From complementary colors to suave neutrals, here are the best hues to pair with navy blue (2024)

Navy blue ushers in a sense of modest luxury in any space. It’s a deep, rich hue that has become a staple in many interior designs. But what colors go with navy blue? How can you make the perfect navy blue palette? Fortunately, we have some stunning color suggestions to help you create a gorgeous navy blue palette.

Classic colors that go with navy blue

Some colors are just meant to be in the same palettes. When you’re looking for the perfect hues to pair with navy blue, you can’t go wrong with these classics.

Timeless white

White is one of the most popular colors paired with navy blue. It’s a timeless color that makes a great base or backdrop for a navy blue palette. Brighter white tones offset the dark and moody allure of navy blue while uplifting the space so that the room feels fresh and sensible. White is also perfect for modern palettes as it provides a sense of simplicity.

• In the kitchen: Pair navy blue kitchen cabinets with a white backsplash and quartz countertops.
• In the living room: Go bold with navy blue walls or an accent wall, and use white rugs or furniture to complete your design. Or, opt for an all-white aesthetic with a navy blue sofa or accent pieces.
• In the bedroom: Use navy blue on the curtains and bedding with a classic white wall as the base of your palette.

Burnt orange

Orange and yellow are opposite blue on the color wheel, making them complementary colors to navy blue. Burnt orange, in particular, looks gorgeous with navy blue. It’s a fun pop of color that helps add a bold flair to the space.

• In the living room: Place burnt orange accent chairs against a navy blue wall or backdrop for the best effect.
• In the dining room: Navy blue walls with an orange-wood dining table look great. Alternatively, sprinkle orange throughout the space with wall decor or a patterned rug.

Canary yellow

Canary yellow isn’t as bold or fiery as burnt orange. Instead, it offers a gentler, cottagecore aesthetic that many homeowners adore.

• In the kitchen: Canary yellow cabinets with navy blue accents are a go-to for cottage or French country colorpalettes. If you want more blue in your design, consider using this tip in reverse with navy cabinetry instead.
• In the bathroom: Paint your bathroom walls navy blue to create a moody look. Pair this with a painted yellow vanity for a quaint and lighthearted feel in your space.

Glittering gold

Gold and navy blue look luxe. If you crave a vintage or opulent design aesthetic in your home, you’ll want to consider this pairing. Navy blue walls with gold accents exude luxury.

• In the home office: Add gold framed photos or paintings on a gallery wall to add a rich look to a navy blue backdrop. Pair this with gold light fixtures or decor for a regal aesthetic.
• In the dining room: Gold metallics are fit for a navy blue dining room. Consider updating light fixtures, wall decor, seating, and storage hardware. A gold bar cart can also enhance the space.

Calming colors that boost a navy blue palette

Some homeowners worry that the classic navy blue color palette pairings will feel outdated in more modern designs. Additionally, it can be tricky to pair navy blue with colors like orange or yellow and pull off a chic, classic look.

So, here are some more subtle, calming tones you can add to a navy blue palette.

Soft cream

If you want a muted, gentle color palette, add soft cream tones to your design. Cream colors are the perfect neutral for homeowners who may not have the interior design “green thumb” but crave a magazine cover look in their homes.

• In the living room: Soften the look of bold navy blue with a cream or beige sofa and armchairs. Pair this with a neutral-toned rug and some light wood side tables. Be sure to sprinkle more navy blue decor throughout the space.
• In the laundry room: Use navy blue as an accent in your laundry room via a single accent wall or through decor. Use cream on other walls or wooden organizational units.

Warm brown

Another fantastic neutral to help calm the look of navy blue in your home is warm brown tones. Brown can make your room appear more luxurious and vintage or offer a more modern touch to your design. Just be sure to vary your brown tones. Avoid anything too dark or with cool undertones, which would make your space feel flat.

• In the home office: Leather chairs and a dark wood desk can create the perfect vintage luxe look in a navy blue home office.
• In the bedroom: If you’re working with a navy blue bedroom, add some wood tones to the space to give it a more organic look. Avoid anything too dark, and focus on warming up your navy backdrop.

Sky blue

Monochromatic palettes are trending, and many designers use them to capture a specific feeling associated with a color. For example, blue is a calming hue. By creating a monochromatic blue color palette, you can curate a space that feels relaxing and rejuvenating.

• In the bathroom: With a navy blue backdrop, accent sky blue throughout your space through the vanity and decor.
• In the kitchen: Pair navy blue walls with sky blue cabinets or vice versa. Blend a third blue color in a medium shade to strike a balance between navy and sky blue.

Using navy blue in your palette is a great way to create a classic home design. Navy blue is regal, calming, and timeless. Pair these colors in your navy blue palette to create the perfect space.