Blue is the most popular color in the world, probably because everyone experiences and appreciates the beautiful blues of nature, in sky and water. Blue is such a “flexible” color, suggesting different moods depending on the shade, depth, and pairing. It can be serene in a spa-like bedroom, or dramatic - Think of Van Gogh’s stunning painting “Starry Night”. You can use moody warm shades of Prussian or deep teal to great effect in a welcoming living room or library, or icy cool light blue in a Scandinavian or coastal design. Mixed with black, in a lampshade or coffee table, blue can be very modern, elegant, and sleek; mixed with neutral textures in rattan furniture, sisal rugs and baskets, it becomes more rustic. When paired with fresh white, it evokes a feeling of purity, beauty, and joy. In a small gingham check it is sweet; in a stripe it can be nautical. In classic prints, blue can be more traditional.
Blue and white is timeless: literally in use for decorative objects for thousands of years, never waning in popularity. Of course, tastemakers everywhere decorate entire rooms in blue and white - But blue and white is easily incorporated and appreciated in decorative accents, since it often reads as "neutral" or a piece of art in and of itself.
Most of the time, when people use the phrase "blue & white" they are referring to classic cobalt blue designs on white ceramics. Ginger jars, which date to the Qin Dynasty, were used to transport and store spices and of course ginger, then moved West in the 19th century where they served a purely decorative purpose. All over the Mediterranean, you can find ancient blue & white vessels and classic Greek or Turkish tiles (Think of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque). Around 1750, the English developed a process known as transferware, to depict etched country scenes on pottery, in the county of Staffordshire. Staffordshire comes in many colors, but blue on white is by far the most popular. You can find great examples from Spode and from Wedgewood dating from around 1820 until today. And of course, many a bride chooses Royal Copenhagen Blue Lace from Denmark for her dishes! We can’t forget blue and white Delft pottery from Delft, Holland, a medieval town of canals and old architecture, which is absolutely charming and highly collectible.
Here's how to add a touch of timeless blue and white decorative pieces to any décor. And if you find vintage pieces, you will be creatively repurposing or upcycling these lovely ceramics and textiles into functional, useful accents for your home!
- Soup tureens missing their lids look so beautiful with potted orchids
- Pitchers show off pretty, vividly colored flowers like pink tulips
- Ginger jars can be re-wired into lamps (not the old antiques, please!)
- A bowl filled with bright citrus fruit is an easy and colorful pop of color
- An old blue & white foot bath makes a great planter
- Many of the best examples of ethnic textiles, especially ikats, can be found in blue
- Plates and platters can be hung on a wall, in a group or singly.
- A sweet little dish can hold rings and trinkets
- A garden stool can be an end table
- Layer multiple blue & white print pillows from rescued vintage or iconic textiles – on a bed or sofa - to show your love without a huge commitment
See our Blue & White Collection to discover many examples of beautiful blue and white textiles we have rescued from designers and collectors, then hand made into stunning one-of-a-kind pillows.
Blue & White Forever!