{"id":2652,"date":"2021-08-24T07:00:04","date_gmt":"2021-08-24T07:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2652"},"modified":"2026-02-27T14:52:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:52:59","slug":"decorating-with-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk\/blog\/decorating-with-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Expert Guide to Decorating with Blues"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Blue is one of the most refreshing and soothing colours out there. It has long been associated with tranquility and calmness \u2013 which is exactly what many of us need when life feels too busy or overwhelming! But with so many shades to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to decorating with blues.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In today\u2019s blog, we\u2019re sharing our expert advice on choosing the perfect shade, along with some blue interior design tips and tricks to help you bring this uplifting shade into your own home.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to choose the perfect shade of blue<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From the softest wash of smoke to the inky depths of indigo, there are endless shades of blue to choose from \u2013 so how do you choose the perfect tone for your space? Here\u2019s a closer look at our most loved blue colourways to help you get started:<\/span><\/p>\n

Smoke<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Definition<\/b>: A soft-mid blue with a gentle green undertone that feels sophisticated and calming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for<\/b>: Curtains, blinds, and upholstery in living rooms or open-plan spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our bestselling smoke fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Lapland Stripe in Duck Egg, Smoke & Peach<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Fern & Dragonfly in Smoke<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Up the Garden Path in Smoke<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Suggested coordinating fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Wild Fern in Peach<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Little Fern in Ochre<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Dotty Check in Cloud, Light Indigo & Moss<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Duck egg<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Striped<\/p>\n

Definition<\/b>: A timeless blend of blue, green, and grey that is balanced and easy on the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for<\/b>: Curtains and Roman blinds in busy kitchens and living rooms where you want a soothing backdrop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our bestselling duck egg fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Cow Parsley in Cornflower & Duck Egg<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Acorn & Leaf in Duck Egg<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>French Ticking in Duck Egg & Denim<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suggested coordinating fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Up the Garden Path in Day Lily<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Plain Linen Union in Cornflower<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Wild Fern in Ochre<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Definition<\/b>: A deeper blue-green that combines strength with softness and creates depth without any heaviness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for<\/b>: Upholstery, curtains, or feature blinds in living rooms and office spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our bestselling teal fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Life & Eternity Detail in Teal<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Stockholm Stripe in Teal, Tomato & Winter<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Cow Parsley in Teal & Pigeon<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suggested coordinating fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Plain Linen Union in Tomato<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Pretty Maids in Lime, Teal & Winter<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Sunflower in Moss<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Powder blue
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\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Definition<\/b>: A warmer, gentler blue that feels light, uplifting, and comforting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for<\/b>: Bedroom curtains and soft furnishings where you want to enhance the natural light and create a tranquil mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our bestselling powder blue fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Fruit Garden in Powder Blue, Pigeon & Charcoal<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Pretty Maids in Powder Blue & Winter<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suggested coordinating fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Plain Linen Union in Straw<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Little Fern in Charcoal<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Up the Garden Path in Pigeon<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cornflower<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Definition<\/b>: A denim-like blue that feels easy going and timeless.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for<\/b>: Living rooms and bedrooms where you want a more relaxed backdrop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our bestselling cornflower fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Lapland Stripe in Cornflower, Terracotta & Damask<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Plain Dotty in Cornflower<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Little Fern in Cornflower<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suggested coordinating fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Little Fern in Peach<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>May Blossom in Light Peach & Charcoal<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indigo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Patterned<\/p>\n

Definition<\/b>: A deeper, slightly warmer blue that brings richness and depth to a room without feeling overpowering.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for<\/b>: Statement headboards or curtains, particularly when softened with moss greens or gentle pinks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our bestselling indigo fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Japonica in Indigo<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Berries & Leaves in Cloud & Light Indigo<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Sunflower Detail in Light Indigo, Cloud & Soft Raspberry<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Plain Linen Union in Indigo<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Suggested coordinating fabrics<\/b>: <\/span>Dotty Check in Cloud, Light Indigo & Soft Raspberry<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Lattice Leaf in Lily Pink & Mallow<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Sunflower Detail in Light Indigo, Cloud & Moss<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our blue interior design tips & tricks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve chosen your perfect tone, it\u2019s time to start decorating! Here are our expert tips and tricks for decorating with blues:<\/span><\/p>\n

Warm it up with contrasting colours<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Why not elevate your chosen shade of blue with a contrasting colour? Cooler blues such as cornflower or indigo come alive when paired with raspberry, terracotta, or saffron, while softer\u00a0 tones like smoke and duck egg feel beautifully balanced with moss green or peach. Use these warmer accent colours on your cushions or lampshades to prevent the blue from feeling too cool and to add depth and character to your scheme.<\/span><\/p>\n

Play with depth, not just contrast<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019d rather not introduce a contrasting colour, you could simply experiment with layering different depths of blue within the same scheme. For example, you could pair a lighter powder blue or duck egg blind with deeper indigo cushions for a subtle, tonal look that feels cohesive and considered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduce natural textures<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Blue really stands out when balanced with natural materials. Woven baskets, wooden furniture, stone floors, and natural linen fabrics all help to soften blue\u2019s cooler qualities and add warmth to your space without the need for a bold colour contrast.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bring a little calm into your home with Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We\u2019re proud to offer a fantastic selection of blue fabrics to help you bring this calming, soothing colour into your own home. From big statement prints to subtle dotty patterns, our unique nature-inspired designs make for the perfect curtains, blinds, cushions, upholstery, and much more!<\/span><\/p>\n

Browse our collection of <\/span>blue fabrics<\/span><\/a> and get ready to spruce up your space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Or check out our other decorating guides for further inspiration:<\/span><\/p>\n