Aside from green, blue is one of the colors that is most associated with nature. We are surrounded by blue when the sky is clear, and when we are on a boat in the middle of the Mediterranean. This makes blue a great color to incorporate into your interior, especially when the emphasis is placed on biophilic design, and you are wanting to break away from the predictable use of green when wanting to represent nature. Throughout this article, we will be delving into the history of blue pigment, as well as the psychology and meaning behind it to assess what colors go with blue in an interior setting.
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The History and Meaning of the Color Blue
Blue is a color that is rich in history. The first documented use of a blue pigment was that of blue azurite, which is a mineral that was crushed for its vibrant blue pigment and used for jewelry and decoration, specifically in ancient Egypt. The pigment was also used as a very expensive paint pigment during the Renaissance, and it was known as the color “ultramarine”.
Blue was always, and still is a very popular color when it comes to the art world. Think blue and white intricate China detailing and the “blue period” that van Gogh was so well known for. This was perhaps because blue was such a different pigment from the predictable green color palettes that were used in landscape paintings.
Almond Blossom (1890) by Vincent van Gogh; Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
It comes as no surprise that blue has been labeled as a color that refers to masculinity throughout the years. We see this, especially where blue is used to represent baby boys during gender reveal parties, as well as pastel blue murals in boy nurseries. However, multiple surveys have concluded that blue is the most popular favorite color among men as well as women.
This may have something to do with the psychological connotations of blue which include tranquility, trust, responsibility, and honesty that is likely to resonate with both genders. These connotations are part of the reasons that the color blue makes up the logos of many well-known, trusted brands such as Ford, Samsung, and Philips. You’d think that blue being such a natural occurrence would make for positive connotations, yet somehow, we have come to the agreement that “feeling blue” is associated with negativity and sadness.
This fact is important to consider when deciding what colors go with blue, as you might want to pair blue with a “happy” color to counteract the “sadness” that blue causes emotionally.
Blue Color Combinations
Blue can be successfully combined with many colors, especially if color theory is taken into consideration. Color theory considers the position of a shade of a certain color on the color wheel, with its hex code, RGB code, and CMYK code. Colors that appear in certain positions against the chosen hue are considered good color combinations for blue. The color theories of blue that will be discussed below include complementary colors, split complementary colors, monochromatic colors, triadic colors, analogous colors, and square colors. When wondering what colors go with blue, these theories can be very helpful if understood.
It is important to note that for the examples below, a pure blue shade will be made use of. A pure blue is a very intense bright shade of blue that isn’t overly warm or overly cold in hue, as it sits right in the middle. However, for each shade of blue, the value and colors of the resulting color theories will be different. Be sure to play around with the tonal values of the shades that will be discussed below to find interesting color combinations.
Complementary Color of Blue
The complementary color of any shade can be found directly opposite that shade on the color wheel. In the case of the pure blue example used below, tangerine is the result of its complementary color, although, the broader “orange” is considered the complementary color of most shades of blue. As the name suggests, these two colors complement each other in the best way possible.
However, be careful not to overuse these colors in their brightest forms, as they can become visually tiresome to the eyes.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Pure Blue | #0116FF | 100, 91, 0, 0 | 1, 22, 255 | |
| Tangerine | #FFC900 | 0, 21, 100, 0 | 255, 201, 0 |
Split Complementary Colors of Blue
Split complementary colors reside on either side of a color’s complementary color. This means that the colors directly to the left and right of orange are considered split complementary colors to blue. In the case of the pure blue used below, orange, and a very bright yellow are split complementary colors of each other. These colors make for very interesting color combinations and work well in scenarios where one dominant color is chosen, and the other two colors are used sparingly as pops of color.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Pure Blue | #0116FF | 100, 91, 0, 0 | 1, 22, 255 | |
| Orange | #FF9A0D | 0, 40, 95, 0 | 255, 154, 13 | |
| Yellow | #FFFC0D | 0, 1, 95, 0 | 255, 252, 13 |
Monochromatic Colors of Blue
It should come as no surprise that colors that complement blue, include other shades of blue. When a straight line is drawn from a certain color value to the center of the color wheel, all of the colors that sit along this line are considered monochromatic colors. Monochromatic color combinations tend to be very satisfactory to the viewer, especially when they are arranged according to their value, from dark to light or vice versa.
Monochromatic color schemes work well in scenarios where the aim is for one single color to be highlighted in an interior, while still adding interest.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Pure Blue | #0116FF | 100, 91, 0, 0 | 1, 22, 255 | |
| Navy Blue | #0011CC | 100, 92, 0, 20 | 0, 17, 204 | |
| Dark Blue | #000B80 | 100, 91, 0, 50 | 0, 11, 128 |
Analogous Colors of Blue
With the center of the color wheel as your center point, draw a circle from the main color around the color wheel. All the colors that reside on this line can be considered analogous colors of the chosen color. This color combination is extremely satisfying, especially when used in the correct order, as placed on the color wheel, as they create a rainbow effect. A single group of analogous colors tends to be either strictly warm in hue, or strictly cool.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Violet | #7C0DFF | 51, 95, 0, 0 | 124, 13, 255 | |
| Blue | #350CE8 | 77, 95, 0, 9 | 53, 12, 232 | |
| Pure Blue | #0116FF | 100, 91, 0, 0 | 1, 22, 255 | |
| Light Blue | #0C58E8 | 95, 62, 0, 9 | 12, 88, 232 | |
| Sky Blue | #0DA0FF | 95, 37, 0, 0 | 13, 160, 255 |
Triadic Colors of Blue
As the name suggests, triadic colors form a perfect triangle on the color wheel with 60-degree angles. Where pure blue is concerned, neon green and warm orange are triadic to blue. These colors tend to be especially contrasting and straining on the eyes.
Be sure to choose one of these colors as the bright, main color, and use lighter shades of the other two to combine them successfully.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Pure Blue | #0116FF | 100, 91, 0, 0 | 1, 22, 255 | |
| Neon Green | #68FF19 | 59, 0, 90, 0 | 104, 255, 25 | |
| Warm Orange | #FF5D19 | 0, 64, 90, 0 | 255, 93, 25 |
Square Colors of Blue
Square colors are those that form a perfect square on the color wheel with 90-degree angles, with the center point of the color wheel also being the center of the square. With blue being a primary color, without even having to look at the color wheel we can be certain that red and yellow will form part of the square, as they are the other two primary colors. The fourth color that completes the square is a very bright green. This combination should be used very sparingly, if ever, when it comes to interior design.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Pure Blue | #0116FF | 100, 91, 0, 0 | 1, 22, 255 | |
| Red | #FF1A19 | 0, 90, 90, 0 | 255, 26, 25 | |
| Yellow | #FFCE19 | 0, 19, 90, 0 | 255, 206, 25 | |
| Green | #0DFF52 | 95, 0, 68, 0 | 13, 255, 82 |
What Colors Go With Blue?
Taking all of the above points into consideration regarding the history and connotations of blue, together with the color theories of blue, we will be assessing what colors go with blue, including their exact shades and undertones, below.
Denim Blue and Burnt Orange
It is no surprise that orange and blue are a great color combination, seeing as these colors sit complementary to each other on the color wheel. However, instead of the obvious bright blue, introducing a softer, denim blue against a bright orange makes for an unexpected, yet satisfying color combination.
This pairing works best when the denim blue is used at a large scale and the orange is introduced through the use of accents.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Blue | #718EC9 | 44, 29, 0, 21 | 113, 142, 201 | |
| Orange | #CA6908 | 0, 48, 96, 21 | 202, 105, 8 |
Blue and Green
Blue and green are rarely seen used in interior design as a pair. However, the fact that both of these colors appear so frequently together in nature, suggests otherwise. Pairing green furniture with blue backdrops is such a strong metaphor for the earth and the sky. Using the correct hues here is crucial: Stray clear of blue with a purple tint, and rather lean more towards a blue with a green tint such as turquoise.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Dusty Turquoise | #73B1B1 | 35, 0, 0, 31 | 115, 177, 177 | |
| Mint | #649A72 | 35, 0, 26, 40 | 100, 154, 114 |
If you are after more of a sophisticated and dramatic color combination, blue and green is still a great option if used in their darker tones. Make use of navy blue as your backdrop and add forest green velvet furniture pieces. Make use of the cool versions of both colors, especially the green. The addition of greenery also works well with this color combination.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Navy Blue | #233777 | 71, 54, 0, 53 | 35, 55, 119 | |
| Forest Green | #345A46 | 42, 0, 22, 65 | 52, 90, 70 |
Blue and Brown
If earthy is the look you are going for, but you don’t like the idea of adding green to your interior, then the combination of blue and brown should be the perfect fit. Opt for a dirty-looking, muted storm blue, and you would be surprised how making use of blue can warm up a space and make it feel so cozy.
This is the perfect color combination for a relaxing bedroom.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Strom Blue | #42648A | 52, 28, 0, 46 | 66, 100, 138 | |
| Brown | #81562B | 0, 33, 67, 49 | 129, 86, 43 |
Blue and Red
Blue and red are the epitome of sophistication if done right. Many fear the use of these two colors together, as they are so vibrant on their own, both being primary colors. A good example of this pairing would be to make use of solid red colors in your furniture pieces, like red velvet, and introduce blue through detailed patterned textiles in your curtains or the flooring, and other blue decor elements.
You might feel inclined to introduce yellow with this color combination, to complete the trio of primary colors. Feel free to incorporate yellow here, but very sparingly through small details or flower arrangements. If you are planning on implementing this, also ensure to introduce neutral buffer colors of black and white to create interest and contrast.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Blue | #0B33B5 | 94, 72, 0, 29 | 11, 51, 181 | |
| Red | #D00000 | 0, 100, 100, 18 | 208, 0, 0 |
If you want to make use of the above color combination in a bedroom, for example, opt for less intense hues of both colors for a sophisticated, contemporary, yet relaxing, and colorful environment.
Also introduce a buffer color like beige, which can be picked up in wood furniture pieces to break the visual intensity of these two strong colors.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Blue | #3A71CA | 71, 44, 0, 21 | 58, 113, 202 | |
| Cranberry | #9E3232 | 0, 68, 68, 38 | 158, 50, 50 |
Blue and White
There is no denying that blue and white are a perfect match. One look at Chinese porcelain or Greek-themed homes would support this statement. Blue and white combined can work for almost any room. This is a popular color scheme in holiday home design, and for good reason. It screams luxury, rest, and freshness. The typical aspect ratio when making use of this color combination is to use white as the backdrop and incorporate blue in the form of accessories and textiles. For a more contemporary version, try the opposite.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Blue | #0B33B5 | 94, 72, 0, 29 | 11, 51, 181 | |
| White | #FFFFFF | 0, 0, 0, 0 | 255, 255, 255 |
Blue and Cream
Similar to blue and white, but a bit warmer and more familiar in a way. The familiarity of this color combination might stem from the psychological image of the beach with the blue sea against the beige sandy beach. This combination works particularly well when a dark, navy blue is paired with a cream color.
This color pairing works well for a sophisticated beach house.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Blue | #0B33B5 | 94, 72, 0, 29 | 11, 51, 181 | |
| Cream | #FFE7CD | 0, 9, 20, 0 | 255, 231, 205 |
Blue and Yellow
Yellow is one of those colors that go with blue in almost any shade and hue combination. The reason this color works as well as it does in interior design is most likely because the happiness of yellow balances out the perceived sadness of blue. For a very dramatic look, make use of dark blue as your background, with pops of yellow, or inverse the colors for more of a fun, happy ambiance.
| Shade | Hex Code | CMYK Color Code (%) | RGB Color Code | Color |
| Blue | #00518E | 100, 43, 0, 44 | 0, 81, 142 | |
| Mustard | #FFD469 | 0, 17, 59, 0 | 255, 212, 105 |
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of colors that go with blue. Whether you want to create a bright, fun, and playful interior, a more sophisticated, yet relaxed interior, or anything in between, there is surely a color combination that will suit your needs. Remember to play around with not only the shades of blue but also with the different hues, as how warm or cool a blue is makes a very big difference in a room, especially with a color that is inherently perceived as cold. Hopefully, you now have more of an idea as to what to pair with your blue in your home, to make you less blue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Colors That Go With Blue?
Wondering what colors go with blue? Depending on the exact shade of blue, there are a few colors that complement blue well. These colors include green, red, brown, orange, yellow, cream, and white. If the blue you want to make use of has warm undertones, make sure that the color you are pairing it with has the same undertone value and vice versa.
What Is the Complementary Color of Blue?
The complementary color of blue can be found directly opposite the specific shade of blue on the color wheel. In most instances, the complementary color of blue tends to be a shade of orange. If the blue shade has more of a purple undertone, then the complementary orange will have more of a yellow undertone.
What Are the Accent Colors for Blue?
If you want to introduce another in a predominantly blue room, it is best to refer to the complementary color of blue, which is orange. By introducing orange accents on top of a blue backdrop, the room will seem more balanced. Other accent colors for blue include orange, green, and red.
What Does Blue Do to a Room?
Depending on the exact hue of blue, incorporating blue into a room can psychologically make you feel more relaxed and serene. Physically, the color blue is also known to steady your breathing and reduce blood pressure.
Which Blue Is Good for the Bedroom?
Blue is a great color to incorporate into your bedroom, as it promotes relaxation. When choosing a shade of blue, opt for a toned-down, dusty blue instead of light blue, or very vibrant blues, as these can keep you awake.
How Do I Incorporate Blue Into My House?
Depending on other colors that you plan on incorporating, or already have in your home, and the exact shade of blue you are planning on using, there are a few ways in which you can incorporate the color into your home: Paint an accent wall blue, make use of blue soft furnishings or blue decor, decorate with blue flowers.
