Navy blue is a versatile and timeless color that can work well in many interior design schemes. When selecting complementary paint colors to go with navy blue, it’s important to consider the undertones and mood you want to create. Cool tones like gray, blue-green, and muted peach can create a calming vibe, while warm neutrals like beige, ivory, and soft yellow will make the space bright and cheery. Accent colors like red, coral, and teal can add vibrant pops of color. The key is finding the right balance of colors that will enhance the navy rather than compete with it.
Cool, Calming Complements
If you want to play up the cool, sophisticated side of navy blue, stick with paint colors in similar cool, deep tones. Different shades of blue and blue-green are classic pairings that allow the navy to take center stage while adding subtle dimension. Gray is another failsafe option as its neutrality lets the navy blue pop while carrying through the cool color scheme. For a soft effect, try pale, frosted grays or blues like sky blue, ice blue, or frosted mint. Deeper shades like charcoal or navy work nicely too. Muted peaches and pinks bring in just a touch of warmth while keeping things feeling serene.
Warm, Welcoming Accents
Navy blue can sometimes feel dark or imposing as a dominant color. Warming it up with paint colors featuring yellow, peach, or orange undertones makes for a more uplifting, inviting look. Softer shades of beige, cream, ivory and white nicely offset the boldness of navy. Yellow is a classic companion that brings brightness and energy. Try buttery shades like lemon chiffon or candlelight for a subtle effect, or make a statement with sunnier tones like marigold, banana or goldfinch. Rich umbers, terra cottas and burnt oranges also pair nicely for a cozy, earthy aesthetic.
Pops of Contrasting Color
Vivid accent colors are a great way to use complementary paint colors to make navy blue pop even more. Without going overboard, small touches of contrasting colors can create excitement, dimension and visual interest. Red is a classic navy pairing that connotes nautical vibes. From fire engine or cherry red to deeper burgundy or maroon, this combo always looks bold and polished. Coral and salmon tones add a cheerful springy flair. Mossy greens, emerald, lime or chartreuse inject lively, natural appeal. Purples like eggplant, lilac or violet lend regal sophistication. For tropical punch, citrus hues like orange, tangerine and turquoise are energizing complements. Just be sure to use the accent colors judiciously to keep the balance right.
Consider the Lighting
The way the light hits the paint colors will impact how they look together, so test your colors at different times of day. In rooms with ample natural light, the navy may take on a lighter, brighter cast so the complementary shades don’t need to be as warm to balance it out. North-facing spaces may require warmer accents to compensate for cool, low light. Notice how the colors blend and play off each other and adjust the tones and placement until you have a harmonious composition.
Sample Paint Color Combinations
Here are some suggested navy blue and complementary color paint combinations to inspire your own stylish, sophisticated look:
| Main Color | Complement #1 | Complement #2 | Accent Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | Pale Gray | Warm White | Coral |
| Navy | Robin’s Egg Blue | Buttercream | Chartreuse |
| Midnight Blue | Ice Blue | Frosted Mint | Marigold |
| Navy | Dove Gray | Cream | Cherry Red |
| Deep Navy | Light Gray | Ivory | Orange |
Test Colors with Paint Swatches
When working with navy blue, be sure to test out paint colors with actual swatches painted on the wall before committing to a whole room. Colors can look very different on a small swatch versus a larger area in the full lighting and context of the space. Paint up medium-sized patches of your top color choices so you can see how the undertones interact and get a sense of balance and proportion too. Move the swatches around to various walls at different times until you find a pleasing composition. This extra step helps ensure your final color palette harmonizes beautifully.
Conclusion
Navy blue is a favorite interior design shade that pairs well with a wide range of colors. To find complementary paints, focus on coordinating cool or warm undertones and the mood you want to achieve. Sophisticated grays and blues keep the look serene and refined, while warmer neutrals and yellows create a more lively, inviting vibe. Pops of contrasting reds, greens, oranges and purples can provide eye-catching accents. Always test swatches on the actual walls before fully committing to be sure you’ve balanced the colors in the true environment. With the right complementary hues, navy blue makes for an elegant, versatile, and always on-trend palette.
