Looking for the best powder blue paint shades, or wondering how best to decorate with a light blue paint? We spoke to the experts...
USE FOR EAST FACING OR SOUTH FACING ROOMS
‘Powder blue works best in an east-facing room where the cooler morning light would flatter the colour,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. ‘This shade would also work well in a south-facing room, where the nuanced undertones will become more pronounced as the sun streams in.’
PINK UNDERTONES
‘When choosing your blue hue, make sure that the tone isn’t too cool, as this could be unwelcoming,’ says Nelly Hall, brand director at M&L Paints. ‘Opt for complex blues with a pink undertone to ensure there’s an element of warmth. This will keep the space calming and soothing while also feeling homely.’
DARK CONTRAST
‘Try pairing powder blue shades with a deep, dark smoky blue for a dramatic scheme,’ says Clare Tilbrook, joint founder and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook. ‘This would look good in a kitchen, where a darker shade could be used to ground the lower cabinets with a lighter blue on the wall units.’
Powder blue and a dark grey or black is playful yet grown-up and perfect for modern interiors. To give this blue a more urban and modern edge, mix with black and greys, which add definition.
‘Regency-era interiors often paired powder blues with rich burgundies or chocolatey browns, which can create a luxurious feeling, especially if dressed with indulgent fabrics – velvet in particular,’ says colour expert Annie Sloan. ‘My favourite is a strong contrast: powder blue and a dark grey or black is playful yet grown-up and perfect for modern interiors.’
‘For a bold look, introduce a vibrant tone,’ says Sue Kim, senior colour designer at Valspar. ‘Powdery blues are the perfect companion to warm, fruity orange. They’re on opposite sides of the colour wheel, so the blue softens the impact of this zingy shade.’
KEEP IT FRESH WITH WHITE
‘If you’re looking for a colour to use with powder blue, then a fresh white will never go out of style,’ says Abby Hesketh, paint specialist at Graham & Brown. ‘Add in muted blush tones for a soft touch or peach for some vibrancy. If you prefer a cooler tone, sage green is another perfect accompaniment.’
Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.
