Color Combos Using Blue

Got the Blues? Let us guide you with a selection of blue color schemes for your rooms that are sure to lighten your mood.

Debra Wittrup



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Cheerful Color Scheme
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Cheerful Color Scheme

    Sky Blue + Green + Yellow

    Using three analogous colors (hues that are next to each other on the color wheel) is a can't-fail color scheme. Blues, greens, and yellows are always a happy combination. Different shades of sky blue serve as the backdrop for fun prints and accessories that showcase the other hues in the palette. A successful color palette also relies on the support of appropriate neutrals. A wicker chair and linen drum shade contribute to the casual vibe and prevent color overload.

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Luxe Color Scheme

    Steel Blue + Silver + Pearl

    Serene blue goes glam with accents of silver gray and pearl white. The palette, a subtle nod to the ocean, evokes a sophisticated feel, especially when sumptuous fabrics and elegant details emanate throughout the room.

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Upbeat Color Scheme

    Shades of Blue + Lemon Yellow

    Multiple shades of blue -- from the deep blue wicker chair to the pale blue sofa -- mix and mingle with lemon yellow accents plus textural neutrals such as beige and white.

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Classic Color Scheme

    Sky Blue + White + Pumpkin

    Blue and white is a timeless color combination that suits a dining room especially well. Add in some warm pumpkin such as this paisley chair fabric, and you've got a classic palette to welcome your dinner guests.

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Comfy Color Scheme

    Ocean Blue + Red + Leafy Green

    Green and blue are a natural pair -- think sky and trees or a stream in the forest. Make any room comfy by including this duo-- as used here on the walls and in accents -- then, throw in red from the warm side of the color wheel to balance the two cooler hues.

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No-Fail Color Scheme

    Cobalt + Black + White

    Dark colors have an air of authority about them -- think of colors chosen for uniforms and suits -- that bring gravitas to room décor as well. When you want to create impact with one splash of color, as on this island in a mostly white kitchen, cobalt blue paint plus a black countertop and black chairs do the job.

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Refined Color Scheme

    China Blue + Rosy Beige

    A neutral foundation of rosy beige walls and white sofas allows pops of China blue to make a statement in this living room. Pattern takes shape in the blue damask ottoman, the blue and white striped curtain panels, and pretty floral pillows.

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Rich Color Palette

    Cerulean + Slate + Mahogany

    Create a sophisticated statement by pairing three saturated hues together. Here, a background of darkly stained wood furniture is the catalyst that propels cerulean blue chair covers to focal point status. While semi-gloss paint is a popular choice for dining room walls, here, a matte slate gray paint is the subtle background needed to showcase the room's blue elements. A honey-colored jute rug provides a light base to ground a room full of dark hues.

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Complementary Color Scheme

    Blue + Orange

    For a color scheme that provides the most dynamic visual interest, opt for a complementary palette. Colors that lie opposite each other on the color wheel, such as orange and blue seen here, will offer high contrast, giving you a simple combo with a lot of zing.

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Playful Color Scheme

    Sky Blue + Green + Orange

    Sky blue upper walls and ceiling provide the happy envelope for this charming playroom. Vivid green coats the lower walls and covers upholstered chairs in a chipper green tonal stripe fabric. The two hues meet in the middle on the striped curtains. A desk wows the room in warm orange.

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Beachside Color Scheme

    Denim + Brown + Linen

    While beachside looks are typically casual, the decor can take a sophisticated turn with a few simple updates. Here, a beach-inspired color scheme of denim blue, reed brown and linen white is applied with a nod to traditional styling. Wingback chairs upholstered in a blue and white stripe marry classic to the oceanside aesthetic. Darkly stained furniture and flooring also introduce the classic vibe, while the same hue evokes a beach house look when used on bamboo shades. White walls, trimwork and built-ins contribute the lightness that is a hallmark of beach decor.

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Saturated Color Scheme

    Turquoise + Ivy

    Find a fabric you love and use it to inspire your color combo. This peppy comforter provides the palette for this bedroom full of repurposed items. Once you have your fabric, go shopping in your attic, basement, or other rooms for underused furnishings, such as this bench, that you can update inexpensively with paint or fabric. Add saturated color to walls, bedding, window treatments, and furniture.

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Fanciful Color Scheme

    Blue + Red + Yellow

    As the three primary colors of the color wheel, blue, red, and yellow make a classic color scheme. Try blue walls with a red upholstered piece such as a bench or another piece of upholstered furniture. Choose bedding that features all three colors and incorporate yellow throw pillows.

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Retro Color Scheme

    Cerulean + Ebony + Ivory

    Bold color and graphic patterns from iconic 1960s and 70s designs put a happy face on this condo dining nook. Cerulean blue mixed with black and white patterns and streamlined furnishings create a sophisticated but not too serious look.

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All-American Color Scheme

    Blue + Red + White

    What could be more appealing in a room where your family spends some of its best times than red, white, and blue? Mix in several shades of blue, from light to dark, to keep the look fresh.

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Nautical Color Scheme

    Ocean Blue + Off-White + Red

    Get a maritime look with a nautical color scheme. Use off-white on upper walls and ceiling, pale ocean blue on the main wall areas, white upholstery or bedding as seen in this pretty bedroom, and add accents in red and blue. Include shipshape wood furniture for additional warmth.

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Family-Friendly Color Scheme

    Baby Blue + Grass Green + Camel

    For a cheery color combo in a family-focused room, you can't beat the country's most popular color, blue, or its cool partner, green. Throw in a bit of neutral such as this kid-proof camel color sofa, and you've got a palette the whole family can live with.

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Girly Color Scheme

    Soft Blues + Pink

    The pairing of these soft, vintage hues sets a cozy vibe in this chic bedroom. A muted blue with gray undertones is the strongest line in this color story, while a feminine pink supports the hue by adding a cozy vibe.

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Cozy Color Scheme

    Soft Aqua + Tan + Green

    Touches of aqua and green liven up this otherwise neutral room giving it a homey and comfortable feel.

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Eclectic Color Scheme

    Periwinkle + Brown + Teal

    For a more out-of-the-ordinary look consider pairing periwinkle walls with accents of brown and teal. Periwinkle has a twinge of purple, which makes it the perfect option if you want to use blue, but are aiming for a signature look.

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Confident Color Scheme

    Peacock Blue + White

    A bold shade can speak volumes in a small space. This peacock blue wallpaper commands attention in this foyer and is balanced with the right amount of white in the background of the print, and is framed with crisp white woodwork. The blue hue is repeated in the striped runner for a perfectly polished look.

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Comments (10)
4709410544
cassidyraike wrote:

Where can I find these curtains?!

5/11/2012 06:41:04 AM Report Abuse
anonymous wrote:

How many times can BHG recycle the same photo. This one was in a grouping months ago with the chandelier and the bottom of the trunk. Looks like they brightened the colors and cropped it closer. If you like any of the colors make sure you do tests of them.

5/2/2012 11:45:42 AM Report Abuse
lorelei1955 wrote:

details cannot "emanate" throughout the room.

5/2/2012 10:51:40 AM Report Abuse
neysa3 wrote:

What color is this wall paint?

12/29/2011 06:16:19 PM Report Abuse
chat4128 wrote:

I really want that ottoman. Does anyone know where I can find the items in this picture?

9/22/2011 04:47:44 PM Report Abuse
spathl wrote:

Where did those curtains come from?? They would be perfect for my bathroom!

9/16/2011 04:21:13 PM Report Abuse
prashantdhorda wrote:

Test.

9/8/2011 04:26:54 AM Report Abuse
keywest_sun wrote:

Living at the lake neutral colors were not working for me! I painted our bedroom, what I will call seafoam blue (home depot color match from swatch of fabric I simply love). It's beautiful, and my husband doesn't mind it a bit! The oak trim and oak bedroom suite compliment the color. We hung plantation blinds, and cotton crinkled sheers to give it that lake cottage appeal. Painted picture frames white, and added black/white wedding photos, which were taken at the beach in Keywest FL.

2/22/2011 01:24:30 PM Report Abuse
mktandris wrote:

How do I find out what color this is?? I love the blue on the walls so can you share the paint brand and color name with me?

8/19/2010 10:16:19 PM Report Abuse
catchincurlz wrote:

I prefer working through the pictures the way they are now. Their large resolution allows me to save them to my inspiration files. Keep up the good work, BHG!

4/7/2010 12:47:24 PM Report Abuse
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