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Colours that go with blue: Complementary colours for blue

And the definitive rules for getting the shade right. - by Lauren Williamson
  • 15 Sep 2018
Colours that go with blue: Complementary colours for blue Getty Images

Have you got your heart set on having a blue colour scheme in your home? The hue is a classic option with huge variety of shades to choose from, each offering their own unique ambience. And there are a number of colours that go well with blue.

“The shade you use can help to dictate the mood of the room – pale blues with a hint of grey can appear cool and sophisticated, teal shades that lean towards green have a calming vibe, cobalt gives a summery look and deep blues such as navy can be cocooning,” Home Beautiful Deputy Editor Jane Parbury says.

But there are a few rules for getting it right.

“Consider the light effect,” Jane says. “Intimate spaces such as bedrooms, reading rooms and studies respond well to darker tones, while lighter tones work well in social spaces. The size of your room will have an effect. As a cool colour, blues are particularly good in smaller zones as they recede, creating the illusion of more space. A large space with plenty of natural light can take swathes of rich colour, but interestingly, so can small spaces with little or no natural light; an unexpected scheme can create drama and personality.”

Now that you’re across all things blue, it’s time to decide what colour palette you will match it with. While some colours naturally work well together, some definitely do not. Complementary colours (which are those that you'll find opposite each other on the colour wheel) often create a vibrant interior while analogous colours (which are close neighbours on the colour wheel) create a calming one. 

Whether you’re styling a bedroom, a bathroom or an entire house – here are the colours that go well with blue.

1. Blue and Blush

Combine blue hues with the colour trend everyone is completely obsessed with right now. Millennial pink can bring a splash of femininity to spaces, matching well with teal, spruce and peacock.

2. Sand and Sea

Bring the beach home with you by drawing a palette from sand, sky and sea. A saturated deep blue or navy paired with neutral tones like cream, sand and ivory can evoke a Hamptons feel within your four walls.

3. Blue and Green

Forget the old adage, blue and green can definitely be seen when it comes to colour schemes. Ink, cobalt and emerald make a dramatic combination with brass and bold accents adding a luxe touch.

4. Blue and Orange

Blue and orange are proof that opposites attract. The complementary match makes for a dynamic visual, with each shade playing up each other’s intensity. For a modern feel, opt for shades of copper, burnt orange or coral with cobalt, turquoise, delft and navy.

5. Blue and White

Blue and white will never go out of style. This eternally classic combination brings a fresh, polished feel to any space but it especially works in a bathroom setting.

Nailed down the colour combo? Now you need to know about the 10-30-60 rule. This involves choosing a dominant shade, a secondary shade and an accent colour. The dominant one will cover 60 percent of the room, like the walls, rugs, or floorings. The secondary colour cover 30 percent of the room, often an option for furniture. Your accent colour covers 10 percent of the room and it’s highlighted in accessories.

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Expect to see these colour trends taking over in 2019

Lauren Williamson
Lauren Williamson
Lauren Williamson is a digital writer, editor and social media fiend who's a huge fan of tackling new wellness trends, eating her way through foreign countries and getting worked up over politics.

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