Best Blues for Leading Architectural Styles of the Southwest: Victorian Style Homes

Victorian Style Home Blues

During the Victorian era, several key moments in history helped to support the use of the color blue on Victorian architecture. At this point in history, exploration and expansion were occurring on a mass scale and global influences affected design and architecture throughout the nation. This was also a time when Charles Tiffany chose a distinctive robin’s egg blue for the branding and packaging for his luxury house of jewelry and design called Tiffany & Co.

Victorian homes are known for the quintessential multi-color palettes, typically comprising of at least three different hues. And these traditional color palettes were usually made up of darker colors meant to enhance unique architectural details and lighter timeless shades. Blues play a larger role in Victorian architecture, creating a look that is at once spectacular and classic, honoring the home’s beauty and history.

Historic Victorian Blue Colors of the American West

Here are key historic blue colors representing Victorian architecture of the American West.

Little Beaux Blue (DET549): A pale, blue-green hue noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Fox's Muralite No.67.

Heritage Blue (DET550): An aged, weathered blue noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue.

Bidwell Blue (DET551): Grayed and worn, this soft and aged blue was discovered on the interior of the historic Bidwell Mansion, a Victorian-Italianate building built in 1865 in Chico, Calif., as well as noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Fox's Muralite No.68.

Avalon (DET552): This powdered, midtone, watery blue was identified as one of the interior colors of the historic Fallon House, as well as noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Hygienic Kalsomine and Fresco Colors No.42.

Bell Blue (DET554): This stone blue was discovered on the interior of the historic Bell House, a Victorian-Stick style home built in 1883.

Aquamarine (DET555): This spa blue tinted white, a whisper of a color, was discovered on the interior of the Alta Mira Club and the Fallon House, both fine examples of Italianate architecture.

Lake Reflection (DET556): A bright, clear pastel blue noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Piazza Blue.

Ragtime Blues (DET558): This deep, blackened blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as John W. Masury & Son's Pure Linseed Oil House Paints color Pure Blue.

Blue Velvet (DET559): This Prussian blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Harrison Bros & Co Town & Country color card.

San Miguel Blue (DET569): This wintry, storm-churning blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as John W. Masury & Son's Wagon Colors as the color Blue.

Jazz Age Blues (DET574): A classic, deep rich blue noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Pure Blue.

MacKintosh Midnight (DET579): Dark and mysterious, this deep midnight blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Ready Mixed Wagon Paint No.114 Dark Blue.

Country Air (DET581): This soft, celestial blue was discovered on the interior of the historic Meek Mansion, an Italianate mansion built in 1869 and located in Hayward, Calif.

Clematis Blue (DET587): This blackened, indigo blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as John W. Masury & Son's Gloss Carriage Colors as Deep Blue.

Maritime (DET588): A light, periwinkle blue discovered on the interior of the historic Fallon House and Meek Mansion, both wonderful examples of Italianate architecture.

Blue Color Palettes for Victorian Architecture

Here are seven mood boards to inspire your next Victorian style exterior color palette.

Victorian Classic

A simple, monochromatic color palette of clear blues with white accents sets a charming mood with lasting allure.

It’s All in the Details

Victorian architecture is eye-catching because of the wealth of details. Ornate elements throughout together with complex color palettes, create attention-drawing grandeur to this style.

Honoring History

Mid tone and gray-blues were popular during this time period so why not honor history with this versatile range of blues.

Classic Elegance

When tradition matters, this genteel vision in blues sets a mood of tranquility and subtle elegance.

Brighter Side of Life

Adding a brighter blue creates a refreshing spot of color among the other homes in the neighborhood.

Muted Mood

Victorian architecture works beautifully in a range of mid tone, muted blues that provide warmth, yet don’t detract from the exterior details.

Dark and Dramatic

Chic and elegant, the deep blue color creates a monochromatic palette that still allows one to view the many architectural details.

The range of blues that complement Victorian style architecture is expansive, spanning historic to modern references. To learn more about the color blue and its influence, read on. And to see the range of blues trending, read more in-depth on our 2024 color + design trends report.