Decorating a dark blue wall can be a fun and stylish way to add interest to any room. With so many options, it can be tricky to narrow down what will look best against a bold blue backdrop. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding what to hang on a dark blue wall, along with plenty of inspiring ideas and tips.
Consider the Room
The function and style of the room will impact what looks best on a dark blue wall. For formal living rooms and dining rooms, framed art and mirrors beautifully complement the dramatic wall color. For a bedroom, floating shelves and wall hooks can display meaningful objects and keep the space relaxed. In a kitchen or bathroom, decorative plates, metal wall art, or a mounted drying rack blend function with style. For kids’ rooms, wall decals, colorful prints, or a chalkboard wall cover interactive and lively options.
Choose Complementary Colors
Certain colors naturally look gorgeous against a dark blue wall. Warm metallic accents like brass, gold, and copper make the blue pop. Crisp whites and creams contrast elegantly. Soft grays blend nicely as do tans and camel hues. Pale greens and light wood tones also complement the blue. On the bolder end, shades of yellow, red, orange, and teal energize the space. Neutrals like black and white work well too. Avoid pairing dark blue walls with other cool tones like purples or greens as this can feel overwhelming.
Select Meaningful Artwork
For art, think about what speaks to you or matches the room’s purpose. Ocean scenes, botanical prints, abstract art, and photography are ideal for a tranquil vibe. For a kid’s room, opt for colorful or whimsical pieces. Black and white cityscapes and architectural drawings complement formal spaces. Make sure the frame color matches the wall. Dark wood, black, white, silver, or metallic frames enhance the wall’s color.
Use Mirrors to Reflect Light
Strategically placed mirrors are a great way to brighten a dark blue wall and make the space feel more open and airy. Hang a large statement mirror or do a creative mirror gallery with eclectic shapes and sizes. Opt for mirrors with metallic, white, black, or distressed wooden frames. Avoid colorful frames that will compete with the wall color. Mirrored cabinets or a mirrored headboard are chic options for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Incorporate Natural Textures
Natural elements like wood, rattan, jute, marble, and stone add lovely texture against a dark blue wall. Floating wood shelves, a mounted planter box, a rattan mirror, marble artwork frames, and a jute rug are ideas to try. Metallic accents in silver, pewter, brass, and copper also add subtle sheen. Avoid competing textures like heavy brocades or brightly patterned rugs.
Use Wallpaper or Decals for Accents
While keeping most of the blue wall open looks best, small wallpaper or vinyl decals can create a pretty accent wall. Opt for patterns like subtle florals, geometrics, or nature motifs in metallic, white, or neutral hues. Use wallpaper or decals sparingly on one accent wall or to frame out specific areas like above the bed or behind shelving.
Display Collections Creatively
Turn a dark blue wall into a backdrop for displaying curated collections in a visually pleasing way. Floating shelves are perfect for showing off succulents, books, vacation souvenirs, or antiques. A gallery wall with framed photos, art, or plates makes a personalized statement. For a kitchen, mount utensil racks, open shelving, or a drying rack. In a nursery, wall-mounted letters spell out baby’s name.
Add Pops of Contrasting Color
Although you’ll want to stick with mostly neutral accents, adding a few bright pops of color prevents the space from feeling too dark and gloomy. Bold yellow pillows, a red ceramic vase, an orange throw blanket, or a teal chair inject energy into the room. Just be sure colorful accents are minimal so they don’t compete with the blue wall.
Use Proper Lighting
Proper lighting is key for making a dark blue wall work. Natural light from windows prevents the dramatic color from feeling too overwhelming. For windowless spaces, opt for ample ambient lighting paired with accent lighting. Wall sconces, track lighting, recessed cans, table lamps, and pendant lights illuminate the wall. Candles add moody flair. Dimmer switches allow you to control the lighting based on the room’s use.
Pick Proper Furniture
Aim for lighter-colored furniture that provides contrast against the dark wall without competing with it. Light woods, off-whites, grays, and metallics work nicely. For a modern edge, try sleek white, black, or clear acrylic pieces. Leather furnishings in cream or tan are also striking. Avoid furniture with loud bright patterns or colored upholstery that will clash with the wall.
Incorporate Soft Fabrics and Textiles
Soften up the bold wall color with cushy textiles. Layer white, cream, gray, or light blue bedding on a bedroom wall. Hang sheer curtains on windows. Toss down a fluffy neutral area rug. Add pillows in muted patterns and fabrics like linen, cotton, wool, velvet, jersey, and cashmere. The comfortable textures will keep the dramatic wall from feeling too hard or cold.
Conclusion
With proper planning, a dark blue wall can be a stunning focal point rather than an overwhelming statement. Focus on lighter, neutral furniture and accessories that complement the color. Use mirrors, metallics, and natural textures to add interest. Display meaningful collections or artwork. Infuse pops of contrasting colors for vibrancy. Proper lighting remains key. With these tips in mind, your dark blue wall is sure to be a conversational yet chic addition to any space. Feel empowered to unleash your inner interior designer and have fun with this dramatic color!
