Colors can have a big impact on the overall feel and mood of a space. Some colors feel bold and saturated while others feel more muted and subtle. The latter are typically referred to as “soft tone” colors. Soft tones tend to be calming, gentle and understated. They create a relaxed vibe and are great choices for certain rooms and spaces.
Defining Soft Tone Colors
In basic terms, soft tone colors are those with low saturation and brightness. They don’t “pop” as much as their bolder counterparts. Soft tones include both light and dark shades that have been desaturated to appear more neutral.
Here are some key characteristics of soft tone colors:
- Low saturation – Soft tones aren’t overly intense or saturated.
- Low brightness – They don’t reflect a lot of light, so they aren’t brilliant or flashy.
- Neutral undertone – Many feature a subtle grayish or beige undertone.
- Muted – Soft tones appear faded, dusty or hazy.
- Calming – They evoke tranquility and relaxation.
While any color can be softened by desaturating it and reducing its brightness, some hues lend themselves particularly well to soft tones. The most popular soft tone color families include:
- Pastels
- Dusty neutrals
- Muted earth tones
- Hazy blues and greens
- Dusky pinks and plums
Many soft tones fall into the neutral color range, but they can also include very muted versions of brighter hues like blue, green, pink and violet. The unifying factor is their gentle, subtle effect.
Benefits of Using Soft Tone Colors
There are many reasons to incorporate soft tones into your home’s color palette:
- Calming – Soft colors have a peaceful, soothing effect on mood.
- Versatile – They work in many styles from modern to traditional.
- Cohesive – Soft tones blend seamlessly together.
- Natural – Many mimic tones found in nature.
- Neutral – They act almost like neutrals.
- Layerable – Easy to layer with bolder accent colors.
In addition to creating a tranquil environment, soft tones provide a versatile, cohesive backdrop that works with lots of different styles. Their subtle look lets bolder colors and patterns take center stage.
Best Rooms for Soft Tone Colors
Certain rooms lend themselves especially well to soft soothing colors:
- Bedrooms – Promote relaxation and sleep.
- Bathrooms – Create a spa-like retreat.
- Living rooms – Provide a comfortable hang-out space.
- Dining rooms – Set the stage for conversation.
- Offices – Enhance concentration and focus.
- Nurseries – Provide a peaceful setting for baby.
Really any room where you want to encourage calmness and relaxation is a great candidate for soft tone colors. Use them on walls, larger furniture pieces, window treatments and decorative accents.
Examples of Popular Soft Tone Colors
Here are some specific soft tone colors that are widely used in interior design:
Pastel Tones
- Mint green
- Lavender
- Butter yellow
- Pale pink
- Baby blue
- Blush
- Seafoam green
Pastels by nature have low saturation, which gives them their soft, delicate appearance. They work beautifully in romantic, feminine and cottage-style rooms.
Dusty Neutrals
- Dove gray
- Mushroom
- Sand
- Taupe
- Beige
- Greige
- Oatmeal
These muted, hazy neutrals work with almost any color scheme. They are extremely versatile and design-friendly.
Muted Earth Tones
- Dusty teal
- Clay
- Buff
- Stone
- Khaki
Earthy hues that have been softened have a subtle grounding effect perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms and libraries.
Hazy Blues
- Powder blue
- Ice blue
- Cloud blue
- Robin’s egg
- Cornflower blue
These pale, desaturated blues are reminiscent of peaceful skies and water and work beautifully in bathrooms, bedrooms and nurseries.
Dusky Pinks & Plums
- Dusty rose
- Mauve
- Thistle
- Lilac
Softened versions of pink and purple bring a romantic, feminine touch. Use them in bedrooms, living spaces and offices.
Tips for Decorating with Soft Tone Colors
Here are some tips for effectively working soft tones into your home’s decor:
- Choose soft colors for large surfaces like walls, then add patterns and textures through accessories and fabrics.
- Mix and match soft tones from the same family for a cohesive look.
- Add contrast with black and white accents and natural wood tones.
- Use soft colors as a background to anchor bolder accent colors.
- Add layers like rugs, pillows and throws in complementing soft colors.
- Repeat your soft tones in multiple rooms for a unified flow.
A common paint technique is to use soft tones on walls and ceilings, then add contrast with white moldings and trim. This keeps the room light and airy.
Combining Soft Tones and Bold Colors
While soft tones look beautiful on their own, they gain more depth when combined with bold accent colors. Soft muted walls allow bolder colors to pop without becoming overwhelming. Here are some examples of soft-bold color pairings:
| Soft Tone Color | Bold Color Pairings |
|---|---|
| Light blue | Navy blue, canary yellow |
| Lavender | Eggplant, sage green |
| Butter yellow | Charcoal, cobalt blue |
| Dove gray | Emerald green, coral |
| Mushroom | Terracotta, teal |
The soft tones allow the bold colors to take center stage, while keeping things from becoming too overwhelming. Use bold patterns and textures in moderation against soft backdrop colors.
Conclusion
Soft tone colors provide a versatile backdrop that sets a relaxed mood. Popular soft tones include pastels, muted earth tones, dusty neutrals, soft blues and dusky pinks. Use these calming hues in bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, nurseries and living spaces. Combine with bolder accent colors and natural wood tones for added visual interest. Soft tones allow you to create a soothing, welcoming retreat.
