Blue 'at auction'

Blue and white decorating is always fabulous and classic. It's fresh, clean and works at the beach, the country, or in the City.

All photos House Beautiful

One of the things that I like in the top and bottom photo is the blue painted furniture. It's not the first thing that comes to mind, but looks so fresh. It's reminiscent of the white painted furniture of Swedish design, but perhaps a bit more all-American.

The center photo has a wonderful quilt that adds the core color to the room design - a touch of country, and very comfortable and welcoming. I just want to crawl in to that bed!

Copake Auction in Copake, NY is one of my go-to auction houses for Americana at usually great prices. This charming blue painted stand would make a nice side table, or a stand in a small entryway. This sold for $30 off an auction estimate of $50 - $75.

The recent Copake auction also included this blue painted hall bench. I love it's simple design. It would be a great hall piece, and you and your guests wouldn't hesitate to sit down on it to take off boots in the Winter. This sold for $175 off an auction estimate of $75 - $125. 

This is a wonderful quilt! It's graphic with a very interesting design. The blue is vivid and would anchor a blue and white decorating scheme. This is 84 inches square, and 19th century Pennsylvania. It sold at Copake for $500 off an auction estimate of $300 - $500.

The next Bonhams SoMa Estate auction in San Francisco includes some wonderful blue painted furniture. To the right is actually a pair of chests in a Dutch Rococco style. They are 44 inches wide (Lot 2452), and have an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. If you have the room, they would look wonderful in a living or dining room, as in the example of the dining room above, or naturally in a bedroom as well. 

These corner cabinets are very versatile. They don't take up much room, and make great display and storage - perfect for a dining room or a kitchen. These are Lot 2459 in the Bonhams sale, and are late 19th or early 20th century Chippendale style. They have an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,500.

Another wonderful rustic American blue painted pine cupboard was sold at a Christie's auction in New York for $6,600 off an auction estimate of $2,000 - $3,000. The price realized is a testament to the appeal of rustic painted furniture. This cupboard would look terrific in a kitchen or dining room, and be wonderful for display. 

There are many wonderful opportunities to buy blue at auction - furniture, quilts and, of course, porcelain. The examples here also might give you ideas for rustic or refined. Either way, blue and white design works every time!