Painting Blues

Blue is consistently ranked as the most popular color among men and women the world over, so it’s no surprise that people may find themselves considering adding it to their home paint palette. The subtle association with the sky, oceans or even a beloved pair of blue jeans seems to result in feelings of relaxation when people enter a room painted blue. However, there are certain rooms in a home where blue paint colors can really work some magic.

Types of Blue

Various hues of the color elicit different emotional and psychological cues. For example, lighter blues can turn down the perceived temperature of a room. Additionally, certain shades of darker blue can actually be linked to feelings of sadness, while some have been proven to lower blood pressure. While the difference can be as subtle as a slightly different hue, the overall purpose and personality of the room can help achieve the desired effect.

Dark Blue Placement

The darker shades of blue aren’t nearly as tricky as they seem. These colors are actually ideal for those who are considering adding a theater room or (to be seasonally appropriate) a room where the Colts game is usually shown.  Darker colors in general actually make interiors feel like they are larger than they really are. Plus, when the lights go out, the eye will naturally be drawn to the screen, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Because black paint isn’t necessarily the most flattering choice for a room, dark blues are one selection that looks inviting during the daytime when it’s not being used to enhance the “den style” environment.

Light-Bright

Lighter blues tend to make great colors for bedrooms to promote feelings of peace, ideal for encouraging sleep. These colors are generally very agreeable with most settings, although sometimes bolder and brighter blues may serve better as accent walls (of course there are always exceptions). Some people believe that blue should not be a paint color choice in the kitchen as it has been believed to have an “appetite suppressing” effect. This is because there are very few naturally occurring blue colored foods in existence. Either way, blue paint serves as one of the most versatile paint selections, with some of the most positive connotations. There is surely a place that could benefit from a boost of blue somewhere in every home.