An universal favorite of men and women, explore the meaning of blue, how to use shades of blue, subtle changes in blue symbolism from dark to medium to light blues, and colors that go with blue.

Shades of Blue: These words are synonymous with blue or represent various shades of the color blue: azure, baby blue, beryl, cerulean, cobalt, cornflower blue, corporate blue, cyan, indigo, midnight blue, navy, Prussian blue, robin’s egg blue, royal, sapphire, sky blue, slate, steel blue. Calm and Cool, the Nature and Meaning of

Blue is calming. It can be strong and steadfast or light and friendly. Almost everyone likes some shade of the color blue.

In 1999 Pantone named the sky blue color of Cerulean as the color of the new millennium. Pantone selected the color Blue Iris as the 2008 Color of the Year telling us: “Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.”

A natural color, from the blue of the sky, blue is a universal color. The cool, calming effect of blue makes time pass more quickly and it can help you sleep. Blue is a good color for bedrooms. However, too much blue could dampen spirits.

Info/pictures: About.com picts: Webstash album color blue, original photographer/source in album.