List of Blue Shades

Ice Blue

• Ice blue is one of the softest shades of blue. Because it's such a pale color, it reflects the light well and is ideal for visually expanding a smaller room. The color can vary in depth, with some ice blue shades seeming to have a white base and a slight blue tint, while others contain more blue and just enough white to lighten the overall shade. Ice blue is a good choice for a nursery or bedroom because it is relaxing but it also acts as a foil for bright primary color accents, such as a collection of stuffed animals.

Robin’s Egg

• Robin’s egg is a light, pastel shade of blue that's often associated with baby boys or Easter decorations. It's a deeper shade than ice blue but still light enough for smaller spaces such as a bathroom. Robin’s egg is also an ideal color for a bedroom because it can have a soothing effect and create a calm atmosphere. In a child's room, continue robin's egg blue walls up over the ceiling and sponge on huge puffy white clouds to create a sky.

Slate Blue

• Slate is a darker shade of blue that contains gray undertones. It has a rich look that can add a dramatic air to a room. Because it's such a dark color, it usually works best in a larger space such as a living or dining room. However, the gray tones in slate blue allow it to serve as a neutral shade of sorts, so you can pair it with many different colors, including cream, yellow and red.

Cobalt

• For a deep, rich blue shade with cool undertones, cobalt is an ideal option. It has a brighter look than slate blue but is also fairly dark. It can be theatrical in a larger room or serve as an attractive accent wall in a smaller space. Painting your ceiling cobalt blue can also create an interesting, more intimate effect in a room with high ceilings. Pair cobalt blue with a variety of colors, including cream, yellow and chocolate brown. Try a surprising combination and add touches of citron or chartreuse to a cobalt room.

Navy

• For a formal, stately look, navy blue is an ideal option. It's a very dark shade of blue that leans toward black, so it may close in the walls in a smaller room. In a larger space, however, it can create a very grand, dignified look. It's an especially attractive color for a dining or living room. Navy may be paired with red or yellow accents for added dimension. Adding white trim to navy gives a room a nautical cast -- stick with natural wood trim if you aren't aiming to evoke ships and the sea.

Turquoise

• If you're hunting for a bright, fun shade of blue, turquoise may be right up your alley. Turquoise is a mid-tone blue that contains slight green undertones. Unlike other blues that feature a more sedate, calming effect, turquoise is an invigorating color. It can vary in intensity but usually creates a bright, cheerful vibe. When paired with white trim, moldings and woodwork, turquoise gives a space a bright, fresh look. Contrast it with any orange tone for instant southwestern decor.