The Best Blue Paint Colors for Your Home

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Playroom Blue Toy Box - Shop our Home - Decorhint.com 

If you’re anything like me, a good shade of blue can make your heart skip a beat. It’s versatile, calming, and oh-so-stylish. Whether you’re going for a classic, bold, or tranquil look, there’s a perfect blue out there for you. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite blue paint colors that work wonders in any space.

I’m also providing the LRV numbers for you. Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is basically a fancy term for how much light a paint color bounces back. The scale runs from 0 (black, no light reflected) to 100 (white, all light reflected). So, picking a color with a high LRV will make your room look brighter and bigger because it reflects more light.

On the flip side, a color with a low LRV will absorb light and make the space feel cozy and intimate (aka – it’s darker and deeper colors!) I’m working on a separate post on LRV, as I never realized how helpful this little number is when choosing paint colors.

Favorite Blue Paint Colors

1. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

Hale Navy is one of my tried-and-true favorites! We’ve used this color a lot, most recently as an accent wall in our bedroom.

End of Bed Bench in a Bedroom

Hale Navy is the epitome of classic elegance. This deep, rich navy blue has a timeless appeal that works beautifully in traditional and modern settings. It’s perfect for creating a dramatic accent wall or a cozy, sophisticated vibe in a room.

LRV: 8.36

2. Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue

Newburyport Blue is a great choice for a more relaxed yet refined look. This medium-dark blue has a touch of gray, giving it a subtle, muted tone. It’s versatile enough for any room and pairs well with light and dark furnishings. I love the punch this color brings to a room.

how to stencil a wall - showing a celestial night sky stenciled on blue

I used it as the backdrop color in Tyler’s room under his stencil design. It reminds me of the night sky.

LRV: 11.22

3. Sherwin Williams Naval

If you’re looking for a bold, statement-making blue, Naval is your color. This deep, rich navy is perfect for adding a touch of drama and sophistication. It’s especially stunning in living rooms or bedrooms where you want to create a moody, cozy atmosphere.

Naval by Sherwin Williams on House Exterior

We used it as the exterior color for our Seattle home. It looks beautiful with white-painted trim—it makes everything pop. (FYI: Even though the LRV is low, the color in this photo with the sun on it shows it brighter.)

LRV: 4

4. Sherwin Williams Stardew

Playroom Blue Toy Box - Shop our Home - Decorhint.com 

I used this color in our kid’s playroom. It’s the perfect soft shade of blue and one of my all-time favorites if you want a dusty blue. Stardew is a soft, muted blue-gray that exudes tranquility. It’s a fantastic choice for bedrooms or bathrooms where you want a calming, serene environment. Pair it with white trim for a crisp, clean look.

LRV: 45.47

5. Farrow and Ball Inchyra Blue

Inchyra Blue Farrow and Ball
Inchyra Blue @athomeinarkansas

Inchyra Blue is a complex, deep blue with green undertones. It’s perfect for adding a moody, atmospheric feel to a room. This color looks amazing in natural light and can change throughout the day, giving your space a dynamic quality.

LRV: 12

6. Clare Good Jeans

Clare Good Jeans Paint Color
Clare Good Jeans @Kyrosedesigns

Good Jeans by Clare is a must-try if you love a classic denim blue. This mid-tone blue is vibrant yet calming, making it a versatile choice for any room. It’s fresh and modern and pairs beautifully with warm and cool tones. Clare is a favorite paint company of mine. Everything gets shipped to your door, and you are ready to paint!

LRV: unknown?

7. Sherwin Williams Waterloo

waterloo sherwin williams
Waterloo @EmilyHenderson

Waterloo is a rich, sophisticated blue with a hint of gray. It’s perfect for those who want a color that’s not too dark but still makes a statement. This shade works wonderfully in dining rooms or offices for a polished, elegant look.

LRV: 13

8. Farrow and Ball Stiffkey Blue

Stiffkey Blue Farrow and Ball
Stiffkey Blue Farrow and Ball @GinnyMacdonald

For a deep, inky blue that’s full of character, Stiffkey Blue is a standout choice. This rich shade has a slight hint of green, making it perfect for creating a cozy, inviting space. It’s particularly striking in smaller rooms or as an accent color.

LRV: 10

9. Sherwin Williams Upward

Upward (top) and Hale Navy (bottom) @PotteryBarn
Upward (top) and Hale Navy (bottom) @PotteryBarn

Upward is a light, airy blue with a touch of gray. It creates a peaceful, serene atmosphere in bedrooms or bathrooms. This color pairs beautifully with whites and light grays for a clean look.

LRV: 57

10. Sherwin Williams Debonair

Debonair Paint Color
Debonair @EmilyHenderson

Debonair is a refined, mid-tone blue with a slight purple undertone. It’s perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any space. This shade looks great in living rooms or dining rooms where you want a bold and elegant color.

LRV: 34

11. Benjamin Moore Smoke

Smoke Benjamin Moore House of Hargrove
Smoke Benjamin Moore @HouseofHargrove

Smoke is a soft, smoky blue-gray that brings any space a calm, soothing vibe. It’s a great choice for bedrooms, living rooms, or bathrooms where you want a relaxing atmosphere. This color pairs well with warm and cool tones, making it versatile for any decor.

LRV: 56.39

12. Sherwin Williams Stillwater

Stillwater @EmilyHenderson
Stillwater Sherwin Williams @EmilyHenderson

Stillwater is a deep, muted blue-green that adds a touch of mystery and depth to a room. It’s perfect for creating a cozy, intimate space and pairs beautifully with warm wood tones and metallic accents.

LRV: 19.06

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