This Pretty Paint Color Is Basically a Neutral, Designers Say

Looking to land on the perfect color that will stand the test of time in your home — but isn’t just white paint or beige? Blue, specifically light blue, is an instant winner, according to two designer friends of mine.

“When people think of timeless paint colors, they tend to gravitate toward whites, creams, and neutrals, but I would argue that a beautiful blue is every bit as timeless and far more interesting,” says Charleston-based designer Grace Frederick. Think about it: Light blue is the color of the daytime sky (and, in some cases, oceans and bodies of water). So this calming, charming shade can be just as nature-inspired as green or brown and far more versatile than you think.

Plus, Frederick adds, blue has been a key hue throughout design history. “Blue has been a staple in decorating for centuries, from Chinese export porcelain and antique textiles to painted furniture and traditional wallpaper,” she says. “It’s a color that has stood the test of time long before any of us started worrying about what’s trending.”

And she isn’t alone in feeling this way. Blue — particularly light blue — has “never steered me wrong,” notes designer Ali Rieger, the founder of Rieger & Co in New York City. “It perfectly walks the line between a color and a neutral,” she adds. “It speaks on its own but also plays well with so many other colors — green, camel, red, orange — the options are endless.”

Want to know which light blue paints the pros love? Well, when it comes to specific shades, Rieger is partial to Benjamin Moore’s Blue Lace (1625) and Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue (No. 22). She recently used the former in a soothing bedroom, as shown just above, where she paired it with simple blue and white accents. Of course, though, as she noted, the shade could be used alongside more vibrant textiles and furnishings, if a bold aesthetic is more your vibe.

Frederick sings the praises of Sherwin-Williams’ Resolute Blue (SW 6507), a brighter hue than Rieger’s picks. “It’s cheerful and full of personality without feeling overly trendy or juvenile,” she says. “It pairs beautifully with natural textures, warm brass, antiques, and, of course, a good dose of blue-and-white porcelain. I particularly love that it can bring a little whimsy to a space while still feeling completely classic.”

In the bar nook shown just above, Frederick applied the color to the room’s cabinetry and trim. “I always say that timeless doesn’t have to mean boring,” she reflects. “This is a perfect example.”

Whether you choose to color drench a room in light blue or you pick and choose a few features like trim or a ceiling, this sweet shade won’t let you down. And it’s just so much bolder than beige or white, so give it a try the next time you want something a little more saturated and lively that still feels like it’ll withstand the test of time trend-wise.