How to leverage the navy trend into your home decor
In case you haven’t noticed, navy is one of the hottest colors today. Yes,I recognize the irony in that statement as navy is a cool toned color. It’s been rapidly rising in popularity. In fact, when it comes to area rugs, navy the 2nd most popular color, after gray. Navy goes really well with 2 other trending colors – gray (for walls and sometimes floors) and dark hardwood flooring.
Navy is really is both a trending and classic color. It denotes elegance and sophistication. Navy can create a focal point for the room. Navy is a powerful color that adds drama and visual intrigue to a room. It really makes a statement. And, navy works with so many decor styles.
While I love navy, it is a dark color, so often it works best in moderation or even as an accent color. Below I’m going to share 10 ways to incorporate navy into your home decor.
Please note that this article has affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
Advantages of decorating with navy
1. Navy is trending…and that’s important because when a color is trending, designers make lots of fabrics and accessories in that color. So, you have lots to choose from…and in all price ranges.
2. Navy goes with gray (as well as griege) which is super popular for paint and flooring selections (especially tile).
3. Navy goes with most shades of hardwood floors, especially very dark and very light floors (the 2 most popular shades). And, it also goes very well with gray hardwood floors.
4. Navy blue, coupled with white molding, gives a clean and crisp look. The navy contrasts well with the white base molding, as well as wainscoting, chair rails and crown molding. And, if you are afraid that navy may be too overpowering for a room, consider adding white wainscoting and/or just using navy on an accent wall. Navy also looks amazing with coffered ceilings.
5. Navy goes super well with brushed nickel, as well as golds. In fact it’s one of those universal colors that goes well with almost all types of metal hardware.
10 Ways to Decorate with Navy
Please note that most of these images are clickable. If you click on them, you can learn more about the sizes, materials and prices. And, of course, you can buy the online.
1. Navy paint
Navy looks striking on the walls. I would have to say that my favorite shade of navy is Sherwin William’s Commodore (SW6524). I love this because it’s a deep color but still has some blue in it and isn’t too dark.
Here are several amazing navy shades that will give you a rich and sophisticated look. Be sure to test them on your walls (purchase some samples which often just cost around $7) to make sure you love it. Make sure it’s the right shade…and that it’s not too dark…even at night. All of these are great choices.
Benjamin Moore:
New York State of Mind 805- Kensington Blue 840
- Van Deusen blue HC-156
- Newburyport blue HC-155
- Hale Navy HC-154
New York State of Mind 805
Sherwin Williams
- Indigo 6531
- Commodore SW6524
- Honorable Blue SW6811
- Dress blues SW9176
- Naval SW6244
Navy is a strong color so it can overwhelm small spaces and make them even smaller. Sometimes navy works better when you have white wainscoting on lower half of wall, or if you add a chair rail and then just do navy on the upper or lower part of the wall. Or, navy is an excellent accent color wall, especially if you have white or gray on the other 3 walls.
Paint Samples
Now, let’s talk about samples…
It’s always best to test the paint colors in you own home and own lighting. The colors do look different pending your lighting and can even look different room to room.
You can definitely go to your local painting store to buy some samples (and a brush…be sure to paint with 2 coats), but I have a MUCH EASIER way for you. Check out SAMPLIZE.
Samplize offers 12” x 12” peel and stick paint samples that are EASIER, AFFORDABLE and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
Here are a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients:
- Samples come right to YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, pending on location
- At $5.95, they’re more affordable than the samples/brushes/foam boards than traditional samples…and of course easier and way less messy
- If you keep the samples on the white paper, you can move them from wall to wall and room to room
They are amazingly accurate as they are made with 2 coats of real paint, so they are color correct.
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE.
Here are some painting tools that may come in handy if you’re going to do the painting yourself. Also, be sure to check out my article on the Top 10 DIY Painting mistakes and how to avoid them. The products below can be found on Amazon and delivered straight to your door.
- Painting brush – this one costs a bit more, but it’s totally worth it. It will help you paint faster and more accurately. If you’re going to paint yourself, don’t skimp here. Incidentally, this is Amazon’s Choice as well.
- Painter’s tape – a must have. Use for all the trim as well as ceiling area
- Paint roller kit – this includes a tray. Use the brush for the edges and the roller for main areas of the wall (and ceiling).
- Drop cloths – Yes, you’ll need them for sure. Some people have some on hand, but often not enough if you are doing many rooms.
2. Navy area rugs
Navy area rugs have become so popular. They go so well with hardwood flooring and gray walls. Here are a few of my favorites. These are from Amazon, so they are super reasonably priced You can just click on them to find out more info about them.
And, here are a few great choices from Wayfair and Overstock
Related articles:
- Where to buy inexpensive navy area rugs (w/ size and shape guide)
- Best places to buy area rugs online
3. Navy pillows
Pillows are such a simple and fun way to add color and style. Here are a few navy pillows and pillow cases on Amazon. (Just click on the pictures for more info).
4. Navy ottoman
Ottomans, especially ottoman coffee tables have become super popular. They are so multifunctional as they can serve as a coffee table, as well as extra seating area and storage. And, of course they add to your decor. Check out these great finds. (Just click the image to find out more info on sizes, etc.)
5. Navy poufs
Pouf are a fun and affordable way to simultaneously add some extra seating and decor. Poufs can also double as foot rests. Here are a few navy poufs. Some choose to get two matching ones; others have fun mixing and matching. (click on picture to see more info).
6. Navy wall decor
Here are some great wall decor and art pieces. They tend to work best on lighter backgrounds (e.g. gray, white) so that they pop more. I love this farmhouse barnwood clock. Farmhouse style is so popular these days.
7. Navy sofas and furniture
Of course you can also consider buying a navy sofa, love seat, chaise lounge or even a navy bureau. Here are a few ideas to get you started. (Click on pictures for more info)
8. Navy accent chairs
I love navy accent chairs. The combo of navy and white adds a pattern for visual intrigue. It’s a great way to complement solid navy furniture pieces and helps bring a room together.
Check out these fun patterns. (Click on the pictures for more info).
9. Navy window treatments
Window treatments are another way to add some navy to your decor. The tricky part here is avoid going too dark as it can make your space look dark and smaller. So, if you’re going to add navy here, consider a combo of navy and a lighter shade.
Here are a few examples. (Just click on the pictures for more info)
10. Navy candles and other accessories
I love to accessorize. It’s so fun and it’s easy. It’s those finishing touches that make a big difference. Here are a few fun finds. Just click on the pictures for prices and even to buy online.
Related articles about navy and home decor
- Where to buy affordable navy area rugs
- Best shades of paint for a good night’s sleep
- Stylish gray area rugs that are under $200
- 10 Best places to buy area rugs online
- Best paint colors for dark hardwood floors
- Most popular shades of gray paint
