French country blue is a soft, muted shade of blue that evokes the feel of the French countryside. It is a versatile color that can work in many different design styles, from traditional to modern. French country blue got its name from being commonly used in French country decor and can lend any space a relaxed, pastoral vibe. But what exactly is this quintessential French blue hue? Let’s take a closer look at the origins, characteristics, and uses of French country blue.
What Is French Country Style?
Before diving into the specifics of French country blue, it helps to understand the overall French country style that this color is associated with. French country decor, sometimes called French provincial style, mixes rustic, vintage elements with light and airy elegance. The look often features painted furniture, floral fabrics, carved wood accents, and other details inspired by French farmhouses and cottages.
Neutral earth tones like beige and cream are commonly used in French country decor, balanced by pops of soft pastel colors like pale blues, pinks, greens, and yellows. The overall effect is casual sophistication – not too formal, but still refined. French country style has endured for decades and continues to be a perennial favorite for kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and other living spaces.
Origins of French Country Blue
So where did this iconic shade of soft blue come from? French country blue has its roots in the blue pigments historically used in French peasant homes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many rural French homes were painted with a sky blue using natural ultramarine pigment made from the mineral lapis lazuli. This soft, hazy blue evoked the blue skies over the countryside.
Over time, commercial versions of these traditional blue pigments emerged, letting more people access the recognizable French country blue for their walls and decor. Even as synthetic options expanded the availability of the color, the blue’s pastoral, rustic connotations endured. French country blue took hold as a staple shade for design styles inspired by rural French life.
Defining Characteristics
What sets French country blue apart from other shades of blue? Here are some of its defining characteristics:
– Soft, muted tone – French country blue is much more muted than bright primary blues. It has a weathered, faded quality.
– Slight gray undertone – Rather than being a true blue, French country blue usually has subtle undertones of gray. This gives it a more subdued look.
– Matte finish – The color typically has a flat, matte finish rather than a high-gloss sheen. This helps it feel more organic.
– Versatile shade – Despite its name, French country blue is light and neutral enough to work in many non-country design schemes.
– Calming effect – The muted, cool tone creates a relaxed, laidback ambiance. It has a soothing vibe.
So in summary, French country blue is best described as a soft, weathered blue-gray with a flat, matte finish and a cozy farmhouse feel.
Distinctive Features
Let’s explore some of the distinctive features that set real French country blue apart from other muted blue-grays:
A Greenish Cast
Many examples of French country blue have subtle undertones of green. This stems from the color’s roots in mineral blues containing traces of copper. The barely-there greenish tinge gives it extra complexity.
Lighter Than Navy
While also muted, French country blue is lighter and brighter than deeper navy blues. Its lighter tone makes it more versatile to decorate with.
More Gray Than Periwinkle
Some watery, pale blues can read as periwinkle. French country blue contains more gray to make it feel weathered and antiqued.
Cooler Than Denim Blue
Whereas denim blues have more tan or brown warmth, French country blue is cooler and crisper. The two can sometimes overlap though.
So in addition to being muted and matte, these subtle properties differentiate real French country blue from lookalike shades.
Typical French Country Blue Color Palettes
French country blue pairs beautifully with other colors seen in French country decor palettes. Here are some of the hues it commonly complements:
– Cream – Soft cream has a beautiful, calming effect alongside French country blue.
– Pale Yellow – Washed-out yellows keep things light and casual next to French country blue.
– Moss Green – Earthy moss greens feel right at home with French country blue’s pastoral charm.
– Terracotta – For a bit of contrast, terracotta orange makes a lively accent color with French country blue.
– Aged Wood – The muted blue synergizes with stained wood furniture and floors.
– Wrought Iron – Powdery blue-grays evoke chipped iron lanterns and garden accents.
Mixing French country blue with these harmonious hues results in the comfortably refined style French country is known for.
Use of French Country Blue in Interiors
Thanks to its relaxed vibe, French country blue works beautifully in interior spaces. Here are some popular ways it is used in home decor:
Walls
One of the most common ways to employ French country blue is by painting walls in this soothing muted hue. It creates an inviting backdrop in any room.
Furniture
Distressed wood dressers, hutches, tables and chairs dipped in a washed French country blue are a staple of the French cottage look.
Tiles
For old-world charm, use weathered French country blue tiles to line backsplashes, shower walls, kitchen floors and more.
Textiles
Upholstery, curtains, pillows and other fabrics come to life in hazy blue-grays inspired by timeworn French tablecloths.
Accessories
French country blue makes for charming accent pieces. Display ceramic tableware, glass bottles, baskets and clay pots in this fitting farmhouse shade.
With so many possible applications, it’s no wonder French country blue remains the quintessential hue for vintage French-inspired interiors.
Popular Brand Colors
Many paint companies offer their own take on French country blue, with names referencing its pastoral spirit. Here are some of the most popular branded versions:
| Brand | Color Name |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Cumberland Blue |
| Sherwin-Williams | Tradewind |
| Behr | Blue Dianne |
| Valspar | Mountain Lake |
| PPG | Rambling Brook |
While each paint color is unique, they all capture the essence of relaxed, rural French style that makes French country blue so beloved.
Complementary Colors
French country blue pairs seamlessly with an array of colors that complement its muted, weathered tone. Some shades that go hand-in-hand with French country blue include:
– Cream – Softcream provides an airy counterbalance
– Moss green – An earthy, natural accent color
– Pale yellow – For an extra pop of lightness
– Terracotta – A contrasting, yet complementary earth tone
– Sage green – A pleasing mix of gray, green and blue
– Brick red – When you want something bold to balance the blue
– Tan – For a dose of warm neutral contrast
Mix and match these harmonious hues with French country blue to create your own French cottage-inspired color schemes.
Use In Home Decor Styles
While French country blue matches seamlessly with…French country decor, it also fits nicely with many other style aesthetics. Here are some additional design motifs that can benefit from this tranquil blue tone:
Cottage – The casual, welcoming cottage look pairs perfectly with easygoing hues like French country blue. Use it on shiplap walls or distressed cottage furniture.
Farmhouse – Similarly, French country blue is right at home in farmhouse spaces. Its faded finish suits worn farmhouse woods and vintage tin accents.
Shabby Chic – Soft French country blue works wonders with the chippy, ornamental vibe of shabby chic furniture and accessories.
Coastal – Thanks to its greenish-blue tint, French country blue jives with coastal styles. Think beachy furniture and accessories in this soothing hue.
Transitional – For those seeking a bridge between traditional and contemporary, this versatile blue suits transitional spaces beautifully.
The muted, weathered quality of French country blue allows it to mesh with designs from sleek modern to ornate traditional and everything in between.
Use On Exterior Homes
Another appearance of this darling blue hue is on home exteriors and outdoor living spaces. Here are some exterior settings where French country blue shines:
Siding – A cottage or farmhouse wrapped in faded sky blue siding epitomizes provincial charm.
Shutters – French country blue makes shutters pop against white siding or stone walls.
Front Doors – Greet guests with a distressed front door in this inviting faded blue shade.
Porch Ceilings – Lend back porches and covered patios a breezy, countryside vibe with French country blue ceilings.
Patio Furniture – Relax outdoors surrounded by all-weather wicker or painted metal seating in soothing matte blues.
Planters – Line pathways with galvanized, ceramic or wooden planters washed in soft gray-blues.
Use French country blue outside to evoke the relaxed feeling of a French countryside getaway at home.
Popular Paint Color Combinations
If considering French country blue for your home’s interior or exterior, you may be wondering what colors pair well with it. Here are some foolproof paint color combinations to try:
French Country Blue and White
Crisp white trim frames French country blue siding or walls beautifully. The contrast pops, while white represents the blue’s softness.
French Country Blue and Terracotta
Earthy terracotta accent walls, tile or decor pair nicely with main spaces in French country blue. The colors are complementary opposites.
French Country Blue and Moss Green
Relaxing moss green and French country blue give off similar cozy, organic vibes. Use moss green in spaces like libraries or studies.
French Country Blue and Brick Red
For a bold accent, brick red storm doors, barn doors or kitchen islands offset powdery French country blue elegantly.
French Country Blue and Cream
Creamy off-whites blend seamlessly with French country blue walls or furnishings, creating a soothing oasis.
These tried-and-true color pairings provide foolproof options for decorating with French country blue hues.
Common Alternative Names
Since French country blue can vary slightly between paint brands, you may encounter it sold under other names. Here are some alternate names for very similar hues:
– Antique Blue
– Chelsea Gray
– Chambray
– Dusty Blue
– Horizon Blue
– Lakeshore Blue
– Poseidon Blue
– Rainwashed Blue
– Seaside Blue
– Silver Blue
– Stonington Gray
While the names differ, these colors all capture the weathered, vintage blue-gray feel of real French country blue. If you see a muted blue labeled with these names, there’s a good chance it embodies the spirit of relaxed French country style.
Conclusion
With its faded, mottled appearance and calming gray-blue tone, French country blue remains a quintessential shade for idyllic, pastoral decor. This iconic color gives any space a casual sophistication perfect for cottage and farmhouse styles. While easygoing, French country blue also provides a soothing dose of color and vintage character to enliven modern spaces. With its timeless appeal and versatility, this beloved blue is sure to retain its popularity for years to come.