Grey and blue are two classic neutral colors that look beautiful together. When combined, these cool tones create a soothing, understated look that works well in a variety of contexts. So what exactly makes grey go so well with blue? There are a few key factors at play.
First, grey and blue are neighboring hues on the color wheel, meaning they naturally complement each other. Grey is a mixture of black and white, while blue is a primary color. When placed side-by-side, the blue makes the grey look richer, and the grey brings out the subtle complexities in the blue.
Second, both grey and blue have cool undertones. Cool colors are calming and evoke a sense of tranquility. By using different tones and shades of cool greys and blues together, you can create depth and visual interest while maintaining a relaxing overarching color story.
Shades that Work Well Together
There are many different shades of grey and blue that pair beautifully. Here are some of the most classic combinations:
– Light grey and powder blue
– Charcoal grey and navy blue
– Dark grey and royal blue
– Cool greys and pale blues
– Warm greys and bright blues
Lighter greys tend to look airy and elegant when mixed with soft powder blues. Think of weathered blue shutters on a light grey farmhouse facade. Charcoal greys add depth and contrast when paired with rich navy blues, as seen in nautical color schemes. Royal blue pops against a dark grey background.
You can also play with tone and hue. Mixing cool greys with pale blues creates a serene, ethereal look, while warm greys with cerulean blues are bold and modern. With so many variations, it really comes down to personal preference and what look you’re trying to achieve.
Proportions Matter
Something important to keep in mind when putting grey and blue together is getting the right balance. You generally want one color to dominate and the other to play a supporting role.
Using too equal amounts of grey and blue can make a space feel muddy and overwhelming. Instead, opt for grey as your foundational neutral backdrop and use blue strategically as accents. For example, paint walls light grey and bring in navy blue via decorative pillows and accessories.
You can flip the formula as well. Grey can infuse brightness into a blue saturated space when used intentionally in smaller doses. Add in a charcoal grey couch or area rug to anchor a room where blue is the starring color. Getting the proportions right results in a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing combo.
Tones & Undertones
When working with different shades of grey and blue, pay attention to the undertones of each color. Cool undertones play nicely together, while combining warm and cool shades can feel disjointed.
Most blues inherently have cool undertones, but there are a few warmer shades like royal blue to be aware of. With grey, you’ll encounter both cool greys with blue and purple undertones, as well as warm greys with yellow and red undertones. Combining a warm grey with a cool blue (or vice versa) is not ideal.
Stick with cool greys and blues like navy, sky blue, sage grey, and slate grey. Or opt for warmer shades like cobalt blue paired with greige or taupe grey. Keeping the undertones in harmony results in a sophisticated, complementary pairing.
Using Textures & Patterns
Don’t be afraid to add visual interest to your grey and blue color scheme with textures and patterns. Layering materials like wood, leather, and natural fiber textiles can infuse warmth and dimension.
Herringbone, checkerboard, and tweed patterns also bridge grey and blue beautifully. Geometric shapes and motifs in the two colors also complement each other. Play around with weaves, grains, prints, and shapes to make grey and blue feel layered and multidimensional.
Grey & Blue for Interiors
Using grey and blue together can transform the look and feel of any interior space. Here are some ways to effectively incorporate these timeless colors in your home:
Living Room
– Charcoal grey sofa with powder blue accent pillows
– Pale blue walls with a slate grey stone fireplace as an anchor
– Navy blue area rug layered on grey washed hardwood floors
Bedroom
– Light grey headboard with crisp white linens and a royal blue accent blanket at the foot of the bed
– Cool grey walls paired with a navy blue bench and patterned pillows
Kitchen
– Grey kitchen island paired with blue geometric tile backsplash
– Blue cabinetry with warm grey countertops and hardware
– Subway tile walls in a soft sage grey
Bathroom
– Walls painted airy blue with a slate grey vanity
– Grey wood flooring with a navy blue bathmat
– White tub and fixtures with grey and blue patterned shower curtain
Home Office
– Dark charcoal grey desk paired with a pale blue desk chair
– Gallery wall with blue and white photography and grey frames
– White shelving with grey boxes and blue ceramic accents
| Room | Grey and Blue Color Scheme |
|---|---|
| Living Room | – Charcoal grey sofa with powder blue accent pillows – Pale blue walls with a slate grey stone fireplace as an anchor – Navy blue area rug layered on grey washed hardwood floors |
| Bedroom | – Light grey headboard with crisp white linens and a royal blue accent blanket at the foot of the bed – Cool grey walls paired with a navy blue bench and patterned pillows |
| Kitchen | – Grey kitchen island paired with blue geometric tile backsplash – Blue cabinetry with warm grey countertops and hardware – Subway tile walls in a soft sage grey |
| Bathroom | – Walls painted airy blue with a slate grey vanity – Grey wood flooring with a navy blue bathmat – White tub and fixtures with grey and blue patterned shower curtain |
| Home Office | – Dark charcoal grey desk paired with a pale blue desk chair – Gallery wall with blue and white photography and grey frames – White shelving with grey boxes and blue ceramic accents |
As you can see, the color pairing options are truly endless. Use grey as your blank neutral canvas and add pops of blue to create any style or mood you desire. The visual interest grey and blue create plays well in both classic and contemporary spaces.
Clothing & Fashion
Beyond interior design, grey and blue are a fashion match made in heaven. These versatile neutrals complement every skin tone and eye color. Here are some chic ways to incorporate the color duo into your wardrobe:
For Women
– A charcoal grey sweater paired with medium wash blue jeans
– A loose powder blue blouse with a slate grey pencil skirt
– An oversized navy cardigan with black leggings and grey sneakers
– A royal blue shift dress with cool grey tights and booties
For Men
– A light grey suit with a navy dress shirt and silk tie
– Dark rinse blue jeans with a grey v-neck tee and casual blazer
– A grey crewneck sweatshirt layered over a blue button-down
– Navy chino shorts and grey boat shoes
Grey and blue work together to create polished looks suitable for the office, weekend wear, and everything in between. They make classic combos like navy suits and grey t-shirts feel fresh. You can also use different shades and textures to add interest.
Make it Monochrome
For a seriously sleek aesthetic, consider a grey and blue monochrome outfit. Monochrome color schemes involve wearing different tones and textures of one color family. Grey and blue were made for monochrome style.
Start with a medium blue as your base. Then layer on blue-greys, charcoal greys, light greys, and navies in different fabrics. Shoot for contrast through interesting silhouettes, tailored fits, and unique accessorizing rather than relying solely on color.
A monochrome grey and blue outfit might include:
– Medium wash blue denim jacket
– Heather grey v-neck tee
– Charcoal grey wool trousers
– Light grey suede boots
– Navy leather tote
Monochrome is a runway and street style trend that anyone can pull off. Emphasize your silhouette and have fun playing with proportions and textures. Grey and blue are natural partners in crime for this fashionable look.
Accessories
No outfit feels complete without the perfect accessories. Grey and blue lend themselves well to jewelry, scarves, handbags and shoes. Consider wearing:
Jewelry
– Grey freshwater pearl studs
– A brushed silver cuff bracelet
– A statement navy blue beaded necklace
Scarves & Wraps
– An oversized grey blanket scarf
– A rich blue cashmere wrap
– A lightweight grey and blue patterned scarf
Handbags & Totes
– A small grey leather crossbody bag
– A roomy navy tote for everyday use
– A powder blue satchel
Shoes
– Grey suede ankle boots
– Navy blue ballet flats
– Canvas sneakers in grey with blue laces
Like your clothing, feel free to get creative mixing lighter and darker shades of grey and blue accessories. Tie everything together with one signature standout piece like a navy fedora, slate grey purse, or statement light blue shoes.
Makeup Looks
For a pulled together beauty look, take inspiration from the cool elegance of grey and blue. These harmonious colors enhance all eye colors beautifully.
For a daytime look:
– Apply a soft, smoky blue eyeliner on upper and lower lash lines. Smudge lightly.
– Use a grey eyeshadow on the lid and crease. Opt for pearlized shades to brighten eyes.
– Add waterproof navy blue mascara and complete with a natural rose lip tint.
For evening:
– Sweep a shimmery slate grey eyeshadow over the lid.
– Line upper lash line with navy blue liner and extend the line at the outer corners.
– Add lots of volume with grey-blue mascara and finish with a mauve matte lipstick.
For bold drama:
– Pair electric blue eyeliner on upper lids with charcoal grey smoky shadow on lower lash lines and the crease.
– Add a pop of metallic blue shadow at the center of the lid.
– Complete with voluminous grey-black mascara and nude glossy lips.
The versatility of grey and blue shadow means you can easily take your look from a day at the office to an evening out. Have fun playing with different textures like shimmers, metallics and mattes. Cool neutrals complement every complexion.
Home Decor
Use grey and blue as the backdrop to add life and personality to any space. Here are some home decor ideas in these timeless colors:
– A light grey sofa with throw pillows in different blue tones and textures
– Floor length navy blue drapes framed with charcoal grey linen sheers
– A reclaimed wood dining table with grey washed chairs and blue seat cushions
– Kitchen stools upholstered in blue and grey striped fabric
– A royal blue glass vase filled with white blooms on a grey end table
– White shelving decorated with blue ceramic objects and grey boxes
– Grey and white abstract art in navy blue frames
Don’t be afraid to use other accent colors like crisp white, wood tones, metallics and greenery to add depth. Finish the look with layers of contrasting blue and grey patterns through rugs, blankets, accent pillows and more for visual interest.
Tablescapes
Setting a chic grey and blue table is an easy way to wow guests. Try these table decor ideas:
– A runner in blue and grey chevron or herringbone patterns
– Grey linen placemats with blue cloth napkins in a contrasting pattern
– White dishes placed on top of blue and grey patterned chargers
– Short blue glass candleholders and small grey ceramic vases as centerpieces
– Blue glass drinkware atop grey cotton napkins
– Mini blue and white floral arrangements in short grey vases
Mix and match patterns, textures like ceramics, glass and wood, and shades of the two colors. Just avoid going overboard. Let blue serve as the accent on an understated, elegant grey base for cool sophistication.
Outdoor Spaces
The soothing combination of grey and blue works beautifully in outdoor areas. Some ideas:
Decks
– Grey painted wood with navy blue Adirondack chairs
– Slate grey patio pavers
– Powder blue railing and window boxes
Patios
– A royal blue concrete fountain as the focal point
– Weather grey wood pergola with pale blue climbing vines
– Outdoor rug in blue and grey geometric print
Pools
– Concrete pool edged with blue mosaic tile
– Stormy grey concrete decking
– Navy blue pool loungers with crisp white cushions
Gardens
– Blue and white hydrangea bushes surrounded by silver-grey ornamental grasses
– Climbing grey stone paths
– Planters painted upbeat blue and filled with cascading greenery
Grey’s neutrality keeps outdoor spaces feeling grounded. Pops of blue in patio furniture, flowers, containers and decor breathe life into the landscape.
Grey and Blue Nurseries
For nurseries, grey and blue create a soothing, gender-neutral palette. Ideas for using this color combo:
– Walls painted spa blue with white crown molding
– Crib bedding in grey and white chevron print
– Pale blue drapes with grey blackout lining
– White shelving and dresser accented with grey baskets for storage
– Grey crib with blue edging on the mattress
– Blue and grey patterned area rug
– Grey rocking chair with baby blue cushion
– White lamps with powder blue lampshades
The cool palette is both stimulating and relaxing for babies. Add in pops of contrasting colors and whimsical accents like mobiles, wall decals, and toys to complete the nursery. The versatility allows the room to evolve as baby grows.
Office Spaces
Grey and blue foster productivity in home and corporate offices. Create an inspiring workspace through:
– Pale blue walls with white trim
– Dark grey desks and file cabinets
– Navy office chairs with chrome accents
– White open shelving decorated with grey boxes and blue frames
– Grey metal desk lamps with blue lampshades
– Blue vase filled with white tulips
– Herringbone grey and blue wool area rug
– Gallery wall with grey and white photos in blue frames
The mix of grey foundations and blue accents energizes without feeling overly stimulating. Add personality through modern or minimalist decorative accents and organization systems. Grey and blue help create focus and order.
Bathrooms
From bold to beachy, grey and blue can transform your bathroom’s aesthetic. Try:
– Walls painted airy blue with white wainscoting
– Subway tile backsplash in shades of grey
– Slate blue vanity with a white stone countertop
– Mirror framed in grey barn wood
– White tub with grey tile surround
– Navy blue towels, shower curtain and rug
– Grey woven basket for rolled up towels
– White marble floor tiles laid in a blue grey herringbone pattern
– A vase of white flowers on grey wall shelves
Whatever your preferred decor style, grey and blue create an instantly soothing yet visually interesting bathroom. Contrast porcelain whites with the two cool colors. The freshened color scheme works equally well in half baths and master suites.
Kitchens
Both contemporary and farmhouse kitchens benefit from grey and blue accents. Some ideas:
– Shaker style cabinetry painted stormy blue-grey
– Marble waterfall countertops and backsplash in grey and white
– Stainless steel appliances and hardware
– Navy blue bar stools around kitchen island
– Open shelving lined with white dishes and grey baskets
– Vintage-inspired signage in navy blue, grey and white
– Light grey walls and white trim
– Wood plank floors with a blue-grey area rug under the dining table
Or take a beachy approach:
– Weathered light grey cabinets with airy blue walls
– White quartz countertops and backsplash with navy geometric tile accents
– Open shelving in reclaimed driftwood
– A nautical themed runner rug in shades of grey, blue and ivory
– Rattan bar stools with blue and white striped seat cushions
– White dishware with blue rims displayed on open shelves
– Wicker pendants lights hanging over a coastal grey dining table
Have fun mixing and matching different elements for vintage charm or sleek modernity with a dose of personality. Grey and blue are timeless kitchen colors.
Dining Rooms
Use shades of grey as a base and blue as
