Baby blue is a light shade of blue that some parents may consider when decorating a nursery or choosing baby clothing. While light blue is a common choice, there are many shades and tints of blue that could work well for a baby’s room or outfit. When selecting the perfect baby blue, parents may want to consider the mood they want to create, how the color will look alongside other items, and any preferences they have for lighter or darker shades. This article explores some of the most popular options for baby blue colors.
Different Shades of Blue for Baby
There are numerous different shades of blue that may work well when choosing colors for a baby’s nursery, clothing or accessories. Here are some of the most popular tints and tones:
– Powder blue – A very light, soft blue that is pale and understated. Powder blue can create a calm, soothing mood.
– Baby blue – Light and bright, but more saturated than powder blue. Traditional for baby items.
– Sky blue – A light blue with hints of cyan that reminds people of a clear blue sky. Sky blue is a little bolder than baby blue.
– Periwinkle – A light purplish-blue that provides a soft, whimsical color.
– Ice blue – Crisp, cool and airy light blue shade reminiscent of ice.
– Aqua – A bolder blue-green tone that’s bright and cheerful. Works for gender neutral.
– Duck egg blue – A light bluish-green that is versatile and pairs well with neutrals.
– Light cornflower blue – A very pale blue with a slightly purple tint.
– Pale blue – Simple light blue, not too bold or too muted.
Most Popular Shades for Baby
While there are many possibilities, some shades tend to be chosen more often than others for baby items. Here are some of the most popular baby blues:
| Baby Blue Shade | Description |
|---|---|
| Baby Blue | A light, bright blue that immediately makes people think of infants. |
| Powder Blue | An extremely light, soft blue with a muted tone. |
| Sky Blue | A cheerful light blue reminiscent of a sunny sky. |
Baby blue is likely the most commonly chosen shade, as it is vivid while still being soft and appropriate for babies. Powder blue and sky blue are also very popular choices that suit nurseries and baby items well.
Gender Considerations
For parents who want to avoid traditional gender stereotypes or have a neutral nursery, certain shades may work better than others. Here are some tips for choosing baby blues for any gender:
– Aquas and teals are bolder blues that can work for boys or girls.
– Pastel shades like periwinkle and lilac blue are softer and still gender neutral.
– Navy blues paired with yellows or oranges can create a gender neutral look.
– Mix light blues with pinks and purples to blend traditional with contemporary.
– Use shades like duck egg blue that aren’t overly feminine or masculine.
No matter what the gender, there are a range of light and medium blue tones that can create a stylish, yet neutral baby room or outfit. Focus more on personal taste than traditional roles.
Creating a Mood with Blue
Different hues of blue can create very different moods and atmospheres. Here are some examples:
| Blue Tone | Mood Created |
|---|---|
| Pale powder blue | Calm, soothing, serene |
| Icy light blues | Crisp, clean, refreshing |
| Sky blues | Cheerful, bright, sunny |
| Teals and aquas | Energetic, stimulating, vibrant |
When selecting a shade of blue for your baby’s space, think about the type of emotion you want to evoke. Cooler, softer tones are relaxing while bolder blues are lively.
Complementary Colors for Blue
To make the blue shades pop, pairing them with complementary colors is key. Here are some great options:
– Yellow – Blue and yellow are classic complements. A buttery yellow is perfect with a light sky blue.
– Orange – Blue’s other primary complement, in shades like peach or coral. Looks fresh with aqua blues.
– Pink – From pale to fuchsia, pink and blue are nursery staples. Powder blue with blush pink is ideal.
– Purple – Periwinkle and lilac pair beautifully with light to mid-range blues.
– Green – Blues and greens are versatile. Mint green with a duck egg blue is tranquil.
– Gray – For contemporary looks, slate gray provides contrast with icy blues.
Mixing any of these colors with your chosen blue can really make it stand out. Neutrals like white, tan, cream and gray also allow blue hues to shine.
Blue Color Schemes
If using blue as part of a color scheme, here are some combinations that work for nurseries:
| Color Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| Baby blue and pink | Classic pairing for traditional girl nursery. |
| Sky blue and sunshine yellow | Cheery gender neutral scheme, reminds people of the sky. |
| Periwinkle, lavender and mint | Soothing and calming pastels. |
| Navy, orange and white | Nautical look, gender neutral. |
Focus on two or three colors maximum. Monochromatic all-blue schemes can also be beautiful, using different shades and tones of blue together.
Best Blue Paint Colors
When it comes time to actually paint the nursery, you’ll need to choose the perfect blue hue. Here are some of the most recommended blue paint colors for baby rooms:
– Behr Violet Frosting – A lilac blue that’s soft and sophisticated.
– Behr Powdered Blue – Crisp, airy powder blue, subtle and relaxed.
– Valspar Rhapsody Blue – Brighter color inspired by robin’s egg blue.
– Benjamin Moore Baby’s Breath – Pale blue-green, almost minty. Calm and refreshing.
– Sherwin Williams Sea Salt – A very light blue-gray that works well with neutrals.
– Benjamin Moore Sky Blue – Classic cheerful sky blue color.
Stick to lighter shades like these for baby’s room. Samples can help you find the right balance of vibrancy versus subtlety. An accent wall in a bolder blue can provide a nice pop.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting that perfect baby blue, the options are endless. Consider the mood you want to achieve, choose hues that appeal to your personal taste, and pair the blues with complementary colors. Lighter tints like sky, powder and baby blue are classics. Bolder aquas and teals work for gender neutral schemes. Mixing blue with shades like yellow, pink and white will create a cheery, soothing nursery for baby. With so many shades to choose from, you’re sure to find the ideal blue for your little one.
