Navy blue is a deeply rich, sophisticated shade that is incredibly easy to coordinate with. Red and white are the most usual companions for navy, but there are other colors that work, too.
Colors that go with blue, or in fact any other color, will always be limited by the tone that you pick, hence why we're looking more closely at a particular shade of blue: namely, navy. Decorating with blue of all tones, however, offers you plenty of color combinations to try, whether you're using the navy as the principal shade or as an accent color.
Below, we've talked to color experts for their take on which colors to match with navy blue.
What colors go with navy blue?
Using the color wheel is the easiest way to define the best colors that go with navy blue, but our experts can help you find ideal matches, too.
1. Navy blue and dark brown
Decorating with brown, particularly deep, dark shades, is having a moment, but brown room ideas do need a contrast, which a vibrant navy blue can offer.
'Navy blue, a favorite of artists and ceramicists for centuries, is such a great choice for interiors due to its sheer intensity, brightening even darker spaces with its visual design punch,' says Robert Whitaker, creative director, Claybrook.
'The shade pairs well with lighter hues for a sense of Riviera chic, or partnered with rich chocolates it creates a beautiful tonal balance, like the breakfast nook pictured.’
2. Navy blue and monochromes
Navy blue is the perfect match for enlivening otherwise monochromatic schemes.
‘The blue cabinetry found in my family kitchen brings energy into the space,' says Suzy Hoodless, founder, Suzy Hoodless Interiors. 'It was inspired by the shades of blue used by Yves Klein and at Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Jardin Majorelle and is complemented by a much-admired, contemporary yet timeless stone floor.’
3. Navy blue and turquoise
Color-drenching is a great way to create an impactful space, though it needn't be monotone. Instead, think about layering tones of the same color, even if subtly, as in this entryway above, which has a smattering of turquoise amongst the navy.
‘I wanted to make a bold statement in this entrance hall and chose the Ressource Peintures Yves Klein blue – it is deep and has a warm tone to it,' says Vanessa Faivre, interior designer. 'The living room is very neutral, so the blue entrance, which you see from the living room, creates a great contrast.’
4. Navy blue and green
What colors go with green? Navy blue. What colors go with sage green? Same answer. So if you are considering decorating with green or looking at green room ideas, include navy in the mix for a space that packs a punch.
‘The electric blue of these backsplash tiles has a wonderful vibrancy to it which is the perfect pick-me-up first thing in the morning,' says Brooke Copp-Barton, founder, Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors. 'Pairing these with the green Santana tiles in the shower further energizes the space – it just so happens to be one of my favorite color combinations.’
5. Navy blue and pink
Decorating with pink needn't be limited to gender-specific spaces; we love pink across the whole home, especially paler shades, which can be incredibly warm and elegant. Pink, however, does require a grownup shade to pair with, namely navy blue.
'The vivid blue background to this installation of our hand-painted Houghton Chinoiserie wallpaper evokes the splendid tones that would have illuminated the first rooms of Chinese wallpapers that so delighted 17th Century Europeans – a striking recreation of historical beauty,’ says Hannah Cecil Gurney, director, De Gournay.
6. Navy blue and beige
'Whether you're decorating with beige across a whole room or looking for accent colors for beige, and want to keep the space looking smart and restful (perhaps you're hunting down beige bedroom ideas), why not match it with navy blue?' says Jo Bailey, Editor, Homes & Gardens magazine.
'We chose a neutral linen wallpaper to act as a backdrop against the scalloped headboard of the bed in this principal bedroom. The darker putty shade makes the headboard pop and removes the need for artwork,' says Louise Wicksteed, Creative Director, Sims Hilditch.
'Meanwhile the navy of the bedspread and bedside table anchor the scheme, amplifying its grownup appeal,' says Jo.
7. Navy blue and orange
'Decorating with orange is a bold choice but it needs a counter-color to make it feel sophisticated; one of the best colors that go with orange to achieve this is navy blue,' says Jen Ebert, Digital Editor, Homes & Gardens.
'That said, I would avoid putting them into a scheme in equal proportions as they're both really strong shades; instead, allow one of the shades to be dominant, and use the other as a secondary shade, as successfully achieved in the room above.'
FAQs
What pastel colors go with navy blue?
All pastel colors go with navy blue. If you're looking for pastel room ideas but want to balance the pale, romantic shades with one that's stronger and more grown up, use navy. We think navy blue is a particularly good match for pastel pink, pastel blue and pastel green, though you would want to use the latter two in sunny rooms that get lots of daylight to ensure it feels warm.
Does gray go with navy blue?
If you think of traditional men's work suits, gray and navy are a classic combination, so yes, gray does go with navy blue. However, this is a no-nonsense color combination that can be a little severe in many settings, if you're decorating with gray and adding navy blue to the mix, be sure to include plenty of natural textures, cushioned upholstery and detailing to soften the scheme.
When considering colors that go with navy blue, think: do I want the room to feel vibrant and lively or smart and elegant? If the first, put colors with the navy that are warmer and lighter, such as orange, red and pink ; if the latter, choose color companions that can match the strength of the navy but which are cooler, whether brilliant white, dove gray or even black.
