Combining cool blues and warm brass tones can create a bold, sophisticated color palette for any interior design project. The contrast between the cooler blues and earthy, golden brass accents is eye-catching yet easy to live with long-term. This versatile color scheme works well in a variety of design aesthetics from modern to traditional. Read on to learn more about successfully working with this dramatic but balanced color combination.
Choosing Your Blue Hues
When thinking about cool blues, opt for tones that feel crisp and clean like a blue sky. Look to shades like airy powder blue, serene sky blue, icy periwinkle, or pale aqua. Deeper hues like navy or cobalt can work too, but be sure to balance them with lighter toned blues. Too many dark blues may make a space feel cold or dreary. Here are some specific paint colors to consider:
- Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
- Behr Powder Blue
- Sherwin-Williams Rainfall
- Valspar Seaglass
Aim for a mix of light and mid-tone blues to keep things feeling balanced. Use the deeper shades sparingly as accents.
Selecting Warm Brass Tones
Brass finishes encompass a wide range of golden yellow, coppery orange, and bronze hues. When pairing with cool blues, stick to warmer antique brass, polished brass, or unlacquered brass finishes. Cooler satin nickels and chromes will not provide enough contrast against the blue tones. Here are some specific options to look for:
- Unlacquered brass with a living finish
- Polished brass with a shiny golden hue
- Antique brass with a distressed, vintage look
Vintage-style brass light fixtures, hardware, and home accents will give any space a refined yet comfortable feel. Metallic brass furniture like side tables, cabinets, or upholstered headboards also work beautifully against a blue palette.
Using Neutrals and Textures
While the blues and brass finishes make a bold statement, aim for neutrality and softness in your other elements. Light woods, crisp whites, warm grays, and textured linens help balance out the bolder colors. Consider:
- White walls, trim, and ceilings
- Light oak or bleached wood floors
- Neutral furniture in linen, cotton, wool
- Sheer white or neutral window treatments
Keep things simple and let the colors shine. Minimal patterns and soft textures are best for showcasing this color combination.
Great Spaces for This Color Scheme
The contrast of cool blues and warm brass lends itself well to a variety of interior spaces:
Living Rooms
A few blue accent chairs or sofas paired with brass lamps, mirrors, coffee tables or end tables pops against a neutral backdrop.
Bedrooms
Use blue on the walls or bedding and add brass nightstands, sconces and chandeliers for a cozy yet elegant feel.
Bathrooms
Blue walls and brass fixtures or mirrors give a spa-like vibe. Opt for navy blue in powder rooms for drama.
Kitchens
Blue lower cabinets or backsplashes look fresh with brass hardware and light wood cabinetry.
Dining Rooms
Blue buffets or hutches make a statement against brass dining chairs and chandeliers.
Tips for Success
When working with an intense color combination like cool blues and warm brass, keep these tips in mind:
- Stick to a 60/40 ratio – use blues for 60% and brass for 40% of the space for ideal balance.
- Distribute colors evenly – don’t put all blues on one wall or cluster all brass on one side.
- Mix up shades within each color family for depth and interest.
- Add fabrics and textures in the same color families to tie the whole palette together.
- If the combination feels too bold, dial it back with more neutral tones in the space.
- Change out accent pillows, throws, flowers or art seasonally to refresh the look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about combining cool blues and warm brass:
What are some good light blue paint colors?
Some top choices are Sherwin-Williams Rainfall, Behr Powder Blue, Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, and Valspar Seaglass. Mixing a few shades creates depth.
Should I use a glossy or matte finish for brass accents?
It’s a personal choice! Glossy finishes have a shiny, bright look while matte is more muted and sophisticated. Combining the two finishes adds nice contrast.
What are some budget-friendly ways to add brass accents?
Spray paint is an easy affordable option to transform existing decor pieces. Also check secondhand stores for vintage brass finds.
Should walls be blue or is it better as an accent?
Blue walls can look beautiful, but require commitment! Using blue on accent walls, furniture or decor pieces gives you more flexibility long-term.
How can I give this look a modern vs. traditional spin?
For modern, stick to lighter blues and minimal brass accents. For traditional, use navy blues and vintage-style brass pieces for an elegant timeless look.
Conclusion
The striking color scheme of cool blues and warm brass makes a confident design statement. From light powder blues to rich navy hues paired with a variety of antique and polished brass finishes, the possibilities are endless for this look. Keep the other elements in the space clean and neutrally textured to allow this bold but balanced combination to shine. Use the tips and inspiration above to begin experimenting with this versatile palette.
