Accenting a Cobalt Blue Wall

Color

• Cobalt blue is a bright, pure color that can seem harsh on its own. Soften it by adding complementary colors. Crisp white or soft gray trim, upholstery or window coverings will accent a cobalt blue wall. To create a unified look, use a monochromatic color theme, selecting two lighter shades of blue for furnishings and trim. For a burst of color that accents a cobalt blue wall, add a few bright yellow decorations, such as one throw pillow or a flower arrangement with bright yellow flowers. Use yellow sparingly, though, or it becomes jarring.

Uniformity

• Add a few other cobalt blue accents throughout the room to accent the blue wall and create a cohesive, flowing feeling. Blue throw pillows, picture frames or hardware on furniture add a punch of color that ties the room together. A large piece of art that features cobalt blue works well.

Texture

• Because cobalt blue is such a saturated color, it can become too intense to the eye. When using it as an accent in the room, do not use solid blue. Rather, select upholstery or draperies with a print or texture, such as plaid, paisley or stripes. This approach accents the wall but provides some visual interest to the room.

Placement

• Dark colors like cobalt blue make walls seem closer and rooms seem smaller. Neutral, light colors have an expansive quality. Select a far, narrow wall to paint cobalt blue, and paint long walls a complementary neutral. Painting a narrow wall at the end of the room will focus the eye on the color while making it seem closer. Keep in mind the natural light in the room. A room with small windows and a northern exposure will likely seem oppressive with a cobalt blue color scheme. On the other hand, if you have ceiling-to-floor windows and a bright southern exposure, cobalt blue may seem bright and cheery.