When it comes to choosing paint colors, the options can seem endless. One popular color family that home decorators and interior designers love to use is blue-green. But with all the subtle variations within the blue-green color spectrum, how do you know which shade is right for your space?
Defining Blue-Green
Blue-green is a tranquil, cool color that combines the calming properties of blue with the renewal and growth associated with green. It evokes thoughts of bodies of water, like the ocean, lakes, or pools. Blue-green hues remind us of nature, relaxation, tranquility, balance, and harmony.
On the traditional color wheel, blue-green falls somewhere between blue and green. It sits next to green on the cool half of the color wheel. Blue-green can range from a blue with strong green undertones to a green with strong blue undertones. The intensity and proportions of the blue and green colors in the mix determine where a blue-green shade falls on the spectrum.
Popular Blue-Green Paint Colors
Many popular paint colors on the market today fall in the blue-green family. Here are some of the most common blue-green paint shades:
| Paint Color Name | Brand | HEX Code |
|---|---|---|
| Tradewind | Sherwin-Williams | #C2D5DA |
| Rainwashed | Behr | #B9CABCD |
| Surf Green | Valspar | #C3D7D9 |
| Aquarium | Benjamin Moore | #B0C4DE |
| Beach Glass | PPG Paints | #CED8D5 |
As you can see, popular blue-green paint colors come in a variety of shades from major paint brands. The subtle differences come down to the proportions of blue and green in each color.
Cool Blue-Green vs. Warm Blue-Green
Blue-green paint colors can lean cool or warm depending on whether they fall closer to blue or green on the color wheel. Here are some examples:
- Cool blue-greens: Tradewind SW 6205, Rainwashed, Bistro Green
- Warm blue-greens: Surf Green, Spa, Aquarium
Cool blue-greens have a stronger blue influence, giving them a crisp, icy vibe. Warm blue-greens veer towards green and come across more as cool greens. Warm blue-greens remind us of the ocean, while cool blue-greens are more glacial.
Light, Medium, and Dark Blue-Green
Blue-green paint colors also range from light to dark. Lighter shades create an airy, calm feeling. The serene palette refreshes rooms with natural light. Medium blue-greens are versatile for many rooms. Deep, darker shades of blue-green can make a dramatic impact and create an enveloping effect.
Here are some examples of light, medium, and dark blue-green paint colors:
- Light blue-greens: Rainwashed, Spa, Beach Glass
- Medium blue-greens: Tradewind, Bistro Green, Surf Green
- Dark blue-greens: Phthalo Green, English Holly, Verdigris
Blue-Green Paint in Different Rooms
Blue-green paint colors work well in nearly any room of the home. Here are some ideas for popular spaces:
Kitchen
In the kitchen, blue-green paint evokes the colors of the ocean and beach to stimulate the appetite. Light blue-greens create an open, airy feeling, while deeper shades lend a cozy cottage look. Try Tradewind, Beach Glass, or Rainwashed.
Bathroom
Blue-green is a natural fit for bathrooms, calling to mind cool waters. Use lighter shades on walls and darker hues on vanities and cabinets. Spa, Aquarium, and Surf Green are great bathroom choices.
Bedroom
In bedrooms, blue-green paint fosters relaxation and sleep. Pale, airy shades work well on walls, while deeper colors make elegant statements on accent walls or furnishings. Some good options are Tradewind, Beach Glass, and Rainwashed.
Home Office
For home offices, blue-green paint enhances focus and concentration. Bistro Green, Surf Green, or Tradewind on the walls help create a tranquil workspace. Use darker shades like Verdigris or Phthalo Green for an energizing accent wall.
Living Room
Blue-green paint brings harmony and balance to living rooms. Light shades keep the space feeling open, while darker hues make for dramatic feature walls. Try Bistro Green, Rainwashed, Aquarium, or English Holly.
How Lighting Changes Blue-Green Paint
The way lighting hits blue-green painted walls dramatically impacts their look. Different types of light alter the color’s appearance.
In natural daylight, blue-greens take on a cooler, crisper tone. The blue notes shine through. Artificial warm light at night enhances the warmer green and blue tones, making the color feel more enveloping.
Lighter blue-greens reflect light for an airy feel, while darker shades absorb light for a cozier vibe. Morning northern light plays up undertones, while afternoon southern exposure washes walls in a sea glass glow.
Complementary Colors for Blue-Greens
Certain shades look especially pleasing alongside blue-green on walls or accents. Complementary colors next to blue-green create attractive, balanced color schemes. Here are some of the best complements for blue-greens:
- Warm neutrals like white, sand, beige, tan
- Cream
- Light and airy blues
- Gray
- Earth tones like brown, taupe, clay
- Yellow-greens like chartreuse, lime
Brown and blue-green are classic complementary pairings, inspired by earth and water. Crisp whites allow blue-greens to stand out while contributing to bright, open interiors.
Tips for Using Blue-Green Paint
Here are some top tips for decorating with blue-green paint colors:
- Test paint samples on walls before fully committing. Blue-green hues look different in each space.
- Consider undertones so colors complement your decor. Do you prefer cool or warm blue-greens?
- Use lighter blue-greens on walls for expansive, airy spaces. Reserve deep shades for accents.
- Pair blue-green with its color complements brown, white, blue, and green.
- Balance warm and cool paint undertones. If walls are a warm blue-green, choose cool blue-green accents.
Blue-Green Paint in Design Styles
Blue-green color schemes work well with many popular interior design styles.
Modern
In modern spaces, bright blue-greens create an energetic, vibrant look. Use them on accent walls or pair vivid blue-greens with crisp whites.
Scandinavian
Blue-greens complement Scandinavian style with their connection to nature and airy feel. Try light blue-green walls with natural wood accents.
Coastal
Blue-greens are right at home in coastal design with colors inspired by the oceanfront. Use aqua walls or nautical blue-green accent pieces.
Cottage
Soft, warm blue-greens give cottage rooms a casual, welcoming vibe. Use a medium blue-green on the walls with white trim.
Eclectic
The versatility of blue-greens allows them to fit right in with eclectic decor. Contrast cool and warm blue-green tones for interest.
Bohemian
Blue-green’s natural, earthy qualities make it perfect for boho style. Try a jewel-toned blue-green accent wall with wood furniture.
Conclusion
With its relaxing, watery hues, blue-green paint adds serenity plus style to any room. From light and airy shades to dramatic, deeper emerald tones, blue-greens make an elegant color choice. Consider the space, lighting, and decor style to select the perfect tranquil blue-green paint. With the right shade, you’ll enjoy the soothing vibe blue-green brings wherever it’s used.
