Blue Colour Schemes | Colour Inspiration

Why Choose Blue?

Blue is something of a decorating chameleon. Depending on the shade and its surroundings, it can sit quietly into the background or become the defining feature of a room.

This versatility is part of its appeal. And because it can feel equally at home in classic and contemporary interiors, it’s a colour you can return to again and again.

Elegant living room featuring a plush cream armchair, a marble fireplace, pale blue walls and a sculptural wall mirror.

Elegant kitchen featuring deep navy cabinets, white marble surfaces with grey veining, open black shelving displaying crockery, and a warm brass mixer tap.

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Find Your Kind of Blue

Before choosing a blue, think about the mood you want to set. Paler shades like Sizing can make a room feel airy and calm, while deep hues like Hague Blue create wonderfully sophisticated, dramatic spaces. For an understated scheme, explore muted blue-greys such as De Nimes or Inchyra Blue – two of our most popular colours.

De Nimes
No. 299

No. 299
Inchyra Blue
No. 289

No. 289
Hague Blue
No. 30

No. 30
Sizing
No. 314

No. 314

What Colours Go With Blue?

One of the joys of decorating with blue is the sheer number of directions you can take it. Choose a crisp blue and neutral colour scheme, layer several blues together, or introduce neighbouring and contrasting shades to change the mood completely.

Here are four ways to build your scheme.

Elegant kitchen-diner featuring muted teal cabinetry, marble worktops, a large vintage-style wall clock, and high ceilings with period architectural details.

PAIR WITH WHITE

Blue and white is a classic choice, bringing an uplifting, coastal feel to a room. Every Farrow & Ball blue has a complementary white: find it online or on our colour cards.

Stylish interior featuring layered blue tones, a curved rust-coloured accent chair, framed artwork, and a side table topped with a tall vase of pink blossom branches.

TRY GRADIENT LAYERING

Build depth by using different shades of blue across the walls, ceiling and woodwork. Move from pale to deeper tones to create a beautifully cohesive look.

Dining area with olive-green wall panelling, with pale blue walls above, a white table, mismatched wooden chairs, and two sculptural white pendant lights.

USE HARMONIOUS COLOURS

Look to either side of blue on the colour wheel for shades that sit naturally together. Greens and violets share some of blue’s undertones, creating a gentle transition from one colour to the next.

Warm, contemporary kitchen featuring terracotta-painted walls, natural wood cabinetry, a rustic wooden island, and deep blue accent walls.

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH CONTRAST

For a vibrant scheme, look across the colour wheel to oranges, terracottas or mustards. These contrasting shades can make blue appear even more vivid and expressive.

Find The Right Blue For Your Light

Before making your final choice, spend a day with your shortlisted blues. Morning, midday and evening light can each reveal something different.

A sunny south-facing room will lend warmth to blue, while more muted north-facing light can emphasise its cooler notes. That doesn’t mean blue is off limits in north-facing rooms: a deeper velvety shade can create an intimate and elegant space.

Try samples on different walls and revisit them as the day progresses. You may be surprised by which one looks best.

How light Affects Colour

Sophisticated room with deep blue painted walls, a matching panelled door, a mid-century wooden sideboard, and a light wood chair illuminated by natural light.

Living room with deep navy blue walls, a velvet sofa, wooden shelving, and an abundance of indoor plants.

TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING ROOM

Blue can be a wonderful backdrop for living rooms, whether you want it to feel bright and breezy or rich and inviting.

Try a softer blue with complementary neutrals for a subtle scheme, or use darker shades to create a space that comes into its own after the sun goes down.

Explore Blue Living Room Ideas

Serene bedroom with pale blue walls, a blush pink upholstered bed, a round feature window, and a glass bedside table with a blue lamp.

CREATE A TRANQUIL BEDROOM

Blue’s restful qualities make it a natural choice for bedrooms.

For an especially serene look, layer closely related blues or carry your chosen shade onto woodwork for fewer visual contrasts.

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Traditional kitchen with deep blue cabinetry, white tiled splashback, open shelving, and a dining table topped with a bowl of apples.

ADD COLOUR TO YOUR KITCHEN

From traditional cabinetry to contemporary walls, blue brings plenty of personality to kitchens.

Muted blue-greys work beautifully with timber and stone, while stronger blues can give cabinetry or an island real presence. Pair with a sympathetic neutral for balance, or continue blue across the room for a more immersive effect.

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Find Your Blue

The right blue can completely change the character of a room. Browse our palette, order samples to experience your favourites at home, or ask one of our Colour Consultants to help you create a scheme that’s uniquely yours.

Explore Blue Paint Colours

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best blue paint colour?

Blue is a timeless decorating choice, popular across the years. And for good reason. From light and airy to deep and inviting, there’s a shade sure to suit your space and style. To find the best blue for you, we recommend sampling a selection.

What colour goes best with blue paint?

Blues work wonderfully with so many different shades, giving you a plethora of colour combinations to choose from. Pairing blue and white is a classic choice, especially for coastal homes, while blue and yellow evokes the look of sunny, summer skies. To help start your scheme, we have recommendations for every colour in our palette. Simply head to our website to discover more.

What effect does blue paint have on a room?

Light blue creates an open, airy feel that calm and relaxing, while darker blues create an inviting intimacy, ideal for spaces you use in the evening. The effect of blue paint on a room depends entirely on what particular shade you choose.

Should I paint my whole room blue?

You can absolutely paint your whole room blue if you’d like to! Try taking one shade of blue across every surface for a captivating, colour-drenched room that radiates calm. Or, layer different shades of blue throughout your space to create a tonal scheme that feels beautifully curated.

How can I choose the right shade of blue?

To find the right shade of blue for your project, try samples of your top choices to see how they look with your light and furnishings. Colours always shift slightly depending on their surroundings, so sampling is the best way to get an idea of the finished look. If you’re in need of a little more help, ask the experts with a colour consultancy.

How do I make sure I get the best finish?

As well as using quality paint and equipment, you need to start your project off on the right foot. That means preparing your surface properly. Always use a Primer & Undercoat to create rich depth of colour and a beautiful finish.