Blue and white is a classic color combination that can work beautifully in any room. When decorating with blue and white, it’s important to consider what shades of blue to use and what additional colors will complement the blue and white palette. In this article, we’ll discuss the best colors to pair with blue and white for an elegant, coordinated look.
Different Shades of Blue
Not all shades of blue work equally well with white. Here are some of the most popular types of blue to use in a blue and white color scheme:
| Navy Blue | A rich, dark blue that pairs nicely with crisp white. Navy blue has a nautical feel. |
| Royal Blue | Slightly lighter than navy, royal blue is vibrant and eye-catching against white. |
| Baby Blue | A soft, pale blue that takes on an ethereal look next to white. Baby blue is soothing and serene. |
| Sky Blue | A light, bright blue reminiscent of a sunny sky. Sky blue has an airy, uplifting quality. |
| Powder Blue | The lightest shade of blue, powder blue is delicate and understated with white. |
The shade of blue you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your blue and white space. Darker blues like navy tend to create a nautical or sophisticated ambiance, while lighter blues like powder blue result in a more soothing, relaxed aesthetic. Consider the mood you want to create when selecting a blue.
Accent Colors that Complement Blue and White
On their own, blue and white can look a bit plain. Adding accent colors is a great way to inject more personality and visual interest into a blue and white color scheme. Here are some top accent colors to pair with different shades of blue:
| Navy Blue & White | Yellow, red, camel, khaki |
| Royal Blue & White | Gold, rose gold, light pink, magenta |
| Baby Blue & White | Silver, sage green, lavender |
| Sky Blue & White | Coral, mint green, yellow |
| Powder Blue & White | Blush pink, soft gray, cream |
When selecting an accent color, consider the undertones of your chosen blue. Warm accent colors like yellow, pink and red pair best with deeper blues like navy or royal blue. Cool accent colors like gray, sage green and lavender complement lighter blues like baby blue and powder blue.
You’ll also want to pay attention to color saturation – lighter tints work better with pale blues, while jewel tones stand out against darker blues. Keeping accent colors in a similar saturation or tone creates a cohesive look.
Using Metallics with Blue and White
Metallic accents are a perfect way to add shine and interest to a blue and white scheme. Here are some metallic hues that work beautifully:
- Gold – Warm gold accents, like decor items, lamps or jewelry, pop against deep blues like navy or royal blue. Gold also complements lighter sky blues.
- Rose gold – A trendy blush-toned metallic that looks stunning with all shades of blue, especially bold royal blue.
- Silver – Cool-toned silver pairs nicely with lighter blues like baby blue, sky blue and powder blue for a soothing look.
- Pewter – A soft gray metallic that complements powder blue especially well.
- Chrome – For an edgy, modern look, try chrome with a darker navy blue.
When using metallics, stick to one or two metallic tones in a room to avoid a cluttered look. Golds, silvers and rose gold work nicely together. Metallic accents should be used sparingly – try metallic throw pillows, decor items, table lamps or an area rug with subtle metallic threads.
Textiles and Patterns for Blue and White
Certain textiles and patterns help enhance and unify a blue and white color palette. Here are some ideas for textiles:
- Linen – Natural linen in white or cream has an airy, beachy vibe that works with lighter blues.
- Wool – Warm textured wool in accent colors feels cozy with navy blue.
- Velvet – Royal blue velvet pillows or a chair provide decadent contrast against crisp white.
- Cotton – Soft white cotton paired with sky blue evokes summertime.
- Silk – Shimmery silver silk complements powder blue for elegance.
And patterns that complement blue and white schemes include:
- Stripes – Thick horizontal navy and white stripes are nautical. Thin powder blue stripes on white feel fresh.
- Herringbone – A tweed-like pattern in white and gray suits powder blue.
- Polka dots – Playful navy, sky blue or pink dots on a white ground add whimsy.
- Paisley – Royal blue paisley in silk or velvet on white is sophisticated.
- damask – Metallic gold damask wallpaper makes a dramatic accent wall with navy blue.
Repeating blue and white textiles and patterns provides visual cohesion while layers of different textures create depth and interest. Use patterns judiciously – too many busy prints can feel chaotic.
Furniture Ideas for Blue and White Rooms
Certain furniture finishes lend themselves well to blue and white color schemes. Here are some finishes that complement blue and white beautifully:
Wood Tones
- White washed oak, birch or pine
- Natural light wood like ash or beech
- Weathered gray barn wood
- Dark stains like espresso or walnut (with deep blues)
Painted Finishes
- White and cream painted wood
- Soft blue painted furnishings
- Glossy black lacquer
- Metallic golds and silvers
Upholstery
- Light blue linen or cotton
- Soft textured white or cream
- Bold navy blue velvet
Choose furniture in timeless, uncomplicated silhouettes like Parsons chairs and streamlined tapered table legs. Avoid ornate or baroque styles that might clash with the simplified elegance of blue and white.
For floors, light-colored hardwood, white washed wood or stone, and navy rugs work well. Keep walls light – white, cream, pale blue or subtle blue and white wallpaper. Use furniture placement and textiles to add pops of color and personality.
Create a Unified Look
The key to successfully decorating with blue and white is sticking to a cohesive palette. Some tips:
- Pick one main blue for large pieces like sofas or accent walls. Use lighter and deeper hues of that blue sparingly for variety.
- Choose 1-2 metallic accents like rose gold and silver. Don’t overdo the metallics.
- Introduce accent colors with art, pillows, vases and other decorative items. Avoid bright, clashing tones.
- Repeat blue and white patterns in textiles, but don’t mix too many bold prints.
- Keep furniture clean lined. Limit ornate carvings and baroque shapes.
Anchoring the space with a unified blue and white backbone allows you to layer in personality with art, accessories and pops of color. The result is a sophisticated, pulled-together blue and white space.
Conclusion
Blue and white is a timeless combination that can be tailored to any style. Choose a main blue hue and stick to a cohesive palette of complementing colors. Accent with metallics and introduce color and patterns through decorative details like textiles, art and accessories. Keep furniture clean lined and floors light to maximize the simple elegance of blue and white. With the right supporting palette, this classic duo will always be in style.
