Rustic décor and the color blue may seem like an unexpected combination at first glance, but they can actually work beautifully together to create a serene and inviting space. With the right balance, rustic elements paired with blue accents result in a soothing, peaceful atmosphere. In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully marry rustic style with shades of blue.
Why Blue Works Well in Rustic Rooms
While rustic décor tends to utilize a lot of earthy neutrals like browns, tans, and greens, blue offers the perfect pop of color. It enhances rather than competes with natural tones. Cooler blues like powder blue or sky blue are especially complementary.
Blue has many positive attributes that make it an excellent choice for rustic rooms:
- Calming – Blue has a tranquil vibe, which creates a relaxing retreat. The serenity of blue nicely balances the coziness of rustic.
- Versatile – From pale blue to navy, there’s a blue for every style. Different hues can create vastly different moods.
- Natural – Blue often occurs organically in nature – skies, oceans, lakes – so it pairs seamlessly with rustic environments.
- Timeless – Blue is a classic color that has remained popular for centuries and won’t go out of style.
- Soothing – Research shows that blue has a calming effect on mood and the nervous system, reducing stress.
With qualities like these, it makes perfect sense to add pops of blue to rustic décor.
Complementary Blue Tones for Rustic Rooms
When selecting a blue for rustic décor, stick to muted, dusty shades rather than bright primaries, which could clash. Here are some of the most complementary blue tones:
Powder Blue
A whispery, gentle blue, powder blue has a weathered, vintage look. Use it in pale, hazy shades. Powder blue works superbly in bedrooms, evoking pleasant dreams.
Sky Blue
As the name suggests, this is the blue of a hazy summer sky. Airy and peaceful, sky blue is lighter and brighter than powder blue. Sky blues lend a spacious feel.
Ice Blue
Crisp like a winter’s day, icy blues pair wonderfully with warm wood tones. They provide an invigorating jolt when paired with creamy neutrals. Use icy blues in moderation as accents.
Duck Egg Blue
Duck egg blue has a grayish-blue-green tone that results in a very flexible shade. It can read as blue, gray, or green depending on its surroundings. The muted tone meshes effortlessly with rustic.
Denim Blue
Classic denim blues are adaptable lighter blues with a timeworn look. The familiarity of denim makes it a failsafe option and denim blues integrate seamlessly into casual rustic spaces.
Periwinkle
With a hint of purple, periwinkle blues are highly sophisticated. They work best with “refined rustic” spaces rather than everyday rustic rooms. Periwinkle adds a dreamy quality.
Incorporating Blue Accents
Blue should be used as an accent in rustic rooms. Too much blue could feel overwhelming or distracting. Here are some ways to tastefully incorporate blue accents:
Paint
The easiest way to add blue is through paint! Use blue on a single accent wall or smaller accent surfaces like trim, doors, or built-ins. Try pale sky blue walls with crisp white trim.
Textiles
Introduce blue through upholstery, pillows, rugs, curtains, and other textiles. A blue-hued area rug grounds the space while a throw pillow with a subtle blue pattern can tie the colors together.
Furniture
Bring in blue by painting a piece of wooden furniture like a buffet table or chest of drawers. Or search for an accent chair or side table in a muted blue. Vintage finds offer character.
Decor
Incorporate blue through vases, trays, bowls, and other decorative objects. Search flea markets or nature-inspired store for blue-glazed ceramics or blue-toned metalwork. Cluster objects for impact.
Glassware
Drinkware, vases, bottles, and other glassware often comes in various shades of blue, adding an aquatic feel. Arrange a bar cart or bookshelf with blue glassware.
Lighting
Swap out lamp shades or install a statement light fixture in blue glass for atmospheric lighting. Sconces, pendants, and chandeliers come in many blue hues.
10 Tips for Successfully Combining Rustic and Blue
Creating a cohesive look combining rustic style and shades of blue is all about achieving balance. Here are some top tips:
- Stick to a muted blue palette instead of primary colors. Soft powdery blues work best.
- Use blue as an accent in key locations instead of going overboard. Less is more.
- Pair blue with warm wood tones and plenty of natural textures like jute, linen, leather.
- Anchor the blue with neutral tones like cream, beige and brown so it doesn’t feel random.
- Repeat blue in small doses throughout the space through patterns, objects, textiles.
- Go for weathered, imperfect blues with character as opposed to bright glossy blues.
- Add blue to one key furniture piece like a buffet or chest of drawers instead of an entire set.
- Use blue in a relaxing space like a bedroom rather than an energetic space like a kitchen.
- For walls, select a pale robin’s egg blue. Use darker navy blues in moderation.
- If using blue on multiple walls, keep furnishings and accents neutral to prevent clashing.
Inspiring Examples of Rustic Rooms with Blue Accents
To spark additional ideas, here are some stunning rustic rooms beautifully accented in various shades of blue:
This soothing bedroom features pale sky blue walls and crisp white trim. The colors are grounded by the natural wood bed frame, textured linens, and neutral carpet. Blue and white decorative objects tie the look together.
A bright poppy blue buffet adds lively contrast in this casual dining area. The vivid color is balanced by warm wood furniture, creamy walls, and a neutral rug. Blue dishes continue the theme.
In this living room, periwinkle blue upholstery livens up the linen sofa. Earthy textures like the jute rug, worn leather, and reclaimed wood table keep the look natural and grounded.
The brick fireplace’s blue wood paneling ties together the powder blue built-in shelving in this family room. Blue accents on the mantel and artwork continue the theme.
In this rustic kitchen, sky blue dishes stacked within glass-front cabinets add a whimsical accent. The pale blue pairs nicely with the warm wood cabinetry and stainless steel appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some rustic rooms that blue accents pair well with?
Blue works nicely as an accent in many rustic spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, nurseries, and laundry rooms. Especially serene are bedroom and bathroom combos.
Do blue walls work in a rustic room?
Blue walls can look beautiful in rustic rooms when done right. Opt for a soft powder blue or sky blue rather than darker navy. Keep other furnishings and accents neutral and earthy. Add accent walls instead of painting the whole room.
Should flooring be kept neutral with blue and rustic décor?
In most cases, yes. Let blue shine by keeping flooring light and neutral to prevent clashing. Options like hardwood, whitewashed wood, sisal, jute, stone, or neutral tiles allow the blue accents to stand out.
What colors pair well with rustic blue décor?
Colors that complement a rustic blue look include warm neutrals like cream, tan, mocha, camel, and brown. Crisp whites and soothing greens also accent blue nicely. Stay away from reds and oranges, which may feel too bold.
What are good blue paint colors for DIY furniture refinishing?
Some of the most popular blue paint colors for refinishing rustic furniture or wood accents include: navy, denim, sky blue, powder blue, duck egg blue, periwinkle, and a crisp bright white trimmed in any of those blues.
Final Thoughts
The right blue tones can add a sense of peaceful tranquility to rustic rooms. Stick to weathered, muted shades and use blue sparingly as accents. The goal is to enhance and complement rustic elements like wood, neutral tones, and natural textures. When balanced properly, the blend of rustic and blue creates a soothing environment that couples the coziness of country style with the calm of blue. Keep these tips in mind and you can artfully marry these two styles into a beautiful shared space.
