Using blue in your dining room can feel risky, but when done right, it creates an elegant, inviting space. Here’s how to incorporate this daring shade without going overboard.
Why Blue Works in the Dining Room
Many people shy away from blue in dining spaces, thinking it’s too cold or clinical. However, the right blue tones can inject energy and sophistication. Blue is an appetite-stimulating color, making it an ideal backdrop for mealtime gatherings. Its cool undertones also promote relaxation and conversation. Overall, blue dining rooms feel crisp yet cozy.
When selecting a blue, steer clear of primary colors and bright shades. Opt for softer, muted versions like powder blue, sky blue, or slate blue. These have a subtle, soothing effect that won’t overwhelm the room. Navy blue is another great option, as it reads as almost neutral while still making a statement.
Decorating Tips for a Blue Dining Room
A blue dining room still needs warmth and texture to keep it inviting. Here are some key strategies:
Balance It Out
Layer in neutral, earthy elements like wood furniture, sisal rugs, linen upholstery, and touches of black or brown. These natural materials offset the cooler blue tones. Incorporate metallic accents for a bit of shine.
Don’t Overdo Blue
Paint just one wall blue as an accent. Or, paint the entire room a very pale blue to serve as a backdrop without going overboard. Choose one blue focal point, like a patterned china cabinet or vibrant floral arrangement.
Let in Light
Abundant natural light keeps a blue dining room from feeling dark and dreary. Install large windows, mirrors, and glass-front cabinetry. Use sheer curtains to filter in sunlight. Consider a sparkling crystal chandelier or pendant lighting to bounce light around.
Warm It Up
Incorporate warm white, golden, or cream textiles. A cozy area rug underfoot brings in gentleness. Drape the windows with casually flowing linen or cotton curtains. Upholster chairs in a sunny yellow or rust hue.
Add Pops of Contrast
Punctuate blue with small doses of color through accessories like throw pillows, vases, candles, or artwork. Red makes a bold contrast, while green and yellow provide cheerful pops. Deep magenta and eggplant purple also complement blue nicely.
5 Inspiring Examples of Blue Dining Rooms
Need a little inspiration before taking the blue plunge? Here are some stunning spaces to ignite your creativity:
1. Navy and Brass
A dark navy blue wall and lacquered dining set feel sophisticated paired with gleaming brass light fixtures, advocado green velvet chairs and subtle black and white photography.
2. Soft Blue and Wood Tones
Painting just one wall a misty robin’s egg blue nicely offsets the warm wood table, buffet, and antique trunk. Creamy furnishings keep it serene.
3. Vintage Blue and White
Channel beach house vibes with sky blue walls, white paneling, a striped area rug, and preppy blue-and-white dishes prominently displayed in open shelving.
4. Slate Blue and Metallics
Mysterious slate blue walls contrast beautifully with a marble-topped brass table, transparent acrylic chairs, and modern metallic pendants.
5. Navy and Rattan
A striking navy dining nook features rattan chairs, woven placemats, a round mirror, and brass sconces for an eclectic twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best blue paint colors for a dining room?
Some of the most popular blue paint colors for dining rooms include airy shades like Wickham Gray, Rainwashed, and Chelsea Gray. Bolder blues like Farrow & Ball’s Prussian Blue, Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, or Sherwin-Williams’ Naval also look beautiful.
What color furniture goes well with a blue dining room?
Warm wood furniture, black accents, brass details, white upholstered pieces, and clear acrylic or Lucite chairs all complement blue dining rooms nicely. Avoid matching blue furniture to blue walls, which can be overwhelming.
Should you paint all four walls blue in a dining room?
It’s generally best to paint just one dining room wall blue to avoid it feeling too dark or overwhelming. If using a very soft pastel blue, painting all four walls can work since it will read as a subtle neutral.
What color rug looks good with a blue dining room?
Natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, or wool in cream, beige, gray, or light brown are safe choices. Bold patterned rugs with some blue accents can also enhance the color scheme.
What color curtains go with a blue dining room?
For blue dining rooms, stick with neutral curtain colors like white, ivory, cream, light gray, or beige linen. Sheer curtains let in light while also softly diffusing the blue color.
What are some examples of blue dining rooms?
Some stunning blue dining room examples include navy blue with brass accents, soft powder blue with wood elements, preppy blue-and-white coastal themes, and dramatic dark blue with black and white photography.
Conclusion
Blue dining rooms can feel vibrant yet relaxing when done right. The key is balancing the blue with warm neutrals, plenty of light, and natural materials. Limit blue to one accent wall or pale blue on all walls. Incorporate contrasting pops of color through decor items and accessories. With strategic decorating, you can confidently embrace blue for an elegant dining space with character.
