The Transformative Power of Navy Blue Paint

Blue décor is having a moment, and rightly so. Blue is so versatile it works anywhere in the home, spanning a huge range from soft, light blues like sky or duck egg to deep, dark blues like navy or indigo. There's a whole spectrum to choose from, but right now it's dark navy that's making an impact.

How you use navy, and the colours you pair it with, will create very different moods. Navy can feel highly traditional or, at the other extreme, sleek and cool. Decide on the effect you want, then try a few blue testers to see which shades make your wishlist.

Traditional style

Did you know dark navy was once the preserve of the wealthy, even royalty? The pigment was extremely rare, used in stately homes to signal wealth and status. Today you don't need a title to use dark blue, but you can still use it to turn a living space into a sophisticated, dignified room.

Set gold or brass accessories against navy walls for a sense of luxury; the soft sheen of these metals against a flat matt blue wall makes an opulent impact. Flat matt emulsion is recommended for deep, dark colours like this (rather than silk emulsion) because it disguises imperfections in the wall.

Coastal chic

Nothing says nautical like navy and white, a classic coastal pairing. White cabinetry, ceilings, shelving and skirting offset dark navy walls perfectly for a clean, crisp look. The picture below uses the scheme in reverse to amazing effect, with navy on the units and doors and a white sink, appliances, accessories and window frames as the contrast. It can look incredibly calming, and pale wood flooring and furnishings complete the beach-house vibe; if that's your thing, navy and white is the way to go.

A dramatic look

Dark navy can be totally enveloping, which may sound daunting to some and thrilling to others. Embrace it and create a room that's dramatic and intense. Using a deep, dark blue on both ceiling and walls merges the two, blurring where the wall ends and the ceiling begins, so the room feels like a cosy cocoon, wonderful for a snug or living room. A top tip is to experiment with lighting in dark rooms; simply swapping bulbs changes the ambience.

Which colours work well with navy?

The obvious one is white, for a clean, contemporary scheme. But navy also works with lighter blues, duck egg, sky blue or a light teal, for a calming, serene feel.

Navy with grey looks very sophisticated, again it's that dark-with-light contrast. A navy bathroom is one for the wishlist, paired with light grey accessories for a smart, sleek look that nods to the ocean, try grey radiators, tiles or laminate flooring, soft furnishings and storage boxes.

Inky navy also works beautifully with dark wood and brass, that traditional, opulent scheme dating back centuries, and it makes a great backdrop for an impressive artwork; use matt emulsion for a flat yet colour-rich finish, and add marble or gold to heighten the luxury. Pale greens pair with navy for a natural feel, echoing land and sky, grass and sea, for an air of relaxation and familiarity; navy and sage is a great kitchen combination, and it's worth noting Mylands paints are incredibly durable, easy-care and washable, so they last well in busy rooms. For striking contrast, inject bright pink or emerald green, whose bold hues leap out against navy, a bright pink armchair or a green wardrobe, just enough to make a vibrant statement against the soft sheen of dark surroundings.

Is navy the dark blue for you?

Bond Street™ No.219: with a name like Bond Street, you'd expect this to be sophisticated, and it is, strong and so dark it's almost black, working wonderfully as furniture paint on cabinetry; teamed with white walls, kitchen cabinets in Bond Street™ No.219 look sleek and modern.

Observatory™ No.34: this deep, intense indigo is inspired by the night sky and really makes an impact, creating a wonderfully enveloping mood for a lounge or bedroom, a unique mix of violet, dark blue and a touch of black; it would make an interesting alternative to black on a front door too, in an exterior wood eggshell finish for the best effect.

Mayfair Dark™ No.218: a rich navy, interestingly with a red undertone, that can be used to amazing dramatic effect; for a calmer vibe, pair it with white or a chalky, warmer white. Blue is said to aid concentration, so this navy could suit a home office or child's bedroom; it also makes a big impact in the garden, on fences or railings, a relatively simple DIY that transforms an outdoor space, with plants popping against the dark navy.

Maritime™ No.236: this marine blue was inspired by the colours of Regent's Park lake, not pale tropical turquoise but the slightly stormy tones of British waters, dark and intense.

Proper Blue™ No.67: vibrant and lively, bringing wonderful energy to a space, a deep cobalt of violet, green and a little black, reminiscent of the ocean's mix of blue, green and dark grey; it works wonderfully as furniture paint on this staircase, bringing the passageway to life.

FTT-018™: this ultramarine is bold, bright and vivid, really eye-catching, bringing strength and energy to its zone and providing real contrast alongside more neutral tones.

Dark navy paint can transform a room, whether you want calm and serene, cosy and enveloping, or dramatic and enticing, navy has the power to bring that feeling to your space. Order sample pots and trial the paint on cabinets, walls and ceilings to find your blue. Need help choosing? Check out Mylands' advice section to learn all about finishes, undercoat, woodcare, varnish, primer, product details and more.