Cerulean Blue Is Reliving Its Iconic Movie Moment—Here’s How to Use the Hue at Home

Cerulean blue first entered our vocabulary two decades ago when Miranda Priestly educated her new assistant—and most of us—on the hue’s significance. “Cerulean blue may have had its iconic monologue moment in The Devil Wears Prada, but it’s earned a lasting place in interiors well beyond that,” says Abby Evans, lead designer at Metal + Petal.

It’s a vibrant color that evokes blue skies and azure water, a shade that Darci Hether, the founder of Darci Hether New York, describes as a lively blue. “There’s a lightness and optimism to cerulean that feels instantly uplifting, but it still reads as refined rather than playful,” Hether says. She notes that cerulean blue sits right in that sweet spot between soft and saturated, which gives it a versatile, enduring quality.

With the highly anticipated release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 on May 1, cerulean blue is reliving its iconic moment. Fashion brands are releasing their versions of Andy’s infamous sweater and home decor, tapping into the movie-inspired trend through bedding, dishware, and more. “Cerulean is a uniquely stunning color that just pops in both fashion and interiors,” Peggy Haddad, the founder of Peggy Haddad Interiors, states. If you want to get in on the season’s hottest color trend, designers are sharing their best tips to incorporate cerulean blue in ways that the Dragon Lady herself would most certainly approve of.

Make a Statement With a High-Gloss Finish

In Hether’s opinion, cerulean blue is especially effective in one standout moment—such as a high-gloss coffee table or a desk that becomes a focal point in the room. “That single, intentional use gives you the freshness and energy of the color without overwhelming the space,” the designer shares. Evans agrees, noting that cerulean in a lacquered finish on a piece of furniture makes for a crisp, tailored look.

Pair Cerulean Blue With Neutrals

“Cerulean works best as a strategic accent rather than the main event,” Hether says. “Think of it as a polished pop,” she adds. The designer explains that the vibrant hue has a clarity to it—one that is crisp, clean, and slightly luminous and sets it apart from deeper navy and moody blue-gray shades. Incorporating cerulean blue in a visually appealing way isn’t just about how or where you use it, it’s also about how you layer it to balance out its saturation. “It pairs beautifully with a range of neutrals—warm ivories, soft taupes, even deeper charcoals—and has a way of elevating those foundational pieces without competing with them,” Hether says.

Have Fun With Textiles

Designers reveal that textiles are an excellent way to layer cerulean blue into a room. “It translates beautifully through textiles in pillows, throw blankets, or even a hint within a patterned fabric where it can echo throughout the room in a more understated, cohesive way,” Hether shares. If you want to go soft and atmospheric, Evans suggests wool or linen, where the material’s texture adds depth and movement to the color. For a more daring approach, lean into cerulean’s dramatic side. “For a bold statement, use it on an accent chair or drapery,” Haddad recommends.

Color Drench a Room—But With a Twist

If you’re itching to give the color-drenched look a try, cerulean blue is the ideal candidate for the bold paint statement. Traditional color drenching refers to painting walls, trim, ceilings, and doors the same color. Ashley Bruggeman, the CEO and visionary leader of Ashley Morgan Interiors, suggests a small twist: “We've seen color drenching everywhere, but a room that is tone-on-tone is timeless—meaning it could be different values (light versus dark) of the same hue,” Bruggeman shares. The designer suggests using a lighter value of cerulean blue on walls and incorporating bolder, darker values through upholstery, lamps, and the ceiling.

Experiment With Small Accents

“For a small touch, use cerulean in throw pillows, accessories, art, or even a lamp shade,” Haddad suggests. Her pro tip is to evenly disperse the color throughout the room. “Make sure to use it twice—think two pillows, or a pillow and a touch of it in artwork—so it doesn’t feel like an isolated choice,” the designer says. Cerulean blue looks stunning on cabinetry, but if that feels like too much of a commitment, ceramic tile is a good alternative. “It occupies a unique position on the color spectrum, saturated enough to make an impact, yet approachable enough to function almost like a neutral,” Evans says.

Maria Sabella

Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.