There’s something about blue paint that never goes out of style. Whether you love soft, airy coastal tones or deep, moody navy hues, blue is one of those colors that always feels fresh, calming, and beautifully timeless.
Over the years, I’ve used shades of blue in almost every room of our home, and I find myself drawn to this timeless color again and again.
It’s incredibly versatile, pairs beautifully with neutrals, and works well with so many different design styles, from modern coastal to classic and transitional.
Pure Salt Interiors – Vanessa Lentine Photography – floral pillow
With that in mind, today I’m sharing some of the most popular blue paint colors from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams, including the shades designers and homeowners love most.
The Most Popular Blue Paint Colors at a Glance
Popular Benjamin Moore Blue Paint Colors
- Palladian Blue (HC-144)
- Breath of Fresh Air (806)
- Van Deusen Blue (HC-156)
- Smoke (2122-40)
- Hale Navy (HC-154)
- Gentleman’s Gray (2062-20)
- In the Midnight Hour (1666)
Popular Sherwin-Williams Blue Paint Colors
- Sea Salt (SW 6204)
- Rainwashed (SW 6211)
- Distance (SW 6243)
- Naval (SW 6244)
Light & Airy Blue Paint Colors
These soft blues are perfect if you love a serene, coastal-inspired look.
Erin Kestenbaum – cabinet color is Harbor by Cliq Studios
Marie Flanigan Interiors – Julie Soefer Photography – JBH Editorial Styling
Honey Collins Interiors – Farrow & Ball Parma Gray cabinets
Light blue pairs well with:
Warm white walls
Warm wood flooring, cabinets, and furniture
Touches of gray in tile, flooring, and marble countertops
Aged brass, black, bronze, and polished nickel metal finishes
Favorite Light Blues
Weeth Home – Veranda Magazine – East and Lane Photography
Palladian Blue (Benjamin Moore) – a dreamy blue-green with a spa-like feeling:
Palladian Blue
Studio McGee – floral pillows – scallop pillows – lumbar pillow – duvet cover
Breath of Fresh Air (Benjamin Moore) – a soft, clean, and barely-there blue:
Breath of Fresh Air
Sea Salt (Sherwin-Williams) – a beloved blue-green neutral:
Sea Salt
Weeth Home – East and Lane Photography – Unique Kitchens and Baths Cabinetry – Inner Bloom Floral
Weeth Home – East and Lane Photography – Unique Kitchens and Baths Cabinetry – Inner Bloom Floral
Rainwashed (Sherwin-Williams) – a slightly deeper hue with a tranquil coastal vibe:
Rainwashed
Pure Salt Interiors – Vanessa Lentine Photography – floral pillow
These shades are perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and open-concept spaces.
Classic and True Blue Paint Colors
If you want something timeless — not too light, not too dark — these shades are beautiful, balanced options.
Classic blue pairs well with:
White walls
Marble countertops and flooring
Jute rugs
Light wood flooring and furniture
Warm brass or polished nickel metal finishes
Designer Favorites:
Hale Navy (Benjamin Moore) – technically a dark navy, but is often used as a rich mid-tone:
Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Andrea McQueen Design
Van Deusen Blue (Benjamin Moore) – bold yet classic with historic charm. I chose Ven Deusen Blue as our guest bathroom vanity color.
Van Deusen Blue
Smoke (Benjamin Moore) – a soft blue-gray with a sophisticated feeling:
Smoke
Brooke Wagner Design – Brandon Architects and Patterson Custom Homes – similar pendant
Studio McGee – bathroom mirrors – brass sconces
Distance (Sherwin-Williams) – a rich, balanced blue with depth. We used this shade on our kitchen island.
Distance
Classic and mid-tone blues are perfect for dining rooms, offices, accent walls, and cabinetry.
Deep and Moody Blue Paint Colors
These dramatic shades create a cozy, elevated look — perfect for adding depth and contrast.
Dark blue pairs well with:
Linen slipcovers and bedding (white/ivory)
Light wood coffee tables and nightstands
Rattan chairs, baskets, and woven stools
Soft blue, tan, and cream throw pillows
Ceramic vases
Unlacquered brass metal finishes
Go-To Dark Blues:
Naval (Sherwin-Williams) – one of the most popular navy blues ever:
Naval
Jean Stoffer Design – Stoffer Interior Photography
Our Brick Cottage
Hale Navy (Benjamin Moore) – a designer staple:
Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Gentleman’s Gray (Benjamin Moore) – a deep blue with a hint of teal:
Gentleman’s Gray
Ali Henrie Design – Studio McGee
In the Midnight Hour (Benjamin Moore) – rich, dramatic, and sophisticated:
In the Midnight Hour
Ali Henrie Design – Lindsay Salazar Photography
Bria Hammel Interiors – Spacecrafting Photography
These colors are perfect for bedrooms, powder rooms, built-ins, home offices, and kitchen islands.
How to Choose the Right Blue Paint Color
Choosing the perfect blue can feel overwhelming, but a few simple tips can make all the difference:
AGK Design Studio – island color is Sherwin Williams Smoky Candle (SW 8633)
Consider undertones: Some blues lean green, others gray or violet
AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography
Studio McGee – cabinet color is Sherwin Williams Grays Harbor
Think about lighting: Natural light can dramatically change how blue appears
Bria Hammel Interiors – Spacecrafting Photography
Test before committing: Always sample on your walls and view throughout the day
Julie Howard for Timber Trails – Benjamin Moore James River Gray
Balance with neutrals: Blue pairs beautifully with warm whites, wood tones, and soft textures
Pure Salt Interiors – Vanessa Lentine Photography
My go-to tip for choosing blue paint: If you’re unsure, start with a soft blue-gray — it’s the most versatile and forgiving option.
Julie Howard for Timber Trails – pendant lights – counter stools – island color is Benjamin Moore James River Gray
Final Thoughts
Blue is one of those colors that truly works in every home. Whether you prefer light and breezy or rich and dramatic, there’s a perfect shade out there for you.
If you’re dreaming of a home refresh, these popular blue paint colors are a beautiful place to start.
Benjamin Moore Breath of Fresh Air – Counter Stools
I hope you found this post helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions about choosing the perfect blue paint color for your home. Have a wonderful day! xo Jane
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