What is a pastel color?
A pastel color is a light, low-saturated hue, obtained by adding white to a vivid color (sometimes a micro hint of gray to age it). The most popular: pastel pink, pastel blue, pastel green, pastel yellow, pastel lavender/purple/lilac, pastel coral, pastel peach, pastel orange.
Pastel color chart and palettes
To create a pastel color palette or a pastel color chart, start with a neutral (off-white, light beige, pearl gray) and combine 1 to 2 coherent pastels.
Examples of palettes
- Pastel pink + pastel peach + cream.
- Pastel blue + pastel green + light gray.
- Pastel lavender + lilac + off-white.
- Pastel coral + sand + light wood.
- Pastel orange + greige + brushed brass.
Color code references (approximations)
| Shade | Common name | Hex (≈) | RGB (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pink | pastel pink | #FFD1DC |
255, 209, 220 |
| Blue | Pastel blue | #AEC6FF |
174, 198, 255 |
| Green | Pastel green | #BFE3C0 |
191, 227, 192 |
| Yellow | pastel yellow | #FFF1A8 |
255, 241, 168 |
| Purple | Lavender/Pastel purple | #DCC6F8 |
220, 198, 248 |
| Orange | Pastel coral/Orange | #FFBCB3 |
255, 188, 179 |
| Rosé | Pastel peach | #FFD7BA |
255, 215, 186 |
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Pastel color paint: how to do it
- Choose your base (blue, red, green, yellow, purple, coral).
- Gradually add white to achieve a pastel blue color, pastel pink color, pastel green color, or pastel yellow color.
- For a softer and matte effect, add a touch of gray (desaturation).
- Test on an area of 50×50 cm and observe under different lights (day, 3000–4000 K).
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Decor ideas by room
Pastel color room
- Pastel blue headboard, off-white walls, pastel pink bedding.
- Nature ambiance: pastel green + linen + light wood.
- Soothing alternative: pastel lavender + pearl gray + cream curtains.
Living room
- Neutral base (greige) + pastel coral sofa + pastel peach cushions.
- Cool palette: pastel blue + pastel green + light oak + brass touches.
Bathroom
- Walls pastel water green, glossy white tiles, brushed brass fittings.
- Pastel lavender in the base + matte white zellige for light.
Kitchen
- Backsplash pastel yellow, cream facades, light wood countertop.
- High elements pastel blue + low greige to structure.
Office & child's room
- Focus area: pastel orange or pastel coral band (softly stimulating).
- Child's room: pastel pink + sand beige + natural wood.
Visual backgrounds & wallpapers
For a pastel color background, solid pastel color background or a pastel color wallpaper, use subtle gradients or minimalist flat colors (e.g.: pastel blue → pastel lavender).
Quick tips
- Balance 1–2 pastels with neutrals (off-white, beige, pearl gray).
- Structure with a dark anchor (navy, anthracite, camel leather).
- Texture: linen, washed cotton, light wood, matte ceramic.
- Light: pastels react to lighting; test before applying everywhere.
Quick FAQ
What are pastel colors?
Pink, blue, green, yellow, lavender/lilac, coral, peach, orange in pastel versions (lightly saturated).
What codes for pastel green/blue/pink?
Examples: green ≈ #BFE3C0; blue ≈ #AEC6FF; pink ≈ #FFD1DC (to be adjusted according to your support).
What pastel color for the bedroom?
Pastel blue or pastel green for calmness; powder pink for a soft cocoon.
How to make a pastel color in painting?
Add white to a bright color, then refine with a touch of gray to patina if needed.