8 Reasons to Paint Your Walls Blue

The coolest neutral.

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Blue Living room
Photography by SKYE PARROT

When it comes to paint, few colors are as versatile as blue. A vast spectrum of shades is one reason for this; the fact that it can live within a wide range of palettes and decorative styles is another. Not to mention the hue’s ability to instill a soothing and serene ambience and that it can even help you sell your house. Layering in other colors is always encouraged, but if you’re looking to make a major statement, an all-out monochromatic look might be the way to go. Need a little more convincing? Here, the eight true-blue spaces inspiring us right now: 

Parisian apartment with blue walls
Photography by Stephen Kent Johnson

Blues rule in this picture-perfect Paris loft, where original architectural features and antique furnishings complement the history of the home. The blue-gray walls are a refreshing take on the color, giving the room a touch of pure elegance. 

blue kitchen with dark countertops
Photography by Martyn Johson Photography by MARTYN THOMPSON

Dark kitchens are having a moment and we couldn’t be happier—especially if that means we can replicate this utterly dreamy scene. Designer Martyn Thompson’s stunning space brings on the drama, using the richness of the hue to set the modern-meets-rustic tone.  

pale blue wall corner with small wood table
Photography by Laure Joliet

This delicate, dreamy shade makes the ideal backdrop for layers of vibrant primary hues. Take a page from this Los Angeles home and complement your pale blue walls with similarly breezy mango wood fixtures. 

blue shiplap walls kids bedroom
Photography by Mathew Williams Photography by MATHEW WILLIAMS

When it comes to your little one’s space, no color is too bold. This shade of cobalt, paired with a wood headboard, is pure perfection. We love the stuffed animals in equally saturated colors for an extra pop. 

blue bedroom with red console
Photography by Stephen Kent Johnson

Pamela Bell’s electric blue bedroom makes the case for semi-simplicity. Although the bed is frameless, an offset wall molding and a cherry red floating cabinet shake things up.

Not sure what to do with that dated fireplace? Give it the monochrome treatment, à la this stunning vignette by Marili Forastieri. Navy is always a good idea; it’s the saturated equivalent to classic white. 

If vibrant walls feel like too much of a commitment, think smaller. As in, your kitchen cabinets. Why not give them a fresh coat of teal, as perfected in this Williamsburg loft?

To spice things up, try a paint treatment; Shannon and Rich King went with a limewash in this living room. Textured walls take a basic two-tone look to the next level—this Pennsylvania farmhouse could be a Tuscan villa. 

See more paint ideas: The 18 Most Popular Paint Colors of All Time If You Want Your Home to Look Like a Charming Tuscan Villa, Try This How to Use One of the Trickiest Paint Colors in Your Home

Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.