Classy and calming with just the right amount of drama, navy blue has long made its way into coastal and nautical-styled homes. What makes this color exceptional though, is its ability to look traditional, retro, or even contemporary when you need it to. Aside from being compatible with a variety of interior styles, this deep blue shade also pairs well with many colors, from neutrals to bright tones. Therefore, there's no need to swap out your furniture to achieve a visually pleasing result.
Whether you're looking to refresh your dining room, design a luxurious bathroom, or add a pop of creativity to a bedroom, a fresh coat of navy paint on a feature wall is a surefire way to do so. To inspire you, we've put together some stunning designer-approved ideas, plus more details on the colors that go with it and the many things you can do with a navy accent wall.
Incorporate Metallic Accents
To achieve a luxurious and elegant vibe in your living space, incorporate metallic accents with your navy accent wall. Ideal for rooms like the modern bathroom or dining area, this style blends well with brass or gold hardware, lighting fixtures, and decorative accessories. In the image, a marble countertop bathroom features black and gold accents against the navy wall, creating a stunning visual contrast.
Layer Textures
Enhance the visual appeal of your navy accent wall by mixing various textures in children's bedrooms or playrooms. This idea is perfect for creative, space-themed interiors where you can combine materials like wood, fabric, metal, or textured wallpaper. The photo showcases a bedroom adorned with space-themed decorations, adding depth and interest to the room while maintaining a cohesive color scheme.
Use Complementary Colors
Create visual harmony in living rooms or lounges by choosing complementary colors like mustard, coral, or blush to partner with the navy accent wall. Introduce these pops of color through accessories, soft furnishings, or artwork. In the image, a stylish living room with blue walls and white furniture demonstrates an ideal balance of complementary and contrasting colors.
Add Pops of White
In traditional or coastal-inspired interiors, a kitchen or bedroom with a navy accent wall benefits from crisp white elements as contrasting features. Incorporate white trim, furniture or bedding to create a classic, clean contrast. The image shows a cozy baby room with a pristine white cot bed against the navy wall, exemplifying this classic color pairing.
Experiment with Patterns
Introduce patterned wallpaper or stencil designs to bring visual interest to your navy accent wall. Depending on your aesthetic preference, opt for geometric shapes for a modern look, or floral motifs for a traditional feel. The image showcases a cozy bedroom with blue walls featuring bird wallpaper, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Create a Gallery Wall
Elevate a navy accent wall by incorporating a gallery wall of art or framed photographs in your living room or den. Emphasize a cohesive color scheme by mixing frame styles and sizes. The image displays a gallery wall with framed pictures hanging against a navy backdrop, adding personality and depth to the room.
Install Open Shelving
Transform a navy accent wall into a functional focal point by installing open shelving in living rooms or studies. Choose light wood or white shelving material for visual contrast. In the image, a cozy living room with open wooden shelves against the navy wall provides stylish storage while displaying decorative items.
Utilize Vertical Space
For a visual interest that draws the eye upward, opt for floor-to-ceiling navy curtains or tall bookshelves in your living room or home library. This approach creates the illusion of a larger room. The image shows a sophisticated living room with a tall blue bookcase, demonstrating the effect of utilizing vertical space against a navy backdrop.
Incorporate Greenery
Create a lush, vibrant atmosphere in your living room or home office by incorporating green plants against a navy wall. Use a mix of large and small plants in decorative pots to achieve a layered look. In the photo, a living room boasts an abundance of greenery, bringing life and color to the space.
Opt for a Minimalist Look
Emphasize the impact of a navy accent wall by keeping décor minimal in your bedroom or guest room. Use only a few statement pieces and maintain a clean, uncluttered space. The image highlights a minimalist bedroom with only essential furnishings, showcasing the navy wall as the room's dominant feature.
Integrate a Chalkboard Wall
To encourage creativity and unique expression, turn a navy accent wall into a chalkboard using navy chalkboard paint. Ideal for kitchens, home offices, or children's rooms, this interactive touch complements a range of styles. In the photo, the wall is adorned with framed pictures, providing an engaging backdrop for a cozy living room setting.
Mix Warm and Cool Tones
Balance the navy accent wall's cool tone with warm touches, such as walnut furniture or terracotta decor. Perfect for living rooms or bedrooms, this contrasting mix will create a cozy atmosphere. The photo shows a living room with warm wooden floors, a wooden table, and inviting plant decor complementing the cool blue walls.
Use Mirrors to Reflect Light
Enhance your navy accent wall by hanging mirrors to reflect light and create a spacious feeling in any room. Opt for frames that suit your overall design and color scheme. The living room in the photo features a modern monochromatic style, with blue walls and white furniture, enhanced by the addition of mirrored wall décor.
Incorporate Vintage Elements
Elevate the navy accent wall with vintage or antique furniture for a timeless, sophisticated look. Ideal for living and dining rooms, select pieces rich in history and character for added charm. In the photo, an elegant dining room showcases the navy wall paired with a wooden table, vintage fireplace, and thoughtful décor.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Design a cozy reading nook against a navy accent wall by adding a comfortable chair, side table, and floor lamp. Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, this inviting spot promotes relaxation. In the photo, the living room's sofa and cushioned armchair are nestled against a dark blue wall, creating a thoughtfully curated reading space.
Experiment with Stripes
Make a bold statement on your navy accent wall with horizontal or vertical stripes in a contrasting color like white. Ideal for living rooms, use painter's tape to achieve clean lines. The photo highlights a charming living room with blue and white striped wallpaper complementing the overall cozy atmosphere.
Opt for a Monochromatic Scheme
Create a cohesive environment with various shades of blue throughout the room. Perfect for living rooms or bedrooms, this monochromatic scheme pairs well with the navy accent wall. The photo showcases a stunning living room with different shades of blue in artwork, upholstery, and accessories for a soothing atmosphere.
Illuminate with Mood Lighting
Install mood lighting such as sconces or pendant lights near the navy accent wall for a warm, inviting atmosphere. Select fixtures that complement the room's overall style. In the photo, a modern bedroom with blue walls features pendant lights, providing soft illumination and enhancing the room's cozy ambiance.
Use Wallpaper for a Bold Statement
Transform the navy accent wall with bold, patterned wallpaper, complementing the room's décor and creating a high-impact look. The photo displays a boy's bedroom featuring a space-themed blue wall adorned with stars, tying together the room's overall design and color palette.
Incorporate an Ombre Effect
Achieve a striking effect on your navy accent wall by painting it with an ombre technique, darkening from bottom to top. Ideal for bedrooms or living rooms, this technique adds visual depth and dimension. In the example photo, a cozy living space boasts a blue and white ombre wall as a unique and eye-catching backdrop.
Caroline Patterson
Caroline is a young, New York-based interior designer and home decor writer, obsessed with textiles and designer furniture. Backed with rigorous training from a prestigious design school, as well as a profound understanding of material quality and fabric care, she offers spot-on advice on how to furnish your place with reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.
