How to Decorate With Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue

Blue painted kitchen with white tiled splashback and a white shelf above with a mix of yellow and white ceramics — (Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

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Stiffkey Blue Decor

Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue takes its name from a coastal English village in North Norfolk, where its marshy beaches are threaded with deep blue sea. A navy blue with a touch of inkiness, Stiffkey Blue might have nautical roots, but it's long been loved for its rich, deeply comforting qualities, able to blend into both traditional and modern settings.

A not-quite navy woven with brighter undertones, Stiffkey Blue comes up time and time again in designers' picks of the best dark blue paints, loved for its enduringly sophisticated feel and versatility.

Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball's Brand Ambassador, says, 'Stiffkey Blue is a bold, strong, regal blue. Add a splash of Stiffkey Blue for a scheme that has longevity and flexibility, especially when teamed with a clean, complementary off-white such as Dimpse. This chic and timeless combination is just the ticket for a makeover that remains relevant as you move through seasons from year to year.'

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Bathroom with blue ceiling and blue painted wood panelling, blue vanity unit with marble countertop and sink, wallpaper on top half of wall, long window with white blind and gold hardware — This charming powder room, designed by Otta Design, might be small, but the Stiffkey Blue walls and Shouchikubai Wallpaper give it a distinct personality and character.

Deep enough to cocoon yet vibrant enough to dance with the light, Stiffkey Blue is a richer and naunced that a navy. While navy blues tend to cocoon and sometimes overwhelm a room, this deep blue feels distinctly brighter, perfect for both small and large spaces.

This charming powder room designed by Otta Design proves the encompassing power of this blue paint. The studio's director, Alex Keith, explains, 'The client fell in love with the Farrow & Ball Shouchikubai Wallpaper with the pops of orange and blue. The background of this wallpaper was Stiffkey Blue, so to add extra impact, we wrapped the color over the ceiling in a gloss finish and added it to the paneling.'

To integrate Stiffkey Blue into any scheme, consider the colors that go with navy blue for a balanced look. Alex adds, 'Stiffkey Blue works really well with strong accent colors, in this case the orange, but would also work well with a strong bright green like Farrow & Ball's archive color Danish Lawn.'

Living room with dark blue walls, gallery wall, upholstered curved antique armchair, grey sofa, glass gold coffee table, and large green table lamp — Stiffkey Blue adorns all four walls of this sophisticated living room designed by Laura Stephens. The rich pops of mustard and gold beautifully contrast against the deep blue background.

A jewel-toned blue, Stiffkey Blue not only enriches small spaces, but it's perfect for living rooms in need of moodiness and depth, as proven by interior designer Laura Stephens' sophisticated creation.

Laura explains, 'We were looking for a deep, grounding color that would feel both practical and considered, particularly for use below the dado rail, where it’s more prone to scuffs and everyday wear. Stiffkey Blue has a wonderful richness to it; it’s undeniably dark, but it never feels flat or heavy. There’s a subtle depth and movement in the color that keeps it visually interesting, even across larger areas, and it brings a sense of structure and calm to the space.'

'Stiffkey Blue is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of tones, Laura continues. 'I particularly love using it alongside a soft, ivory white such as Wimborne White, which lifts the depth of the blue and creates a really classic, balanced contrast. Metallics, particularly aged or brushed gold, also complement it beautifully, adding warmth and a touch of softness to the overall scheme.'

Home office with sloped ceiling painted dark blue, grasscloth dark blue walls, midcentury wooden desk with midcentury leather desk chair, red lacquer side table and modern glass green table lamp — Stiffkey Blue is a fitting choice in this moody home office, pairing beautifully with the slick midcentury furniture and organic textures.

Stiffkey Blue Decor

Love the rich yet bright tone of Stiffkey Blue? These decor picks will bring a similar shade into any room.

Lulu and Georgia

Tosca Vase

Perfect for a coffee table or bookshelf, the Tosca vase is charming in both shape and color, ideal for enriching an empty corner.

Crate & Barrel

Valencia Wool Handwoven Navy Blue Area Rug 8'x10'

Swathe your living room with deep blue using the Valencia rug. Woven with a motif pattern, it's an enduringly chic choice that fuses comfort with elegant style.

Anthropologie

Velvet Trova Pillow

Perfect for neutral sofas in need of warmth, the Trova pillow is simple yet sophisticated, best against a background of cream or beige.

TRUDON

Set-of-three Petites Bougies Belles Matières scented candles box

No home is complete without a good scent. Trudon's three small candle set is ideal for crowning a living room mantel or positioning on your nightstands.

Southampton Home

Shetland Lambswool Herringbone Throw, 55" x 72"

This lambswool throw blanket couldn't be a more timeless choice. Woven with deep blues and whites, it's a staple accessory that's oh-so easy to style.

GreenRow

Printed Tapered Lamp Shade

Perfect for elevating a wall sconce or a table lamp on your nightstand, GreenRow's tapered lamp shade is printed with dainty flowers on a deep blue background.

A deep, inky blue with vibrant yet moody notes, Stiffkey Blue is an all-rounder paint color that works in almost any space. Whether it's a large living room in need of sophistication or a compact powder room, Stiffkey Blue enhances architecture and works with a plethora of design styles.

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