You might usually overlook red and blue when planning your house decor, but this traditional color combination is surprisingly capable. These hues, often passed over, offer a strong presence for your living areas, from a subtle sea-faring vibe to a bold, up-to-date look.
Here are 30 suggestions to help you bring this combination into your space.
Frame a Pale Blue Wall With a Bold Red Accent
A bright red square frame hangs on a pale blue wall above a deep teal sofa.
Group Patterned Planters on Your Mantel
Group flowers in patterned vases on your mantelpiece. A blue and white striped ceramic pot adds color and texture to the display.
Layer Decor on a Slatted Wooden Coffee Table
Use a slatted wooden coffee table as a surface for a tray with a candle and a small bottle. Its tapered legs leave space for a vase of greenery and a stack of books underneath.
Vintage Trunk as a Coffee Table for Cozy Living Rooms
A large, dark wooden trunk with brass accents works as a coffee table, providing a substantial surface for books or decor and hidden storage for blankets or games.
Highlight a Red Daybed With Geometric Nailhead Trim
Red upholstery on the daybed highlights its nailhead trim. This detail creates a geometric pattern along the arms and base, visible against blue patterned wallpaper.
Bunk Beds With Blue Lattice Trim Add Playful Charm
White panels on the built-in bunk beds are outlined with a blue lattice design. Red quilts sit against the crisp white bedding.
Soften a Side Table With a Flowing Pink Drape
Pink satin cloth drapes over a small round table with a clear glass top. Next to your bed, it holds a vase of flowers and a couple of books.
Red and White Striped Bedding Adds Bold Contrast
Red and white striped bedding is a simple way to introduce pattern to your bedroom. This duvet cover and pillowcase set works well against lighter walls.
Nautical Oar Wall Art Adds Thematic Flair
On the wall, three wooden oars are painted in navy and white stripes. One oar features red accents, which works best in rooms with a nautical theme.
The collection coordinates well with existing navy and white striped walls and anchor-themed bedding.
Red and White Patterned Curtains Frame a Waterfront View
Red and white patterned curtains frame the outdoor scenery. They hang against blue wood-paneled walls and coordinate with a deep red carpet.
Red Spindle Bed Frame With Star-Patterned Bedding
A bright red bed frame with decorative spindles sits in the room, paired with crisp white bedding covered in a scattered blue star pattern.
Frame Ship Art to Reinforce Nautical Theme Above Beds
Three framed black and white ship prints hang vertically above the headboards, complementing the wallpaper and bedding.
White Dresser With Tassel Drawer Pulls For A Playful Touch
Swap standard drawer pulls for tassels on your furniture. This white dresser, for example, has navy blue tassels on each of its three drawers.
Red and Blue Patterned Pillows Add Global Flair
On your bed, mix and match patterned throw pillows. A combination of ikat-inspired prints and geometric motifs in red, white, and blue works well.
Red Bed Skirts Ground Blue and White Bedding
To provide a strong base for twin beds, a bold red bed skirt works well. Above it, fresh white linens feature navy blue stripes.
The combined scarlet and ivory fabrics ground the room.
White Dresser With Blue Drawer Fronts Adds Playful Contrast
To highlight a white dresser, paint its drawer fronts blue. This example has gold hardware and a matching blue runner across the top.
Curved Red Headboard Adds a Pop of Color
A bright red headboard with a scalloped top sits against pale blue walls, complemented by patterned pillows layered with crisp white bedding. It’s an inviting spot.
Blue Striped Throws With Fringe Add Cozy Texture
Blue and white striped throws with fringe drape over twin beds. Their soft texture and fringed edges are visible.
Large Chevron Rug Anchors Blue and White Room
In front of the bed, a large chevron rug in navy and white covers the floor. Its high contrast complements the soft blue walls and white architectural details.
Canopy Drapes Create a Cozy Bed Nook
Warm rust fabric drapes down to form a canopy over the bed. This flowing material defines a personal space within the room.
Ornate Red and Blue Rug Anchors a Formal Dining Space
A large, intricately patterned red and blue rug lies over the hardwood floors in this formal dining room. The rug’s detailed motifs and colors work best when complementing rich, dark wood furniture.
It pairs well with a dark dining table and red drapery.
Open Shelving Displays Jars and Crates
On open kitchen shelving, pantry staples are stored in clear glass jars and colorful plastic crates. The clear jars keep ingredients visible; the crates are plastic.
Red Tile Island Base Grounds Blue Kitchen Cabinets
Small, square red tiles wrap the base of this kitchen island, creating a textured finish that contrasts vividly with the surrounding light blue cabinetry. That’s a bold choice.
Brass Table Base Anchors a Cozy Reading Nook
A substantial brass-finished table base sits in a room with bookshelves and red chairs.
Bold Red Chairs Create a Playful Dining Spot
If your dining area needs a bold color, bright red chairs with a slim, modern design contrast a ribbed blue table. This works for a breakfast nook or a compact dining space.
Sculptural Shelving Holds Books and Decor
For a wall accent, display books and objects on a wavy, metallic shelf unit. It’s designed with an undulating shape.
Dark Blue Beadboard Walls Add Depth to Powder Rooms
Deep, glossy blue beadboard paneling creates a dark backdrop for patterned wallpaper installed above. Its reflective surface helps bounce light, which works well in smaller spaces like powder rooms.
This finish has a rich, dimensional quality.
Framed Nautical Art Adds a Playful Focal Point
To personalize a bathroom, display a framed piece of art featuring a fish motif. Its graphic diamond shape and bold colors stand out against the striped wallpaper.
Patterned Daybed Adds a Bold Statement to Blue Room
If you need comfortable seating, a daybed upholstered in a red and cream paisley pattern is a good option. The detailed fabric combines well with blue walls and other red accents in the room.
Red Side Table With Stacked Storage Boxes
In the living area, a narrow red side table features a top surface for a lamp and decorative items, with two stacked red boxes occupying its lower shelf. It’s a useful piece.
