When it comes to a trendy yet timeless paint color, look no further than blue! These are the best blue paints out there (and believe me, I looked at a lot of them!). Whether you prefer a light or dark shade, these blue hues are sure to please.
Thinking about decorating? Here are the best blue paints to use. Running from blue-grey to pale blue, every one of these is gorgeous!
Choosing a blue paint is notoriously tricky. There are so many subtle shifts and nuances that can change depending on the colors around it!
Don't let that scare you off, though. There's a reason blue is still an on-trend paint color right now! It can either brighten a room or take it over.
NOTE: If you're painting the room yourself, these tools will help tremendously. And this post shares my best tips for painting a room in 5 easy steps.
Best Blue Paint Colors
Blue is called a “cool” color because it's very calming and refreshing. It evokes images of frothy ocean waves or evening skies. Some shades boldly grab your attention, while others fade into the background.
When you're picking a blue paint for your home, always bring home about 2-3 sample colors. Things like sunlight and furniture can all change how the paint looks in your room.
You might be asking… well, what are the best blue paint colors? I have a few (dozen) favorites, and I'm thrilled to share what I consider the best of the best. From muted blue-gray to deep navy, these are the colors you can count on.
Best Blue-Gray Paint Colors
Blue-grays are the perfect neutral. They recede into the background and let you be bold with wall decor and furniture. It's a versatile color that picks up shades from items around the room. It's a smart choice because, just like these gray paint colors, it suits any room.
If you want to use blue-gray, these are the best ones to choose from.
Agreeable Gray By Sherwin Williams
This living room from Green With Decor shows how the undertones of Agreeable Gray read blue-gray in certain lighting. If you want a neutral shade that's nearly guaranteed to please, give this one a try.
Silver Sage by Restoration Hardware
Don't let the name fool you! This paint color has a lovely light blue undertone. I have a discontinued paint color in our master bedroom called Palmetto Gray by Porter Paint. The closest match to it is this Silver Sage.
Manor Gray by Farrow and Ball
This gorgeous playroom bookshelf was painted a lovely blue-gray to make the shelves pop. This shade would probably work best where you get at least some natural light, but swatch it on the wall and see.
Other Blue Gray Paint Colors to Try:
- Brittany Blue by Benjamin Moore
- Morning Fog by Sherwin Williams
- Northstar by Sherwin Williams
Blue-Green Paint Colors
If you want something that stirs more emotion and brightens a room, a blue-green paint is perfect! These shades can take you from the beach to a cool, calm spring day. They suit every room in your home, from nurseries to dining rooms.
Here are my favorite blue-green paints!
Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore
Wythe Blue is a calm blue-green that can fill a room or serve as an accent to draw the eye. I liked it so much that I used it in our last home's dining room and bathroom. It's so versatile and pretty!
Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore
This calming blue-green has been a favorite of mine since I saw this office makeover from Bower Power Blog years ago. It's super soothing and somehow makes every space feel fresh!
Wickham Gray by Benjamin Moore
This gorgeous shade has me swooning! As with all paint, how it looks on your wall will vary depending on the amount and type of light in your room. This is one I may have to swatch on my own wall soon.
Other Blue-Green Paint Colors to Consider
- Stratton Blue by Benjamin Moore
- Tide Water by Sherwin Williams
- Silver Marlin by Benjamin Moore
Dark Blue Paint Colors
Dark blue paints can add a very dramatic flair. I'd suggest using them as accent colors, since they tend to overpower everything else in the room.
You can still have plenty of versatility in a room with dark blue paint. Use dramatic bright whites to accent the blues, or be bold and pair them with vivid oranges as a complementary color.
When you're looking for a dark blue paint color, these are my favorites.
Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore
I love how this navy blue makes my front door stand out so dramatically. I used muted colors in the entryway, so the door gets all the attention.
I loved the color so much in my last house that I used it again in my living room in our new house. I love it! It works well here because there's a large wall of windows, a wall of white built-ins and two large doorways. So there's not much wall space and loads of natural light!
Naval by Sherwin Williams
This is the 2020 paint color of the year. As you can see, this blue is so deep it almost reminds you of the midnight sky. Gold and white make the best accent colors. Since this shade is so dramatic, it's best to let it take center stage, like in these cabinets.
Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball
This dark shade has an earthy tone that pairs perfectly with leafy greens and natural woods. It looks even darker when there isn't much light on it. Of all the dark blues on this list, this one has the least lightness.
More Dark Blue Paint Colors to Consider:
- Morning Glory by Sherwin Williams
- Loyal Blue by Sherwin Williams
- Adriatic Sea by Benjamin Moore
Light Blue Paint Colors
Now for the opposite end of the spectrum: let's look at some light shades of blue paint. These are airy and have lots of white in them. They work beautifully in both bathrooms and bedrooms, because this light shade has a very calming effect.
Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams
As the name suggests, this color resembles the pale blue of the ocean (with a hint of gray-green). Some people confuse it with Palladian Blue. I compared Sea Salt to Palladian blue – there are quite a few differences that affect how you decorate with them.
This bathroom has Sea Salt paint. The bright orange rug perfectly complements that muted shade.
I loved Sea Salt as a blue wall color so much that I used it in my kitchen in our old house, as seen below. I plan to use it in my new house as well!
Lookout Point by Benjamin Moore
Lookout Point is a touch brighter than Sea Salt. It's the perfect blue for anyone who wants some color on their walls without committing to something too bright or overpowering. This bedroom draws on the sky-blue shades and feels like a dreamy garden. The florals are the ideal finishing touch.
Ice Cap by Benjamin Moore
Ice Cap is a light blue with a touch of gray in it, which makes it a great blue paint for a bedroom. It has barely any warmth and closely mirrors the color of the sky just before it snows. When you decorate with it, you'll want warm colors in the fabrics and decor, like the earthy brown tones and warm red oak in this bedroom below.
More Light Blue Paint Colors to Try:
- White Satin by Benjamin Moore
- Soar by Sherwin Williams
- Sweet Bluette by Benjamin Moore
Best Blue Paint Colors
No matter which shade of blue you choose, I always recommend testing it first. Paint a poster board and hang it in a few spots around the room. Do this at different times of day, too, since the angle of natural light can change.
Another tip: always make sure the paint color you buy will fit your home's color palette. If you don't have one, create one, stat! Here's how to create a whole house color palette.
More of the Best Home Decor Paint Colors:
TIPS FOR PAINTING A ROOM YOURSELF
I've gathered some of the best tools for painting a room yourself. First, check out this post I wrote: Painting a Room in 5 Easy Steps. These are the top tools I use when painting my own rooms, which is how they get painted 95% of the time!
- Paint Brush – These brushes cost a bit more than basic ones, but they're worth it! I've used them for over a decade, and if you wash them out well after each use, they'll last for years.
- Painter's Tape – a MUST have for taping off edges. You'll want to tape off all the edges if you don't have a steady hand.
- Drop Cloths – a must-have if you don't already have some lying around the house.
- Paint Cup – Sure, you could use any old cup, but I've come to swear by this one. The magnetic piece holds your brush neatly in place when you need to take a break. And it fits my hand perfectly, so it doesn't cramp it.
- Roller Tray – I've found the only paint tray I'll ever use again. The magnetic piece is great for holding the roller in place. The liners are a luxury, but I won't paint without them, because they make cleanup a breeze!
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