When it comes to color, the terms tone and shade can seem interchangeable. However, while related, they refer to distinct characteristics of color.
What is a tone?
A tone refers to a color that has been tinted with gray, black, or white. Adding gray, black, or white to a pure hue creates a softer, muted version of that color. For example:
- Adding white to red makes it a lighter, softer pink
- Adding black to red makes it a deeper burgundy
- Adding gray to red makes it a muted dusty red
The amount of black, white or gray added determines how light or dark the toned-down color becomes. Toning down a color reduces its saturation and brightness.
What is a shade?
A shade refers to a pure color that has been made darker by adding black. For example, adding increasing amounts of black to red gives different red shades:
- Maroon
- Burgundy
- Crimson
The more black added, the darker the shade becomes. Therefore, shades are darker versions of a base color. Unlike tones, shades do not affect the color’s saturation or change it towards gray.
Key differences between tones and shades
While subtle, the key differences between tones and shades are:
| Tones | Shades |
|---|---|
| Created by adding white, black or gray | Created by adding black |
| Reduce saturation and brightness | Do not affect saturation |
| Mute and soften the color | Darken the color |
Tones
Some examples of tones include:
- Pastel colors – Made by adding white to bright colors like pastel pink, pastel blue
- Dusty colors – Made by adding gray to bright colors like dusty rose, dusty teal
- Stone colors – Made by adding gray to create earthy tones like stone gray, stone white
- Soft neutrals – Softer versions of black, white or gray
Tones work well in interior design to create calming, relaxed spaces. Pastel tones are widely used in country cottage, vintage, shabby chic and french country design styles.
Shades
Some examples of shades include:
- Navy – Darker shade of blue
- Plum – Darker shade of purple
- Forest green – Darker shade of green
- Crimson – Darker shade of red
Shades are vibrant yet deep colors. They are bold and intense, allowing them to make a dramatic impact. Shades work well when you want to create an intimate, cozy atmosphere.
Using tones and shades together
Tones and shades are often paired together in interior design. Here are some examples:
- Pale pink walls with burgundy furniture and decor accents
- Soft gray walls with navy blue sofa and cushions
- Pastel yellow walls with forest green sofa and plants
Combining tones and shades creates visual interest through contrast. The muted tones prevent the space from becoming overwhelming, while the bold shades provide rich accent colors.
Conclusion
While similar, tones and shades are distinct:
- Tones are muted, softened colors made by adding white, black or gray.
- Shades are darker versions of a color, made by adding black.
Tones reduce brightness and saturation, while shades only darken the color. Both play an important role in interior color palettes by providing contrast and visual interest.
So in summary, tones are muted or softer versions of a color, while shades are deeper, darker versions. When used together, they create the perfect balance in any interior space.
