Often used in bathrooms because it can evoke the sea or a deep pool of water, blue paint can divide opinions somewhat. Often seen as cooling it can create a sense that it lacks warmth to some. However, if you also think of a clear blue sky day, then this association isn't always spot on. Of course, grey-blues and purple tones can have a cooling effect when they are on view but there is no need to use blue on your walls this way unless you want to.

In short, blue can be bright, vivid, easy on the eye and provide an inspiration. It can suit small rooms, kitchens, reception rooms and outdoor woodwork in equal measure. Find out why this colour is increasingly used in the home and explore why it might shift your current perception of it as an interior décor choice.

Our tips for the most on-trend blues for the home this year include three sumptuous shades. A deep Caribbean aqua with a turquoise undertone, Vining Ivy works well with wooden floors and furniture in any living space. If you are after a sophisticated grey-blue tone, then opt for Wing Commander which provides a delicate violet undertone.

For a feature wall, we would suggest that you can create the right look with Nightcap. Add this saturated, stormy blue paint to your basket if you want a deep navy undertone. Many will find that Nightcap is a great exterior paint, too.

Island Breeze may be a light blue paint but it is also bright in tone. Easy to apply as a bathroom paint, this colour has a balance mid-sheen finish. There again, you might want to bring a strong matt emulsion finish to your room instead. If so, check out Dynasty China which is good for walls and ceilings. It comes in silk emulsion and soft sheen finishes, too.

Wild Bluebell is a light blue colour that looks beautiful outside. Paint your fence, shed or wooden furniture with it for protection and a superb tonality. Pair this with subtle off white shades for a soothing vibe.

Dark blue looks great on walls, especially when it doesn't dominate a room. Feature walls painted with Midnight Sapphire are a good case in point. This dark blue paint comes in matt and soft sheen finishes and has an almost grey-black tonality among the blue.

There again, Daring Indigo offers a wisteria undertone mixed with a blueberry blue-purple that pairs well with tan and neutrals if you want to find a coordinating colour for your palette. Regatta Bay, by contrast, is an indigo blue with a cobalt undertone, offering lots of inspiration and neutrality at the same time.

Vintage Denim turns the page on what interior blue paint can offer today. It is an interior washable paint that is good for bathrooms but it is also available in an anti-bacterial version so it also suits kitchens and nurseries. As a satin paint, it can also be applied to wood or metal with a quick-drying effect so it is highly versatile.

Unsure which navy blue paint to choose from our range of shades? How about Twilight which would look calm in any space? There again, perhaps Admiral Blue with its attractive gloss sheen finish is more to your liking? Many people also find they like Shimmering Sea thanks to its subdued, stormy blue appearance. Pair it with gold trim for a strident look on the walls of your guest bedrooms.

Available in matt, silk and soft-sheen finishes, New Duck Egg will create a strong look that isn't overpowering or dull. Vintage Duck Egg is a blue that can be used on wood and metal as well as on walls. It's particularly suited to kitchens and kitchen-diners.

Our range of subtle pastel blue colours has a sky-like quality. Discover why shades like Misty Surf and Ocean Dream don't just look like you're bringing the sky inside when they're on your walls but also have a sea blue feel to them. Often suiting bathrooms, Snow Hut looks great with chrome fixtures and fittings.

Muted blue looks great on walls throughout the home. Fresh Violet is a muted, mid-tone blue while Blue Opal offers a soft, blueberry colour with a muted undertone of wisteria. For a saturated muted blue, opt for Flower Field which works well with wood and brick trims.

Like dark blues, blue-grey tones are often best when used sparingly. Symmetry will strike the perfect balance in many bathrooms thanks to its calming yet luxuriant feel. A neutral, indigo-blue, Dry Denim works well when it is set against any silver metal. Meanwhile, Night Shore is a deep grey blue drawn from our palette of outdoor woodcare products.

Like other colours in our blue range, Teal Topaz is available as a quick dry gloss paint for metal. Note that Teal Topaz can also be bought as a ceiling and wall paint in silk, soft-sheen and matt finishes.

Looking for something a bit different with your choice of blue-green paint? If so, check out our Caribbean Tide shade. This blue-green is vibrant, fun and unmissable. If you're looking for a similar colour for outdoor woodwork, then Lagoon Splash is the tone for you.