Navy blue is the color that’s surprised me most in its sheer versatility. Decorating with navy blue can help create a maximalist aesthetic or keep things simple. It can be timeless or trendy, and command all the attention or let other colors pop.
I believe there’s a way to use this all-round winner in decor projects to suit every personality and home.
Navy blue complements diverse home decor styles. Popular ways to use this versatile hue are to use statement furniture, paint the walls navy, accent wall or use wallpapers. Use throw pillows, rugs, wall art or pair it with gold in glam interior design. Navy blue is also a defining feature of the nautical style.
It’s hard to go wrong with navy. But if you won’t settle for anything less than sublime, you’ll want to know expert tips and tricks.
Various decor styling techniques and pairings can have drastically different results, so it’s best to plan to get the look you want.
Navy blue isn’t just a color. It’s an expression of depth. It’s a statement of sophistication. Here are some of the ways you can use navy blue to decorate your home for a striking effect.
#1. Statement Furniture: A Focal Point of Luxury
Have you ever walked into a room and a single piece of furniture takes your breath away? That’s the power of statement pieces. Imagine a plush navy blue sofa in your living room, acting as the room’s anchor and drawing everyone’s gaze.
It’s not just seating; it’s a centerpiece that says, “Here is where we gather, in comfort and style.” Let’s not forget the armchair that could become your own little reading nook. It embodies coziness and sartorial savvy.
Ignore warnings never to paint a whole room a dark color because it will appear uninviting and cramped. This is a myth.
You can splash navy from wall to wall for a bold look you won’t shy away from. Actually, don’t stop at the walls. Paint your door and trim, too. This softens the angles and creates a cozy cocoon.
All-over color tricks the eye into perceiving a room as more spacious, and an inky color creates depth.
While walls drenched in black may appear harsh, there’s a good reason dark blue is soothing, not gloomy: it reminds us of vast expanses of sea and sky.
Boost the tranquil nature vibes with plenty of greenery. Hanging baskets of sprawling golden pothos are especially good at brightening dark walls.
#3. Accent Walls: The Depth of The Ocean On Your Walls
Can a single wall define a room? Absolutely, especially when it’s bathed in the sophisticated beauty of navy blue. Painting an accent wall in this color adds a touch of drama and sets the stage for the rest of the decor.
#4. Wallpaper Wonders
Who said wallpapers were a relic of the past? They obviously hadn’t laid their eyes on the modern charm of navy patterned wallpaper.
You can go geometric for an edgy feel. Or, choose floral for a touch of an English garden. The patterns add depth and character to any space.
Fiula Blue Wallpaper
Glory Floral WallpaperRoomMates Upon A Star Wallpaper
#5. Textiles and Upholstery
Sometimes, less is more. For those of us who aren’t ready to commit to larger navy pieces, textiles offer a hint of color. They aren’t overwhelming. Picture this: a crisp white sofa brought to life with navy throw pillows. Breezy curtains catch the wind by a sunlit window. An ottoman, clothed in velvety navy, offers an invitation to relax.
Exclusive Home CurtainsFanHomcy Navy Blue Throw Pillow CoversLonghui bedding Navy Blue Throw Pillow CoversHomepop Upholstered Round Velvet Foot Rest
#6. Rugs and Carpets: Ground Your Space in Style
A navy blue rug – it’s like the cool, shady spot beneath a tree on a sunny day. It’s comforting, grounding, and enriches everything that stands on or around it. A navy rug can define the seating area, make your dining table stand out, or welcome you into a hallway. It’s versatile and oh-so-cozy underfoot.
Unique Loom Del Mar Collection Area RugLOCHAS Luxury Shag Area Rug
#7. Artwork and Wall Decor: A Canvas for Creativity
Don’t want to commit to navy walls? No problem! Consider navy hues in your artwork or wall hangings. Abstract paintings, geometric prints and nautical-themed pieces add bold yet serene presence.
ZKBX – Abstract Framed Wall Art Decor
#8. Bring Nautical Style into Your Home
A popular way to decorate with navy blue is inspired by sea voyages. The deep-ocean hue mixes with other maritime elements.
These include foamy white and flashes of coral. There are also stripes, ropes, vintage brass, and weathered wood textures. This combination mimics life at sea. You can fully commit to the theme or nod to the sky, sea, and ships in your decor choices.
I’ve seen rooms with every item selected to bring a sailing adventure to mind. Ship lanterns, antique brass bells, and porthole-like mirrors fill the space. There are also maps, authentic ship wheels, and seashells.
There are also subtler ways to create a maritime feeling. A navy and white color pairing is already signature of nautical style. Add a white shiplap-clad ceiling with distressed wood beams.
Also, add a jute rug, brass ship-style sconces, and seashell or driftwood sculptures. Include lighthouse, anchor, or starfish motifs to perfect a modern take on the style. A dark-blue-and-white-striped rug should even do the trick!
#9. Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry that Makes a Splash
Navy blue cabinetry in a kitchen or bathroom screams modern chic. Think about it – white may be clean and airy, but navy?
Navy is the color of night skies and ocean depths; it’s thought-provoking and vast. With navy cabinets, every time you reach for a mug or towel, you’re grasping elegance.
#10. Bedding and Bedroom Decor: Slumber in Serenity
Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, a place where the worries of the day melt away.
Navy blue bedding and decor can transform your bedroom into a peaceful retreat. It can make it conducive to rest and reflection.
Whether you’re just adding a little navy here and there with textiles, or going all in with furniture or paint, trust me, it’s a choice you won’t regret.
Remember, home is where your story begins. Make navy blue a part of your narrative.
Mixing navy blue with metallics can give your room that hotel luxe feel. Who wouldn’t want that? Gold has a warm shimmer. Silver has cool sophistication.
Metallics and navy create an undeniably ritzy partnership. Cushions with gold threading can add that touch of luxury your space craves. A navy vanity with gleaming brass handles or a bathroom cabinet with a gold faucet can do the same.
#12. Pairing with Complementary Colors
Here’s where things get really fun! Navy blue is like that friend who gets along with everyone. Think about a navy blue sofa against a mustard yellow wall. Or how about some bright pink throw pillows on a navy armchair for that pop of unexpected excitement?
And let’s not forget the regal pair that is navy and emerald green – it’s like royalty in color form!
Who said navy blue was confined to the indoors? Picture your outdoor space sporting navy blue cushions on a wicker chair. Picture a bold navy umbrella shading your patio table.
It’s about creating a flow from inside to outside that feels seamless and intentional. Plus, navy blue holds its own against the elements, not fading as fast as lighter colors might.
MAGPIE FABRICS Indoor/Outdoor Tufted High Back Chair
Final Thoughts
Navy blue is a home decor chameleon, changing its effects from understated to daring to enhance different styles and tastes. Add it to your next mood board’s color palette, and behold its power to adapt to your needs as you create and curate spaces that reflect your personality and feel like home.
Related Home Decor Articles:
- How to Decorate with Blue and White
- What Colors Go With Navy Blue?
- How to Choose a Color Palette for Your Home
