Glittering oceans, summer skies, sapphire jewels – there’s no denying that there’s something really beautiful about the colour blue. So, it's no surprise that blue is set to be one of the most popular shades to use in a living room this year.
A lick of the right blue paint can make a room feel tranquil, fresh or sophisticated, but choosing the right hue can be daunting - especially when there are so many paint and accessory shades available.
'Deep, dark blue tones are generally best suited to smaller rooms that are already starved of natural light’ explains Charlie Crosby, Head of Creative at Farrow & Ball. ‘Instead of fighting the existing gloom with white, you embrace it and make a virtue of its drama in the rooms you love to relax in.'
Chalky, maritime blues, on the other hand, can make a room feel welcoming and spring-like, whilst styling classic navy with brilliant white can achieve a relaxed, seaside feel. Want to know which blue is right for your style? Take a look at our blue living room ideas gallery, or keep reading for our tips on how to style a blue living room...
Blue living room ideas
How to style a blue living room
Style with white for a fresh, nautical feel
Remember... opting for blue in your living room doesn’t necessarily mean you have to commit to a dark, moody interior. Pair classic navy blue with brilliant white to achieve a light, nautical feel that’s worthy of a beautiful summer lake house in the Hamptons.
How to
Choose bright, fresh white for major walls and furniture, then style in vibrant navy blue using soft furnishings, feature furniture and accessories – just like the rugs, throws and artwork featured above. Add in some natural greenery to make the space feel truly airy and tranquil.
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Mix with moody metallics for a luxury look
Whilst blue is often a colour associated with calm, tranquillity and peace, you can also juxtapose deep, dramatic blue with bold and striking metallics to add drama and sophistication to your space.
How to
To make a real impact, choose a deep shade of blue with predominantly green undertones – Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue is a great example – as these mirror the tones of vintage gold and brass.
Style against metallic furnishings that feature timeless, iconic design – pieces with an echo of Art Deco style, like this cabinet from Swoon Editions, work particularly well. In need of inspiration? Think moody and luxurious New York cocktail bars.
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Pair with bold pattern and more pops of colour
Cobalt blue and coral are a match made in heaven. Throw in some mustard and you’ll achieve a summery, Evie Kemp-esque look that’s vibrant and intriguing – because life’s too short to be boring.
How to
Don’t be afraid to mix colour with more colour. Start with a neutral base – a light, wheat tone works well and prevents the room from looking too clinical - before adding cobalt blue, coral and other brights using textured accessories and abstract artwork.
To take it one step further (as pictured), freehand a pattern with pencil on your feature wall, and carefully fill it in with tester pots, making sure each colour dries before adding the next. Be sure to not make your pattern too accurate or symmetrical – it’ll have far more impact if it’s not perfect.
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Match clay blue walls with soft textures and greenery
Traditional is timeless. A chalky, maritime blue looks particularly good in period properties with panelling and low ceilings, but muted blue tones can make any space – new or old - feel cosy and spring-like.
How to
Opt for grey-toned, colonial blue on a feature wall to keep the room looking restful and welcoming, yet fresh. Dusky pink furniture will add further warmth, and pops of real or artificial greenery will bring everything to life.
In the winter, add candles and textured, knitted throws to your room. In spring and summer, style with fresh tulips and quirky, bright, coffee table books.
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Tie deep, inky indigo in with more jewel tones
Counteracting the darkness of indigo with ice cream shades can be tempting, but adding slightly darker, jewel-toned accessories to a dark backdrop can add sophistication to your space.
How to
Dial up the drama and mix midnight blue with petrol green and coral. Use the darkest shades – green and blue – on walls and large furniture pieces, and the brighter tones – coral, gold and cream – on accent accessories.
For a super cohesive look, make your own canvas artwork using colours that exactly match those in the rest of the room. Again, sample pots are a great option to use on a budget – thin emulsion paint with water before applying to a canvas.
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Style soothing denim with velvet and vintage colour photography
Gone are the days when baby blue was the only way to go. Opt for smoked blue shades to achieve a grown-up look that’s soothing and chilled, but not cold. Balance pale blue walls with warm colours like burnt orange, terracotta, vintage peach and pink. Adding texture - velvet and faux fur - alongside vintage colour prints will soften the space even further, making it feel snug.
How to
Firstly, make sure you choose a shade that isn’t too icy. If you want to be certain, paint a swatch on an area where the natural light hits, likely by a window, and one in a dimmer area. Monitor how the paint looks throughout different points of the day. If it appears too washed out in the sunlight, maybe try a stronger shade. Kate used Dulux’s Denim Drift (pictured above).
Vintage photography often looks great against this shade, because subdued tones won’t overwhelm or drain the blue. In terms of wooden furnishings, it’s totally up to you – light pine and warm walnut work equally well, and can even be mixed for a more relaxed feel.
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Frame with monochrome prints and industrial accessories
Keep classic blue tones looking chic and modern by styling them with pared back, industrial finishes. Choose strong, sculptural vases and statement lighting before balancing the room with simple cushions, rugs and throws - this way you'll achieve a look that's minimalist and unfussy, but not cold and uninviting.
How to
To maximise the feeling of light and space in your room, lift dark walls with light reflecting furniture. Add further interest and a designer feel by using adding the odd patterned cushion in strategic places (as pictured above).
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Mix playful, patterned wallpaper with natural materials for a boho vibe
Due to its connotations of wealth and luxury – historically it was the most expensive colour to produce - you’ll often see classic blue in bold, traditional interior schemes. But, don’t forget that this shade has its origins in nature, so it holds a firm place in boho design. It is the colour of the dark night sky, after all.
How to
Playful, patterned wallpaper in varying tones of blue – especially those featuring nature-inspired motifs – will create a perfect backdrop for you to add natural furnishings like wooden benches (featured above), rattan chairs or bookstands. Continue woody browns and terracotta through the cushions, rugs and artwork for the ultimate, laid back, boho style.
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