Blue is a color that holds a special place in the hearts of many designers, including myself. It's a versatile color that can serve as a neutral or make a bold statement, depending on how it's used. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular and beloved blue paint colors handpicked by designers. Whether you're looking for a blue-gray shade, a vibrant hue, or a blue-green tone, there's a perfect blue paint color out there for you!
Blue Gray Paint Colors
Water's Edge by Benjamin Moore (1635) LRV 31.48
The foyer featured in the image below showcases the stunning blue-gray front door painted in Water's Edge by Benjamin Moore. This color adds a pop of fun and freshness while still maintaining a neutral feel. The gray undertones in this shade prevent it from overpowering the space.
Adirondack Blue by Behr (N480-5) LRV 23
To create a farmhouse-inspired look with a touch of sophistication, consider using Behr's Adirondack Blue. In the image below, the grayish-blue shade is paired with black wainscoting, resulting in an elevated and modern traditional design.
Waterloo by Sherwin-Williams (SW 9141) LRV 13
Sherwin-Williams' Waterloo is a blue-gray paint color with crisp gray undertones. It looks beautiful when combined with natural woods and whites, adding depth and color without feeling too rich or heavy.
Smoke by Benjamin Moore (2122-40) LRV 56
In this laundry room, Jillian took a bold gamble by painting all the cabinetry in Benjamin Moore's Smoke. This extremely pale blue with cool gray undertones turned out to be a stunning and unexpected neutral choice. Its perfect pairing with brass pulls and gorgeous tile demonstrates that taking risks can lead to amazing results.
Ink Black by Behr (N490-7) LRV 7
If you're looking for a moody dark blue with a touch of softness, Behr's Ink Black is the ideal choice. Amanda created a calming atmosphere in her bedroom by using this color, setting the perfect mood for sleep and relaxation.
Dark Blue Paint Colors
Midnight in the Tropics by Behr (S480-7) LRV 7
When renovating the kitchen and dining room, using Behr's Midnight in the Tropics for the dining room walls helped create the eclectic navy dining room of our designer's dreams. This dark blue shade adds depth and a hint of green, which beautifully complements the white trim.
Polo Blue by Benjamin Moore (2062-10) LRV 5.6
Incorporating a stencil in a lighter blue hue, Brianna upgraded her dark moody blue bedroom walls with Benjamin Moore's Polo Blue. This color creates a sense of calm and serenity, perfect for a peaceful sanctuary.
Blue Ridge Parkway by RomanBio Mineral Paints
Lauren completely transformed her dining room walls with a beautiful dark blue paint color, Blue Ridge Parkway by RomanBio Mineral Paints. Paired with peel-and-stick landscape murals and molding, the end result is a stunning, high-end designer look.
Moscow Midnight by Sherwin-Williams (SW 9142) LRV 5
Zoe chose Sherwin-Williams' Moscow Midnight as the contrasting backdrop to the wood tones in her bedroom. The deep blue color adds a luxurious touch, reminiscent of velvet, while allowing the natural wood elements to stand out.
Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore (HC-154) LRV 6.3
Navy doesn't have to be limited to walls. Lauren used Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy on her dining room cabinet, enhancing the versatility of IKEA furniture and creating a beautiful contrast with the art and rug.
Gale Force by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7605) LRV 6
When designing her navy blue dining room, our designer sought a rich, deep navy color. After trying several hues, she found the winner in Sherwin-Williams' Gale Force. This gorgeous dark blue shade added the depth and richness she desired, creating a stunning space.
Indigo Batik by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7602) LRV 8
Sherwin-Williams' Indigo Batik is a lighter shade of navy, making it a great choice if you want a dark blue room without going too dramatic. It provides plenty of contrast and pairs beautifully with gray elements.
Stiffkey Blue by Farrow and Ball (281) LRV 10
For a bold and moody look, consider Farrow and Ball's Stiffkey Blue. Chris Loves Julia painted every inch of their bonus room in this rich navy, including the trim and ceiling. The result is a daring and stunning design choice that highlights the architectural features of the room.
Vibrant Blue Paint Colors
Blueprint by Behr (S470-5) LRV 20
One of my personal favorite blue paint colors is Behr's Blueprint. It's a vibrant shade that brightened up a foyer in our old house, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere. The modern plank wall in vibrant blue, combined with white trim, added a touch of elegance to the space.
Hyperlink by Clare
Finding the right blue for a boy's room can be tricky, but Clare's Hyperlink strikes the perfect balance. It's a blue shade that avoids looking too primary or childish. Charlotte used this color in her son's room and elevated it with cool interior design elements that are still kid-friendly.
Ultra Marine Blue by Farrow and Ball (29)
Camilla took the traditional boys' room color, blue, and elevated it by using Farrow and Ball's Ultra Marine Blue. This vibrant blue shade creates a bright and rich look that works perfectly with pops of color, resulting in a dream kids' room.
Custom Mixed from Leftover Paint
Sometimes, you can't find exactly what you're looking for, and the only solution is to mix your own paint. Charlotte created her office from scratch, including the paint color. By experimenting with different shades, she landed on a fun and bright blue that brings life to the space.
Jet Ski by Behr (M490-5) LRV 26
Charlotte is a master at designing layered and interesting spaces. She chose Behr's Jet Ski as the perfect vibrant blue for an accent wall. This lighter shade of bright blue adds depth and pigment, and when combined with similar lighter blues in the decor, it creates a cohesive and captivating design.
Blue Green Paint Colors
Midnight in NY by Behr (N440-7) LRV 10
Painting a room with no windows in a dark color like Behr's Midnight in NY may seem like a bold choice. However, when balanced with white trim, light carpets, and mirrors, this rich and moody greenish-blue creates a beautiful space that doesn't feel like a cave. It pairs well with light neutrals and blacks.
Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore (HC-143) LRV 48
Benjamin Moore's Wythe Blue is a chameleon color that can appear as a pale watery blue or a light aqua-teal, depending on the lighting in your room. It adds a touch of blue-green to the space and brings a sense of calmness. Make sure to test it in different parts of your room to ensure it matches your desired look.
Smoky Blue by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7604) LRV 15
Sherwin-Williams' Smoky Blue is almost a dark teal, with a smoky green undertone. This moodier blue color adds drama and creates a stunning backdrop, particularly in bathrooms where it pairs beautifully with whites and neutrals.
Seaside by Fusion Mineral Paint
If you're seeking a beautiful blue-green color for your cabinets, look no further than Seaside by Fusion Mineral Paint. It adds a gorgeous backdrop to any space and works particularly well when combined with a colorful DIY slat wall treatment.
Refuge by Sherwin-Williams (SW 6228) LRV 19
Sherwin-Williams' Refuge strikes the perfect balance between blue and green. It's a blue-green color that adds a clean and fresh feel to any room. It's an excellent choice for painting DIY board and batten, as it complements light neutrals and creates a captivating look.
Summer Friday by Clare
For a preppy and botanical dining room makeover, Kate chose Clare's Summer Friday as the perfect blue-green color. The beautiful teal walls create a springtime vibe and provide an ideal backdrop for the art and pattern in the room. This sky blue shade with a hint of green adds a light and airy feel.
Dragonfly by Behr (PPU12-03) LRV 26
Behr's Dragonfly, a trending teal color from 2020, perfectly matches the wallpaper chosen by Amy. Its boho and earthy vibe works beautifully with the terracotta tiles, resulting in a cohesive and stunning design.
Don't these designers inspire you with their beautiful blue paint choices? The spectrum of blue paint colors is never-ending, ranging from barely-there blues to inky midnight navies, and everything in between. By adding blue to your decor, you can create a sense of calm and have another great option for a neutral.
Remember, before picking a blue paint color for your space, be sure to test it out thoroughly. How a color looks in designer pictures may not translate the same way in your home with your furniture and lighting. Take the time to try different samples and see how they appear on your walls. It will save you from unnecessary heartache, stress, and additional expense. Learn from the experts' advice and make informed decisions about your color choices.