Colours that go with light blue hues

5 min read

Last Modified 6 December 2023 First Added 12 October 2023

Popular as both base colour and accent, light blue’s versatility lends itself to a range of design movements.

From baby blues to powder hues, cerulean skies to chalky pastels, there’s a whole myriad of light blues to work into your interior design. And depending on the space in question, its impact can be uplifting and energising or calming and contemplative.
Join us as we touch on how to decorate with light blue and share our favourite colours to pair with this beautiful shade.

How to decorate with light blue

A delicate blend of blue and white, light blue brings tranquillity and serenity to your interiors.

With its calming nature, light blue is a popular choice for bedrooms where relaxation and calm are key. However, in contemporary colour theory, light blue is also associated with clarity and a sense of expansiveness, making it equally great for uplifting and energised spaces.

At the softer end of the blue spectrum, this gentle colourway pairs effortlessly with a wide range of tones, both warm and cool. Evoke the sunny rays of summer holidays by combining with soft golds and sandy beiges, or look to slightly richer tones with hints of indigo and violet for a more contemplative style.

Typically part of a cool palette, it’s important to complement light blues with materials that add warmth and comfort. The same can be said for warm lighting, whether that’s a Himalayan salt lamp, soft spotlights, or even candles and fireplaces.

6 perfect colours to combine with light blue

Credit: @houseoflowther

1. Light blue and white

Whether in a baby’s nursery or a coastal-inspired master suite, the interplay of light blue and white creates tranquillity and calm. Add a touch of contrast to white walls and bed sheets with hints of pastel blues across your space.

As above, note how the textures bring a sense of depth into the design. Cable-knit throws, woollen blankets, and sumptuous faux fur cushions will all work great visually. And, of course, they’ll ensure a cosy haven for retiring at the end of a busy day.

Credit: @_home_atno5

2. Light blue and grey

Another incredibly calming combination, pair light blue with grey for a subtle, soothing space. Reminiscent of morning mist, this dreamy pairing is great for peaceful master suites.

However, as light blue and grey are so close to each other tonally, you’ll want to bring in other colours too. Wooden tones work great, providing warmth and contrast to the coolness of the dominant tones. Embrace that feeling of nature even more by incorporating florals and vanilla or sandalwood-scented candles.

Credit: @cursed.reno

3. Blue and orange

Directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, these two are a match made in heaven. The coolness of the blue will help temper orange’s fiery nature, creating a balanced space that doesn’t rely on neutrals stripping away intensity.

Note how the example above uses washed-out tones of each colour and replicate the approach. A solid, bright blue with a washed burnt orange will likely cause too much contrast so ensure your hues are similarly satured for a coherent scheme.

Credit: @bdt_home

4. Light blue and wooden tones

Wind down in style with this contemplative, natural palette.

As alluded to earlier, wooden tones work wonderfully with the serenity of light blue. They add warmth to the space and help ground those loftier, sky-blue tones.

For a bedroom with hints of nature, consider blues with hints of green in their makeup. Teal and turquoise work well. Their subtle greens evoke the sense of seaweed for coastal vibes and the blueish tint of Norweigan forests for Scandi-inspired interiors. Go one step further and incorporate bedroom plants too.

Finally, use wooden tones which will exude a sense of driftwood and the wider natural world. Light pines, soft oaks, wicker and bamboo are all ideal. Accessorise with wooden trays and storage containers, or go all out with a wooden bed frame, shelving, and bedside tables. As shown above, wall panelling behind your bed can really ground the space and provide a elegant backdrop.

Credit: @emaneverything

5. Light blue and black

Powerful and demanding, this strong combination is all about contrast.

Whether styling a chic urban apartment, a bold, contemporary bedroom office, or even a young teen’s bedroom, the combination of blue with sharp black creates an edgy, considered design. Given the depth of black, it’s worth using a blue that’s slightly deeper than its sky-blue counterparts. This will create consistency within the space and reduce any harsh contrast.

As above, picture two-tone walls accented by sleek black furniture and accessories. Creamy whites and warm lighting are key too. They’ll bring in warmth and ensure your bedroom remains harmonious. Consider the use of soft metals too. Their reflective qualities will bring extra light into the space.

Credit: @at_hans_home

6. Light blues and pastel hues

Pastels upon pastels for serene and soft bedroom decor.

Think marshmallows, candy floss, jelly beans and all the other classic 90s sweet treats. This soft but fun colour scheme is absolutely ideal for a subtle take on dopamine decor. That’s because the softness of pastels allows multiple colourways within one palette.

As shown above, match that myriad of colour with a variety of sumptuous materials. From chunky knits to linens, soft silks to shaggy furs, there are almost endless possibilities for delighting the senses when working with this palette.