It’s official — navy blue decor is back in our baskets. I love it because it has the same darkness as its gothy sister black, but its gorgeous sheen makes it shine against other colors without overpowering them.
If you’re less of a pastels gal and more of a darker shades babe, you’ll be pleased to hear that navy blue is back for this season. Ocean hues are going to be making serious waves this spring, with blues and greens all set to look swimmingly stunning in your interior.
The beauty of navy blue is that it’s timeless and versatile, too. I use lots of navy blue textures and touches in my bathroom to complement the shells and driftwood I have in there. But recently, I’ve been throwing it into the bedroom to add color contrast to my layers and layers of blankets and cushions. Whatever your style, there’s just so much scope to make it your own.
What’s also great about navy blue is that it helps make smaller spaces feel bigger because of how much depth it has. If you’re setting up your first apartment, navy blue is a great base color to decorate around.
Ready to show your ocean devotion? I’ve put together five handy tips for bringing it into your home and rounded up some gorgeous interior picks to get you started. And if you absolutely adore the shade, check out these blue decor ideas for even more inspo.
How to style navy blue decor in your home
Looking to join the navy blue crew? It’s a beautiful shade, but it can be tricky to style. Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to bring the color into your home…
1. Don’t drench the space
Okay, so just like me, you may have fallen in love with navy blue. But, if you completely cover the space in it, you’ll end up with a room that feels way too cold and welcoming due to the dark nature of it. Instead, bring it in with small doses, such as with vases, pillows, and throws, and take a step back each time and see if the pieces are working harmoniously.
2. Match with other jewel-toned colors
Sapphire and navy blue look even more dazzling when paired with other colors that are just as rich and beautiful. Topaz mustards, amethyst purples, and emerald greens are all brilliant shades for making a vibrant impact. Having a mix of deep shades together will elevate your pad’s decor and create a modern luxurious look.
3. Bring it into the bedroom
At the end of the day, you want to catch some Zs in the most chill way possible. Blue is known for being a calming color, which is why incorporating it into the bedroom is a fab idea. Navy blue looks so satisfyingly smart when paired with white bedding. Complement your interior with some matching ocean sounds, and you’re in for a dreamy night’s sleep.
4. Contrast with neutrals
For a softer way to break up blocks of navy blue, neutrals such as beige and creas are the way to go. Layer them together and you’ll get subtle beachy, summery vibes. Textured neutrals are an especially gorgeous way to do this. Think of using knitted, waffle, and bouclé, which all give these midnight shades much more depth.
5. Finish with metallic touches
For a subtle shimmer alongside navy blue, golds and silvers are the way to go. Look for navy blue furnishings with these accent colors built in already and you'll save yourself buying multiple pieces. Or if you’re in a rental or small space where you’re allowed to change hardware, navy blue doors with gold or silver handles are simple but chic ways to bring them into your home.
6 beautiful navy blue decor buys
$16.99
Diamonds are forever...well, they defo are when decorating with a cozy blanket like this, which is a total style staple. Add a bold pop of navy with this fuzzy throw that will keep you super snug and your living room looking super sophisticated.
$32
If this frame was a body of water, I’d be diving straight in. The different shades of blue swirled into the pattern of this frame are just delicious. I also love the chunky gold border around the picture box that finishes it off perfectly.
$10
Who doesn’t love a gorgeous candle? They’re so cute and are such an easy way to add color to the space, too. It’s even birchwood and coconut scented — beautifully beachy, just like the blue.
$17.88
Runner rugs are a fab way to splash color in narrow spaces. The nautical knot-style pattern stretches the whole length of the fabric. Spread out in the right area, this piece can make a space appear bigger than it is.
$16.99
The strip of gold running down the middle of these cushion covers is the perfect metallic touch. The diagonal lines of the navy blue fabric also focus the eye on the cushion and the area its placed. Clever!
$40.99
I love pieces that remind me of traveling, and this Moroccan-style lantern does just that. This would look super gorgeous on a nightstand or on a coffee table. Glow baby, glow.
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Hi there! I’m the former content editor at Real Homes and I'm now a freelance journalist.. I've been a lifestyle journalist for over five years, previously working as an editor across regional magazines. Before this, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University a degree in journalism, along with an NCTJ gold diploma. For Real Homes, I specialized in interior design, trends and finding the best viral buys.