Navy blue and white is a timeless color combination that never seems to go out of style. This classic duo can create a stylish, soothing, and sophisticated look in any bathroom. From small powder rooms to sprawling master suites, navy and white work together beautifully to craft a cohesive style.
While navy blue on its own can seem overpowering, pairing it with crisp white creates the perfect balance. The white provides an airy counterpoint to the rich navy tones. This combination is versatile enough to work in both traditional and modern spaces. The key is knowing how to successfully incorporate these two harmonious hues throughout your bathroom.
Choosing Your Shade of Navy
One of the beauties of navy blue is that it comes in so many gorgeous shades. The tone and saturation of the blue you choose will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space. This makes it important to select the right navy hue for your bathroom.
Lighter shades of blue tend to have a soft, calming effect. These include airy pastel blues like baby blue, sky blue, and periwinkle. Combining these with white creates a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere. Some popular light blue paint colors for bathrooms include Behr’s Raindrop, Benjamin Moore’s Dewberry, and Sherwin Williams’ Rain.
For a bolder, dramatic style, go for deeper shades of navy blue. Paint colors like Behr’s Blue Daze, Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, and Sherwin Williams’ Naval evoke a rich, sophisticated vibe. The darker coloring gives the space an intimate, luxurious feel.
Mid-range shades like classic navy blue offer versatility–they provide some contrast without going too dark. Good options include Behr Premium Plus Ultra’s Reflection, Benjamin Moore’s Early Navy, and Valspar’s Seaside.
Painting Walls, Cabinets or Trim
Once you’ve selected the perfect navy paint color, it’s time to figure out what to slather it on! Navy blue paint can transform walls, cabinets, trim, or wainscoting. Here are some ideas for where to splash it on:
- Paint an entire wall or accent wall navy blue for drama. This looks great behind freestanding bathtubs.
- Use navy on bathroom cabinetry or vanities for a bold statement.
- Paint bathroom shelves or medicine cabinets navy for a pop of color.
- Add navy only to the bottom third of walls or use it on beadboard wainscoting.
- Paint window trim or crown molding navy to nicely frame white walls.
No matter where you apply it, navy blue paint adds an elegant, polished touch. For extra dimension, consider using two tones of navy blue–lighter on the upper walls and deeper on lower walls or cabinetry.
Navy Blue Accents
While navy blue paint makes a significant impact, you can also incorporate this color through bathroom accents and decor. Navy blue works great on:
- Towels, bath mats, shower curtains and accessories like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and wastebaskets
- Vintage-inspired fixtures like a stand-alone, clawfoot bathtub in navy blue
- Faucets, showerheads, and lighting in brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or other cool metal finishes
Don’t be afraid to have some fun with navy blue bathroom accessories and decor. The bold color is a great way to express personal style. Consider framing a vintage maritime map for the walls, or use a shower curtain with a fun navy pattern.
Tile Work
From intricately patterned mosaics to sleek subway tiles, navy blue tile is a fantastic way to add interest to bathrooms. Consider some of these eye-catching options:
- Use navy blue mosaic tile as an accent in the shower or on the floor
- Pair classic white subway tile with thin lines of navy blue grout for contrast
- Create a geometric feature wall with bold navy tiles in varied shapes and sizes
- Install rectangular navy glass tiles in the shower for texture and depth
- Use hexagon floor tiles or wall tiles in white and navy hues for dimension
- Try a herringbone pattern on walls or floors alternating navy and white
Whether going for a traditional or modern vibe, navy blue tile brings an elegant touch. For extra visual interest, combine it with marble, wood-look porcelain, or metallic accents.
Flooring Ideas
Flooring can make a major impact in bathrooms. Here are some great options that complement the navy and white color scheme:
- Classic white hexagon tile for a vintage feel
- Marble, travertine or limestone for a sophisticated style
- White porcelain tile with subtle navy veins for detail
- Glossy navy blue mosaic tile or encaustic patterned tile
- Wood-look plank flooring to evoke a coastal vibe
To add more pattern, try a navy and white checkerboard tile floor. Or for visual contrast, pair light oak floors with navy walls and accents.
Furniture
When it comes to furnishings, there are lots of ways to highlight the navy and white palette. Some stylish ideas include:
- Traditional white vanity with brushed nickel accents and navy walls
- Navy blue vanity paired with a crisp white quartz countertop
- His and hers vanities in navy and white for a bold play on color
- Navy and white patterned upholstered stools for the vanity
- White open bathroom shelves with navy boxes, baskets or accessories
Furniture pieces like consoles, stools or benches also provide opportunity to layer on navy and white patterns. Consider incorporating stripes, geometric prints or seashell motifs.
Create a Coastal Look
For a casual, beachy feel, navy and white evokes easy seaside style. Here are some tips for nailing the coastal look:
- Use lots of weathered wood accents, driftwood shelves and shiplap paneling
- Incorporate textured materials like jute, wicker, linen and terrycloth
- Add touches of rope, shells, starfish and floats for maritime flair
- Paint an accent wall in a beach house print featuring navy and white
- Pair navy with sandy neutrals like beige, tan and greige
- Display beach landscape photos or vintage illustrations in simple frames
This breezy navy and white style is perfect for bathrooms in beach houses, cottages and coastal homes. Keep the vibe casual and carefree.
Go for Sophisticated Style
At the other end of the style spectrum, deeper shades of navy blue convey refinement. Play up the elegant side of navy and white with these ideas:
- Use marble, glass and metallics for sleek surfaces and shiny contrast
- Incorporate brass fixtures, antique mirror frames and crystal pendant lights
- Add in luxurious linens like plush towels, velvet ottomans and linen shower curtains
- Display flowers, green plants and candles for ambiance
- Frame black-and-white photos of architecture or nature
Muted rather than bright whites help reinforce the sophisticated mood. Soft grays, creams and linens work beautifully. Touches of gold and black accentuate the glamour.
With its timeless appeal, a navy and white color palette can transform any bathroom into a stylish oasis. Use navy blue strategically on walls, tile, cabinetry or decor to make a bold statement. Crisp white provides the perfect balancing counterpart. Choose lighter blues for a serene spa-like feel or deep, moody navy hues for drama.
Incorporate natural coastal elements or rich metallic accents to achieve different looks. Navy and white bathrooms offer endless versatility. This classic combination works just as beautifully in vintage homes as sleek modern spaces. With the right decor details, you can craft a bathroom that has enduring, sophisticated style.
