Navy Blue Color Guide: Elegance in Home Decorating
The Meaning Behind the Color
Navy is a classic, cool-to-neutral color that can take on numerous personalities – anything from moody to elegant to casually chic. The name itself comes from the British Royal Navy with its dark blue uniforms; first usage of navy blue as a color appeared in the early 1800s.
Which navy personality comes out will depend on other colors you use and the patterns and textures you work with.
What Goes With Navy?
Pair navy with vibrant greens, yellows and reds to bring out its hidden vitality, or choose navy and bright white (or cream) for a traditional yet elegant look.
You can also match navy with lighter shades of blue – reminiscent of the sun-splashed coast – or a combination of blues and greens for that seductive underwater charm. Prefer to keep it simple? Use navy and neutrals, but add a pop of color with a lamp, vase, bouquet of flowers or a pretty painting.
Navy for the Bedroom
Unless you love the look of painted wood furniture or are confident that your tastes won’t change for many years, your best bet is to skip the painted dressers and bed frames and instead focus on navy in your fabrics and decor. You can incorporate navy in your throw blankets, sofa beds, accent pillows, rugs and table lamps, or you could put more of your focus on the walls and the artwork.
But remember, too much blue will certainly overwhelm. If you want blue walls, keep your accent blues more modest – perhaps a navy blue rug, curtains and decorative pillows.
Navy for the Living Room
As you decorate the living room, try to add navy via the furniture and decor, not the walls. Navy walls can have quite a commanding presence, and while they come across cozy in a bedroom, they can be overpowering in a living room. One accent wall, though, would be a striking compromise.
Navy for the Dining Room
Like the living room, a dining room with all walls painted navy blue can become too cave-like. You might use gorgeous navy-patterned wallpaper on an accent wall, and then match those tones in your dining room chair cushions or a large area rug. Artwork and centerpieces can also incorporate small dashes of navy blue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Navy Blue
Q. What is the color navy blue?
Q. What does the color navy blue represent?
Q. What does navy blue look like?
Q. What color bedding goes with navy curtains?
Q. Does pink match navy blue?
Q . What colors go with navy blue in home decor?
A. Navy blue pairs well with a variety of colors, including:
- Bright white or cream for a traditional and elegant look.
- Vibrant greens, yellows, and reds to bring out its vitality.
- Lighter shades of blue for a coastal vibe.
- Neutral tones like gray or beige, with pops of color from accessories like lamps or artwork.
Q. What does navy blue symbolize?
Common Questions About Navy Blue Decor
How can I best incorporate navy blue into my living room without making it feel too dark?
To balance navy blue's richness, pair it with lighter, airy elements like crisp white trim, light wood accents, or a pale neutral rug. Think about using navy on accent pieces such as throw pillows, a statement armchair, or curtains, and keep larger pieces like your sofa in a lighter shade to maintain brightness. Strategic lighting, both natural and artificial, will also play a key role in keeping the space feeling open and inviting.
What color palettes work well with navy blue for a sophisticated bedroom design?
Navy blue pairs beautifully with metallics like gold or brass for a touch of glamour, and with softer hues like blush pink or muted lavender for a serene, romantic feel. For a more modern and grounded look, consider combining navy with charcoal grey, warm wood tones, and pops of emerald green. This versatile color acts as a fantastic neutral base for a variety of sophisticated schemes.
Is navy blue a good choice for a family room with kids and pets?
Absolutely! Navy blue is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like family rooms, especially when it comes to upholstery, as it tends to hide stains and wear more effectively than lighter colors. Opt for durable, easy-to-clean fabrics in navy for sofas and chairs, and you can easily refresh the space with colorful accents that won't show every scuff mark.
What are some creative ways to use navy blue in a small apartment to make it feel larger?
In smaller spaces, use navy blue strategically to draw the eye and create depth rather than overwhelming the room. Consider a navy accent wall behind your bed or sofa, or use navy in smaller doses through artwork, rugs, or decorative accessories. Pairing navy with mirrors and ample lighting will help to reflect light and create an illusion of more space.
When choosing furniture with navy blue upholstery, what materials offer the best durability and style?
For navy blue furniture that needs to stand up to daily life, consider performance fabrics like polyester blends, microfiber, or treated cottons, which are known for their stain and fade resistance. For a more luxurious feel, a navy velvet can add depth and texture, while a well-maintained navy leather offers timeless elegance and is also quite resilient. Look for pieces with clean lines to complement the bold color.