Colour Focus: Jewel Tones

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Fri 6 May 2022

Jewel tones are popular in many interior design trends from down the ages, and around the world. Whether they are for a pop art inspired home, or an Italian maximalist alternative, jewel tones add vibrancy, energy, and excitement to any decor. While powerful, some decorators can find jewel tones somewhat intimidating but with the right attitude and knowhow, you can enjoy them in your home – here’s how!

What are jewel tones?

Jewel tones are saturated colours with a deep intensity to them. Often named for the jewels and gems that have captured our imaginations and hearts for thousands of years. Jewel tones include ruby reds, sapphire blues, emerald greens, amethyst purples alongside citrine yellows and oranges. By definition, these colours are eye catching, moving and will add a striking statement in any part of the home.

How to use jewel tone colours in your home

Jewel tones can be used in many ways as part of your home’s décor. They can be used to add small pops of colour to a neutral space, conversely, they can be used to equally excellent effect in large items that dominate a room. For example, if you love to relax amidst soft neutral colours including creams and beige, using jewel tones – selectively – in smaller soft furnishings including cushions and lamp shades can add depth to your décor in an elegant and subtle way.

Alternatively, you can add larger jewel tone items into your home to make the space feel more energetic and sensational. Looking to the centre of the room, emerald green sofas, or sapphire blue bedding helps to manifest a space that feels more dynamic. Against the window, you also have some excellent jewel tone options to consider. So how should you use jewel tones in different spaces around the home?

image to show example of a living room with a jewel tone theme

Jewel tones – living room

Living rooms are spaces where we unwind and relax away from the stresses and pressures of modern life. Since jewel tones are uplifting and invigorating, they are ideal for living rooms. To make the most of your space, think about the depth of the tones you want to enjoy as parts of your décor, and most importantly which colours.

Because jewel tones are so eye catching, it’s important to consider how much you use. As a suggestion use jewel tones for about a third of your space, or alternatively go all in! As counterbalances, neutral tones – especially creams and shades of off white – alongside other colours that are powderier in nature are excellent choices.

Once you’ve selected your tones, you can start to plan your purchases. If you’re looking to enjoy larger jewel tone furnishings, few items can beat a colourful Roman blind or curtain. Consider luxurious amethyst curtains with matching cushions, or even a jewel toned Roman blind set amidst an emerald themed room to add a touch of electricity to the décor.

As with all blinds and curtains in the living room, consider adding a thermal lining to keep warm in the winter, or cooler in the summer!

Jewel tones – bedrooms

There is often a thought that bedrooms should be dominated by soft, comfy colours. While greys, creams and whites are superb for the bedroom, it doesn’t mean you can’t consider something a little punchier.

The windows, bedding, and even the cushions you use to make yourself as comfortable as possible –can be utilised to inject pops of colour. Where we’ve looked at thermal linings for the living room, blackout blinds and curtains are perfect to help you enjoy a relaxed night’s sleep.

Again, jewel tones of green, red, blue and yellow will add pleasant, eye catching pops of colour, but amethyst purple is an idyllic colour for a regally stylish bedroom! If your bedroom is inspired by a mystical living space, check out our Mindful, Spiritual Homes blog.

a photo to show how a bedroom using jewel tone colours would look

a photo of a bathroom using jewel tone interior design

Jewel tones – bathrooms

Finally, let’s not forget the bathroom. Few would argue against the relaxation possible in a nice bubble bath, and what could be better than being surrounded by rich jewel tones.

Blue and green tones are especially suitable for use in the bathroom as they are synonymous with relaxation and mindfulness. What’s more, adding plants into a bathroom’s décor is both popular and stylish, and these tones will synergise beautifully with any leafy or flowering plants you may have your eye on.

While blackout and thermal linings may not be particularly useful in these spaces, we have a range of excellent materials which are moisture resistant. Also available in a wide range of jewel tones, you can easily enjoy thrilling shades with a quality moisture proof roller blind that won’t be affected by all the steam drifting from your relaxing bath!

Jewel tones are exciting and can only serve to elevate the style of any given room. Whether you’re seeking something luxurious for your living room, beautiful for the bedroom, or blissful for the bathroom, jewel tones are certainly worth considering. To ensure you find the ultimate tone for your home, you can order up to eight free samples!