Figuring out how to decorate with navy blue can be harder than it sounds, especially when you want a space that feels bold but still relaxed.
Many paint color guides show navy blue looking clean and balanced, but in real life, it often feels too dark or overwhelming in certain rooms.
The shade looks perfect on the sample card, but once it’s on the wall, it turns too cold, too moody, or just too much.
Matching navy with other colors becomes tricky, especially when the lighting shifts and makes everything look completely different by afternoon.
You might pair it with white or gray, but then the room feels too cool, and the cozy feeling you wanted disappears.
Furniture and decor also bring challenges, since too much navy can swallow the room, and too little makes it feel unfinished.
Some people use it on cabinets or walls, then regret it later when it makes their space feel smaller or too formal.
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Trying to add warmth with navy often leads to cluttered textures or colors that don’t blend well with deep blue tones.
You want a rich, classic look, but it’s easy to overdo it or feel stuck when nothing balances the space just right.
So, I’m going to share some tips on styling with navy tones using smart layers, natural accents, and ideas that make any room feel just right.
What Colors Go With Navy Blue
Navy blue is a versatile color that pairs well with a wide range of other colors. Here are a few color combinations that work beautifully with navy blue:
- White: Navy blue and white is a classic color combination that is crisp and clean. It’s perfect for creating a fresh and timeless look.
- Gold: Navy blue and gold is a luxurious and elegant color combination that adds warmth and depth to any room.
- Gray: Navy blue and gray is a sophisticated and modern color combination that works well in a variety of settings.
- Coral: Navy blue and coral is a vibrant and energetic color combination that can add a pop of color to any space.
- Blush pink: Navy blue and blush pink is a romantic and feminine color combination that is perfect for a bedroom or living room.
- Mustard yellow: Navy blue and mustard yellow is a bold and trendy color combination that adds a touch of playfulness and warmth to any room.
Navy Blue Decor Ideas
Here are a few navy blue home decor ideas that you can easily add to your home for that beautiful bold shade of color.
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How To Select The Perfect Navy Blue Paint Color
- A shade will look different from one room to the next due to the lighting
- Always paint a 4×4 swatch on the wall to see if it will work
- Always paint 2-3 coats at least for a realistic swatch on the wall
- Pop the trim in white for a dramatic effect
- Use accessories in the same shade to give your wall color some depth
Don’t Forget To Order Paint Samples!
No matter what a photo looks like or description, every paint color will look different in your own space. It is so important to test a paint color before you commit to it.
That’s why I love buying these peel & stick samples.
It makes it so easy & affordable to test colors!
Best Navy Blue Paint Colors
Save this navy paint color guide for when you are ready for your next project!
More Paint Color Ideas + Inspiration
Get even more ideas on paint colors with these other posts. Just click on their titles to go right to the posts.
- Color Of The Year 2023: Including Trends And Design Tips
- The Best Kitchen Cabinet Colors
- Gorgeous Blue Kitchen Ideas with Designer Flare
- The Best Neutral Paint Colors + How to Decorate with Them
How to Decorate with Navy Blue
There are many ways to decorate with navy blue, depending on your personal style and the look you want to achieve.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Navy Blue Home Decor Ideas
Navy blue accents, such as throw pillows, a sofa, or a rug, can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any room.
Consider pairing navy blue accents with neutral colors, such as beige or gray, for a classic look.
Painting a dresser or buffet navy blue can add a touch of drama and interest to a room. It's a bold choice that can make a statement and become a focal point in the space.
When using navy blue as a wall color, it can create a bold and dramatic statement in a room.
Navy blue has a deep, rich tone that can add depth and dimension to a space, making it feel more cozy and inviting.
Using navy blue for kitchen cabinet color is a popular choice that can add depth, sophistication, and elegance to a kitchen.
The deep, rich tone of navy blue can add depth and dimension to the cabinets, creating a striking contrast against lighter walls or countertops.
Creating a beautiful bathroom look with navy blue color is a great way to create a sense of depth and warmth in the space.
Using a coordinating wallpaper can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the bathroom, creating a focal point in the space.
Using navy blue for a front door paint color is a popular choice that can add depth, character, and curb appeal to your home.
Using navy blue for a front door paint color is a popular choice that can add depth, character, and curb appeal to your home.
The deep, rich tone of navy blue can add depth and dimension to the door, making it stand out as a focal point.
Navy blue home can have a very strong and sophisticated curb appeal that adds depth, character, and elegance to the exterior.
Paired with white trim it has a very clean, crisp, and modern feel.
Navy blue is a timeless and versatile color that can add depth, sophistication, and elegance to any room.
Whether you choose to incorporate navy blue through wall color, accents, furniture, or a nautical theme, there are many ways to make this color work for you.
By pairing navy blue with other colors and patterns, you can create a unique and stylish look that reflects your personal style and taste.
So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with navy blue in your home décor.
With these tips and ideas, you’re sure to create a beautiful and inviting space that you’ll love spending time in.
I love my Navy Island so much that I decided to paint the mantel as well, I used BM Hale Navy on both, and its the perfect color on the mantle to showcase my brass collection. Everyone thought I was nuts but now they are impressed with my choice.
Vee
That is such an amazing color!
We just built a new home near the coast. I painted the entire 1st floor BM Newburyport Blue, Island is Hale Navy. Lots of white trim, cabinetry, and wainscoting. Everyone thought I was crazy. It is stunning and now I have believers. Your post is fabulous, filled with great ideas. Thank you!
Oh that sounds gorgeous!
Trying to work up the nerve to paint master bath long two sink vanity in one of the navy colors.
Take courage.! In our last house, we had a small bathroom, but paired the navy walls with a white shower curtain. The shower curtain, and some cute white curtains with a small sailboat print, kept the bathroom from feeling too small. In our current house we painted the kids’ bath the same navy. With another white shower curtain across from the mirror, the space feels cozy, but not confining. That bathroom also has a double sink vanity. I think my favorite accent color in the kids bathroom is aqua and orange. I love the orange accents with the navy! Hope this helps!!
Its Only Paint…. You Can Always paint over it! Take a Chance, I’ll Bet You’ll LOVE IT!!, We have “Star Spangled”, by BEHR from Home Depot, in our den…. it’s been there for 14 Years, with White Trim… it’s Stunning!
That sounds beautiful!
Navy blue is my favorite color. I regret not having the courage to paint our living room walls navy, but it’s so hard to find a good navy paint! Maybe we’ll paint the kitchen island navy.
What do you think of adding navy ( which I love)
To a room with antiqued Robbins egg already in it ( my other favorite
Color)?
We have soo much in common, the big love for blue. Soon my house will be ready for the building that gives me time th get thing right.
I remember the original This Old House with Bob Vila — this must’ve been 1980-ish — + Bob choosing a navy blue counter top in the kitchen. He called it a neutral that goes with every other color, like a pair of blue jeans does. Yes, I love navy + have it in our home.