, or accents. Here are some of the most popular types of blue for kitchens and their characteristics:
Navy Blue – A classic, deep blue that creates a dramatic look. Navy kitchens feel rich and sophisticated. The dark color contrasts well with stainless steel appliances or white cabinetry. However, navy can also make a small kitchen feel more closed in.
Powder Blue – A soft, pale blue that evokes a cottage or vintage feel. Powder blue is soothing and works well in both traditional and modern kitchens. It pairs nicely with white, gray, or wood elements. The light color makes the space feel open and airy.
Sky Blue – A light, bright shade between powder and navy blue. Sky blue kitchens have an invigorating, refreshing look. The color reminds people of clear daytime skies and works with both warm and cool accent colors. It’s ideal for small kitchens or warm climates.
Periwinkle Blue – A bluish purple, periwinkle has a cheerful, elegant vibe. It’s a bit bolder than powder blue but not as dramatic as navy. Periwinkle kitchens give off a romantic, vintage feel. The hue complements oak or creamy white cabinets nicely.
Teal Blue – A greenish-blue tone, teal is vibrant and sophisticated. It has an uplifting, rejuvenating effect. Teal pairs well with stainless steel, white, or even yellow kitchen elements. It works for modern, transitional, or cottage kitchen designs.
Steel Blue – As the name suggests, this grayish blue mimics polished steel. It has an sleek, industrial feel, perfect for modern kitchens. Steel blue works well with stainless steel, marble, or white for contrast. It makes a strong style statement.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a blue paint color or finishes for your kitchen, here are some factors to consider:
Natural vs. Artificial Lighting – Is your kitchen filled with natural sunlight from windows, or will it rely more on overhead lighting? Soft, pale blues like powder or sky blue work best in rooms with lots of natural light. Deeper shades like navy and teal are better for kitchens with minimal sunlight.
Room Size – Light, bright blues help make small kitchens feel more open, while bold navy can overwhelm a tiny space. Consider powder blue or periwinkle for small galley kitchens, and save navy blue for larger, open designs.
Cabinet & Countertop Colors – Lighter blues complement white cabinets and marble countertops, while deeper hues look great with stainless steel, gray cabinets, or butcher block. Make sure your blue hue contrasts well with your other finishes.
Style Goals – Do you want your kitchen to have a breezy, beach house vibe? Opt for a soft sky or powder blue. Prefer an urban, sophisticated look? Try steel blue. Let the overall style you want to achieve guide your blue selection.
Personal Preference – Do you adore periwinkle? Always dreamed of a navy kitchen? Don’t overlook your own innate color preferences. Choose a blue hue you’ll love seeing every day.
Best Blue Colors for Kitchens
Now that we’ve covered the different types of blue and what to consider when choosing a shade, let’s look at some of the best blue hues for kitchens:
Powder Blue – A fail-safe option that looks beautiful in any style kitchen. Powder blue is soothing, versatile, and brightens up a space. It’s a perfect choice for first-time blue users.
Sky Blue – For a brighter but still flexible shade, sky blue is uplifting without being overwhelming. It makes small kitchens feel bigger and pairs with warm or cool accent colors.
Periwinkle Blue – If you want something bolder than powder blue but softer than navy, go for cheerful periwinkle. It’s ideal for cottage kitchens and eclectic spaces.
Teal Blue – For a punch of color, teal blue has a soothing, rejuvenating vibe. Use it to create a vibrant, elegant look in modern or transitional kitchens.
Steel Blue – This cool grayish blue works perfectly in contemporary kitchens with stainless steel and white or marble finishes.
While the best blue ultimately depends on your goals, space, and tastes, you really can’t go wrong with a powder, sky, periwinkle, teal, or steel blue kitchen. Within those shades, look for a blue with warm, inviting undertones rather than ones with purple or green undertones (unless that’s the look you want!). Test blue paint samples on different walls to see how the color changes with lighting. Follow your instincts to find the ideal blue kitchen for your home.
Tips for Using Blue in Kitchens
Here are some quick tips for effectively using blue throughout your kitchen design:
– Don’t paint every surface blue. Use it strategically on an accent wall, island, or cabinets for balance.
– Warm up cool blues like powder or sky blue with natural wood stools, floors, open shelving or butcher block countertops.
– Add pops of yellow, orange, red, or green to perk up soft blue cabinets or walls.
– Use multiple shades of blue for depth. Try a navy island and steel blue cabinets or light and dark blue tile backsplash.
– Add touches of shine with glass pendant lights, stainless steel, or high-gloss blue cabinets. This contrasts nicely with matte walls.
– Ground bold blues like teal or navy with plenty of white – white cabinets, wainscoting panels, marble, or open space.
– Display blue and white dishware to complement your walls and tie the whole room together.
With some strategic use of various blue hues and textures, you can create a kitchen that feels cohesive, stylish, and uniquely you. The right blue will add a touch of tranqulity, sophistication, or vibrancy to your space.
Blue Kitchen Inspiration
Need a little visual inspiration for blue kitchen designs? Here are some beautiful examples of blue kitchens that might spark ideas:
Powder Blue Kitchens
| Pastel blue cabinets | Powder blue walls with white trim and brass accents create a glamorous, vintage vibe. |
| Light blue lower cabinets | Powder blue on lower cabinets adds a gentle color pop that doesn’t overwhelm the space. |
Navy Blue Kitchens
| Bold navy perimeter cabinets | Dark navy on the lower cabinets makes the white island pop in this transitional kitchen. |
| Navy blue cabinets and brass accents | Navy cabinets look crisp and elegant paired with marble countertops and brass hardware. |
Periwinkle Blue Kitchens
| Periwinkle cabinets | Periwinkle upper cabinets inject soft color into this white and wood kitchen. |
| Periwinkle backsplash | Tiling the backsplash in meriwinkle adds subtle charm behind white Shaker cabinets. |
Teal Blue Kitchens
| Teal island | A glossy teal island makes a vibrant statement against light gray cabinets and stainless steel. |
| Rich teal cabinets | Deep teal painted cabinets look striking beside white marble counters and open wood shelving. |
As you browse images of blue kitchens, take note of combinations you find appealing. This can help narrow down the right shade and style for your own space. With thoughtful color selection and strategic use of blue hues, you can create a kitchen that celebrates your favorite color.
Conclusion
Blue is a versatile, inspiring choice for kitchens. The key is choosing the right shade for your space and style. Soft, airy blues like powder and sky blue create a relaxed, inviting mood, while bolder blues like navy, teal, or steel blue make a vibrant style statement. Factors like lighting, room size, and your other finishes all impact which blue works best. Incorporate touches of blue on walls, cabinets, or accents for a cohesive look. With so many beautiful blue options for kitchens, you’re sure to find your perfect match. Just go with shades that you’ll enjoy seeing every day when cooking and entertaining. The right blue will inject a healthy dose of color into your home’s heart.
