What Are Pastel Colors?

Pastel colors are typically pale colors with a light hue and low saturation. The name originates from the pastel art medium which is known for its neutral hue and low saturation using powder pigment with a binder. Most people would call pastel colors soothing with their soft tones they are very easy for the eyes to take in.

You can think of pastel colors as a pale version of any color, meaning the color mixed with white. You can use our color shade generator to find lighter shades of a color. This is useful for finding lighter shades of your brand colors for that pastel vibe.

Pastel Color Palette Inspiration

ColorKit offers plenty of pastel color palettes to gather inspiration from. Here are some of our most popular pastel color palettes to use in your designs.

How to Use Pastel Colors in Design

Pastel colors are super versatile and can work in all sorts of designs. Their soft, calming vibes make them great for specific uses. Here are some cool ways to use pastel colors in your designs:

1. Make Things Feel Chill: Pastel colors are perfect for creating a relaxed mood. Use them in bedrooms, baby rooms, or wellness apps to make everything feel calm and peaceful.
2. Add Interest Without Going Overboard: Want to make your design pop without being too much? Try using pastel colors for backgrounds or small details. They’ll add depth without stealing the show.
3. Balance Out Bold Colors: Pair pastel shades with brighter, bolder colors to create eye-catching designs. For example, a light pastel blue looks awesome next to a deep navy.
4. Bring Back Old-School Vibes: Pastel colors often remind people of the past. Use them in designs for things like ice cream shops or kids’ toys to create a fun, nostalgic feel.
5. Make Text Easier to Read: Light pastel backgrounds can make words stand out more, especially for longer bits of text. Just make sure there’s enough difference between the text color and background color.
6. Get Seasonal: People often think of spring and Easter when they see pastel colors. Use them in designs for these seasons to capture that fresh, new feeling.

Remember, while pastel colors are usually easy on the eyes, using too many can make your design look washed out. Try mixing pastels with darker or brighter colors to keep things interesting.

---

I hope this pastel color inspiration gives your next project a jump start! Looking for more pastel design inspiration? I’d recommend checking out dribbble.