Colors That Go With Blue — 12 Expert-Approved Pairings For a Modern, Fresh Interior

We've found some of the most inspiring colors that go with blue that can create the most memorable schemes. Blue, an all-time favorite has always been associated with relaxation and calmness. And it can create a brisk maritime feel. But when paired with bold colors, this tone can be equally rejuvenating, crisp, and fresh.

Blue is extremely versatile and works well in several pairings. You can consider complementary tones with it, such as yellow or orange, or stick to adjacent colors such as green and purple.

Wondering which pairing would work best in your home? Take a look at these expert-recommended combos to help you start redecorating.

1. Pink

Pink is a color that goes with light blue, dark blue, or other mid-tone blues. But if these combos feel too daunting, the easiest way to combine these two shades is by choosing the light or pastel shades of each.

'For me, pink is a natural color which you can use a lot,' says Nicole Dohmen, co-founder of Atelier ND. 'I use it as a base coat and base color in all my designs. It makes the room soft and special. It goes very well with dark tones such as blue and dark greens but also in lighter interiors.'

Tip: If you want to first test drive this combination in your blue bedroom or living room, consider first adding bright pink flowers to the area. This way you'll be able to see what kind of effect the combination creates in the room.

2. Yellow

Yellow is a color that goes with navy blue and all other versions of blue. And no, this combination doesn't always have to create a taxi-like visual. With the right incarnations of both tones, blue and yellow can take a room from rich and luminous to soft and subtle.

'The introduction of gold velvet chairs, positioned opposite blue on the color wheel, was a strategic choice that beautifully complements the room,' says JC Riccoboni, founder & principal designer at The Journey Home. 'The colors of the room seamlessly tie in together.'

If you have a blue living room and are worried about too much contrast with yellow furniture, then a great way to add this pop of color is with accessories.

3. Red

You'll be surprised that amongst the colors that go with red is the bold and beautiful blue. This is a great pairing to try if you want to turn up the volume in a room a bit. The two colors are almost opposites on the color wheel, creating the sharpest contrast, but injecting a room with energy and personality.

If a stark red and blue feels a bit too out there, there are other incarnations of red you can play with. Think brick red, burgundy, or pink-red tones. 'If you're going ahead with burgundy and blue, consider adding in grays as base tones, so that the scheme is balanced,' says Jasmin Reese, founder of Jasmin Reese Interiors. 'Then choose an eclectic mix of materials like brass, wood, and fabrics to make the color stand out.'

4. Brown

For a moody pairing that feels rich and luxurious, think of colors that go with brown. A deep blue can work in perfect harmony. Brown is a variation of orange, which sits opposite blue on the color wheel, so it's no surprise that our eyes are drawn to this combination, with brown being a deeper tone of orange.

The designer has also mixed textures to add depth and luxury, with the leather chair a great addition to the scheme. 'Layering different shades of blue and brown, and mixing in textiles enhances the impact of an uncomplicated yet sophisticated color palette in a small space,' says Priscilla Elasi of The Stylesmiths.

5. Purple

Blue makes for a lovely color that goes with purple as the two tones are visually complementary, and are imbued with natural richness. In small media or lounging rooms, these colors work perfectly, endowing the space with personality and coziness.

'For this room we went tonal and used more blue,' says Shona McElroy, principal at Smac Studio. 'This is a windowless basement we turned into a cinema. Lots of people paint rooms like this white to try to make them look bigger, but we decided to lean into the moodiness of the space with dark hues. The wall color is Yacht Race from Porters Paints, the velvet blue sofa is from Coco Republic and the gradient rug is from Smac Studio's collection (available for purchase). Even the McMullin and Co floor lamp has a geometric blue pattern on it.

6. Peach

In this living room, the color clash of the blue sofa and the peach staircase look eye-catching and modern. In fact, this paint color combination has been one of the more loved ones this year. These bright tones are balanced against a backdrop of white walls and floors.

'I wanted to give a touch of warmth and I did that using colour and volumes,' says Luca Nichetto, founder of Nichetto Studio. 'I particularly chose materials culturally connected with the south of Europe and very deliberately mixed them with Scandinavian features.'

7. Maroon

Sure, blue might feel like a bold choice as a color that goes with maroon, but it's a color block that would work well in small doses. Think furniture combos, in small nooks or even in accessories. It's also advisable to balance these two strong tones with earthy, muted backdrops.

'Our goal was to choose a complementary hue that would accentuate the kitchen's boldness and blend well with the natural warmth of the wood of the table and wooden panel,' say Ophélie Doria and Édouard Roullé-Mafféis, founders of Space Factory. 'By selecting a color that complements blue while considering the wooden elements, we achieved a balanced and dynamic interaction between these two key areas.'

8. White

Decorating with neutrals is easy, as any color can easily slip onto a scheme of all white or cream. In fact, white and blue is evocative of Hamptons style decor, beach houses, and Greek islands and has the power to transport you.

'Combined with white you’ll stay a little longer in bed dreaming you’re on a Greek island,' says designer Dirk Jan Kinet.

It's a calming combination, and works well in this elegant living room to create a peaceful feel. With white as your base, you can use various tones of blue and build up from pale hues to deep tones used as accents.

9. Green

Blue and green are both cooling shades that belong on the same side of the color wheel, so tread with caution when using these colors together. 'Blue and green should never be seen,' goes the age-old myth, but their contrasting nature can in fact work. They both have heavy associations with nature that can look great together if you embrace their clashing tones.

In this example by interior designer Nicola Harding, the blue hallway paint is a great contrast for the green console. 'Blue is a wonderful color to use in rooms where there are low levels of natural light and it is brought to life by layering it with highly contrasting colors,' she explains.

10. Gray 

Blue is one of the colors that goes with gray. It's a well-loved pairing that's perfect if you are a neutral lover who wants to introduce just a touch of color. Paired with the right gray, something warm and taupey, blue almost becomes neutral too as can be seen in this bedroom with this lovely bedlinen in a denim blue.

'A light gray, either warm or cool, will work well in any size space as long as there is adequate natural light because gray in a room without natural light will look dingy and gloomy,' says Amy Krane, architectural color consultant and founder of Amy Krane Color. 'Adding other colors to a grey backdrop will always help enliven and elevate the space. Gray is not a color to create a monochromatic environment with.'

As just a general rule, pair warmer, more muted blues with warmer grays for almost a tonal look. And for bolder or more primary blues opt for cooler, light greys to add contrast.

11. Orange

Amongst the colors that go with orange is blue, and this pairing can be impactful and full of life. But if the two create too much of a contrast, you could bring in a third tone such as gray.

'Gray and light orange work beautifully together due to their contrasting personalities,' says Juliette Thomas, founder & director of Juliettes Interiors. 'The gray will work to ground the room, whereas the orange will help to make the room pop.'

12. Other blues

Go blue on blue and layer the color for a wonderful monochromatic scheme. To make sure the combination sits well together, look for blues with similar undertones, such as a blue-green turquoise and dark teal. You can also create layering with textures, and materials for an elegant living room.

'I find the variation in reflectivity while keeping a consistent color can animate a space without overwhelming the palette,' says Cameron Carcelen of Connecticut’s Ridge Architecture. 'And it can feel authentic in both modern and traditional spaces.'

What colors don't go with blue?

We have a page fully dedicated to all the colors that don't go with blue!

Which color matches with dark blue?

Several colors can pair with dark blue, such as dusty purples, teal, mustard yellow, to bright pink, cherry red, and gold. Do ensure, though, that the room is well-lit, as a dark color scheme can make it feel quite closed in.

Where to use blue in the home?

When decorating with blue, think about the intention of each room, and pick your tone of blue based on this. A light, pared-back blue can be relaxing and peaceful, making it work for a room like a bathroom or bedroom, where your goal might be to create a relaxing space.

When decorating a space like a living room or snug, a deeper, moodier blue might work to create an intimate and cozy feel. And for accent color inspiration, bright blue pops can be used beautifully as accents around the home to bring more energy into a space.