Pastel colors are often associated with softness, delicacy, and subtlety. By definition, pastels are pale, light colors that lack strong saturation. Bright colors, on the other hand, are bold, vivid, and highly saturated. This leads many people to believe that pastels cannot also be bright, but this is not necessarily true. While pastels are generally muted and gentle, there are ways to create brighter pastel shades that retain their soft essence. In this article, we will explore how pastels can achieve a brighter, bolder look while still maintaining their distinctive pastel qualities.
What are pastel colors?
Pastels are a range of pale, desaturated colors that are created by mixing a strong primary color with white. Some typical pastel shades include soft pink, lavender, mint, peach, and baby blue. The addition of white reduces the saturation of the original hue, creating a much softer, more muted color. Pastels span the entire color spectrum but are united by their lightness and subtlety. They are the complete opposite of bold, saturated colors.
Why are pastels considered soft and delicate?
There are a few reasons why pastels invoke a sense of delicacy:
– Their desaturated nature – With less color saturation, pastels lose the vividness of bold hues and appear more gentle.
– Their association with certain objects or feelings – Pastels are reminiscent of things like flowers, babies, femininity, and romance.
– Their lower contrast – When placed side-by-side with brighter shades, pastels look more subdued and less striking.
– Their names – Words like “baby” and “whisper” used to describe pastel shades reinforce their soft essence.
So while not all pastels are inherently soft or delicate, they are perceived that way due to color psychology and poetic color names that evoke a sense of tenderness.
Can pastels also be bright colors?
Yes, pastels can absolutely take on a brighter, more vivid appearance while retaining their soft, muted quality. Here are some ways to give pastels a bolder, lighter look:
– Add more white – Increasing the white ratio pushes pastels closer to tints and farther from their parent hue, creating brighter shades.
– Layer colors – Using multiple pastel layers can produce more luminosity than a single application.
– Use opaque pigments – Opaque pastel pigments will seem brighter than ones with more transparency.
– Choose neon versions – Neon pastels like melon and lilac punch up the brightness while remaining distinctly pastel.
– Contrast with darker shades – Placing bright pastels against darker colors makes them pop more.
– Add shine – Gloss or shimmer finishes give pastels the illusion of being lighter and more lively.
| Pastel Color | Bright Version |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Vivid lilac |
| Mint | Electric mint |
| Peach | Neon melon |
Bright pastel color combinations
One way to make pastels pop is by combining brighter pastel shades in a palette. Here are some examples of color pairings that allow pastels to shine:
– Melon and turquoise
– Lavender and lime green
– Pink and electric blue
– Peach and bright teal
– Pale yellow and sky blue
These combos work because they include pastels with naturally high luminosity paired with complementary colors. The juxtaposition makes the pastels appear even more vivid.
Uses of bright pastels
Here are some fun ways to utilize brighter pastel shades so their colors dazzle:
– Clothing – Dresses, blouses, or accessories in vivid pastels command attention.
– Home decor – Use neon pastels in artwork, pillows, or furniture against subdued walls.
– Party decorations – Vibrant pastel balloons, streamers, and decor set a festive tone.
– Graphic design – Bright pastels help key information pop on websites and printed materials.
– Makeup – Eyeshadow, blush, or nail polish in light neon pastels make bold statements.
– Baking – Vivid pastel frostings and fondants turn cakes and cupcakes into edible art.
– Crafts – Handmade gifts seem more cheery and lively when incorporating brighter pastels.
Conclusion
While pastels are defined by their soft, delicate nature, there are many ways to tap into their potential for brightness. By increasing white ratios, layering opaque pigments, utilizing neon versions, and combining complementary shades, pastels can take on a much more vivid, luminous appearance. When used strategically in designs, decor, clothing, and more, these bright pastels retain their essential pastel quality while also commanding attention. So don’t be afraid to turn up the volume on pastels and show their bold, brilliant side!
