Pastels are light, soft colors that can look beautiful together but lack contrast. When using pastels, it’s important to add depth and visual interest by contrasting light and dark values. Here are some tips for creating successful pastel color schemes with plenty of contrast.
Use a Dark Accent Color
One easy way to add contrast to pastels is by using a dark accent color. For example, soft peach, mint, and sky blue pastels will pop when paired with deep navy or black accents. Try using the darker color on 10-20% of the design. For instance, use navy piping on mint bedding, a black kitchen island with peach cabinets, or a dark leather chair in a blue-gray living room.
Go for Bold Pastels
Some pastel shades inherently offer more contrast than others. Colors like fuchsia, cobalt, and citron are bolder, richer pastels. Combining these strong shades alongside softer pastels like lilac, sage, and peach creates visual interest. The varied pastel intensities result in a more dynamic look.
Add Contrast with Tone
Mixing pastels from light to dark is an easy contrast technique. For example, you might use fair pink, dusty rose, blush, and burgundy together. Or combine sunflower yellow, mustard, clay, and brown. Gradual tone shifts work well in wall paint, textiles, graphic prints, and more.
Use Contrasting Textures
Varying material finishes and textures also adds contrast within a pastel color palette. Try pairing soft, nubby linen with slick vinyl, matte silk accented by shiny metal beads, or knitted throws with polished stone table tops. Mixing textures helps ground and balance ethereal pastels.
Add Neutrals
Cream, gray, tan and other neutral shades make excellent pastel complements. They act like anchoring neutral “canvases” that allow soft hues to pop. For example, try pairing muted grays with lilac and seafoam accents. Or use rich cream walls to offset baby blue furnishing.
Go for Bold Black and White
Nothing offer more contrast than black and white. Use strong hits of these colors with pastels to create definition. Try black and white patterns mixed with peach and sage green. Or paint one wall black or white alongside colored pastel walls. Use black or white furniture to ground the palette.
Look to Nature for Contrast
Mother Nature is full of great pastel and contrast pairings. Take inspiration from things like:
- Sea glass – Aquas and blues with sandy neutrals
- Sunsets – Pinks, oranges and blues
- Spring flowers – Soft yellow, lavender and mint
- Ocean views – Pale blue and tan sand
Use Complementary Colors
Complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) offer maximum contrast. Blue and orange, yellow and purple, red and green – these combos make pastels pop. Try a peach and teal color scheme, or lilac with mustard yellow accents.
Go Light and Dark, Not Just Different Hues
Don’t just rely on using contrasting pastel hues like pink, green and orange together. Be sure to incorporate both light and dark values of various colors. Having lights, darks and medium tones creates variation.
Use Neutral Backdrops
Displaying pastels against white, black, gray or beige backdrops enhances contrast. For example, arranging pastel Easter eggs, macrons or flowers against a neutral tablecloth or paper. Let soft hues stand out against the pared-down background.
Add Pops of Black or White
Sprinkling bold punches of black and/or white into a pastel area instantly boosts contrast. Add black and white photography to soft blue walls, white shelving in a peach dining room, or black door frames in a minty bedroom. Small doses make a big impact.
Layer Light and Dark Pastels
For a sophisticated look, layer lighter and darker tints of complementary pastels together. For instance, try light mint bedsding with dark teal pillows. Or opt for a soft peach couch with throw pillows in rich raspberry and marigold. The light and dark layering creates subtle interest.
Use Contrasting Finishes
Vary the finishes of pastel hues to create more contrast. Matte, satin, metallic and high gloss paints, textiles and furnishings in accent colors can provide depth. For example, soft blue walls with a metallic blue chandelier; or silky peach bedding with a satin peach headboard.
Add Contrast with Pattern
Bold graphic prints in contrasting shades are a great way to liven up soft pastels. Try black and white chevron or buffalo check patterns. Leafy botanical prints, geometric patterns, or Moroccan motifs also contrast nicely. Use patterns sparingly to complement, not compete with, the pastels.
Conclusion
Balancing soft, dreamy pastels with bold contrast is key for depth and interest. Contrast pastels successfully using accent colors, tone, texture, patterns, prints and more. With thoughtful contrast techniques, pastels feel fresh and current instead of washed-out and flat.
