Pastel colors are known for being soft, light and airy. They are created by mixing a saturated color with white, resulting in a paler, desaturated hue. Pastels work beautifully together in color schemes and designs. When combined thoughtfully, pastels can create a harmonious and peaceful look and feel.
In color theory, “complementary colors” refer to pairs of colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. They contrast strongly with each other, which creates visual impact and vibrancy. Complementary pairs are aesthetically pleasing and naturally accentuate one another.
Some of the most popular and versatile pastel complementary color combinations include:
Lavender and Peach
Lavender is a light purple with hints of pink, blue and gray. Peach is a pale orange with creamy undertones. These two pastels complement each other beautifully.
The cool lavender and warm peach provide gentle contrast. When combined in designs, lavender and peach create a romantic, feminine and spring-like color palette. They give off relaxed, laidback vibes.
In fashion, lavender and peach work well together in outfits. Think of pairing a lavender blouse with peach pants or shorts. For events like bridal and baby showers, use lavender and peach in the decorations, flowers, treats and attire. Lavender and peach wedding themes are popular for their romantic flair.
Around the home, paint a room in a lavender color with peach accents and decor. Use lavender and peach bedding, curtains, art and furniture in a bedroom or living area. For kitchens, paint lower cabinets lavender and upper cabinets peach. Add matching dishes, appliances and linens.
Mint Green and Soft Pink
Mint green is a cool pastel green with bluish undertones. Soft pink is a barely saturated, milky pink. These two colors complement each other in a spring-like palette.
Mint green and soft pink have a clean, fresh look about them. They give off casual, youthful vibes with a touch of femininity. The crisp mint green balances out the sweet, delicate pink.
For fashion, pair a mint green top with soft pink pants or skirt. Mint and pink work nicely together in sundresses, swimsuits and athletic wear too. Paint your nails mint green with a pink pedicure. These colors look great at casual events like baby showers, bridal showers and birthday parties.
Use mint and pink to decorate a living room, bedroom or bathroom. Think mint walls with pink accents like pillows, rugs and curtains. Make decor cohesive with matching dishes, soap dispensers, frames and knickknacks. For kids’ spaces, use mint and pink in decor, furniture, bedding, clothes and toys.
Lilac and Lemon Yellow
Lilac is a light purple with cool undertones leaning towards blue and lavender. Lemon yellow is a vibrant, saturated yellow. When combined, these opposites create a bold and energizing color palette.
The soft lilac and bright lemon yellow contrast strongly, which creates visual interest. Despite their differences, the two colors complement each other in moderation. They convey feelings of cheer, hope and vitality.
For fashion, pair a lilac blouse with a lemon yellow skirt or trousers. Add matching jewelry and accessories as desired. Use lilac and lemon yellow to make statement outfits for parties, festivals and special events. These colors pop beautifully against tan skin.
In interior design, use lilac as the main wall color and add lemon yellow accents through art, pillows, lamps and decorations. For kitchens, paint upper cabinets lilac and lower cabinets lemon yellow. Add matching dishes, linens and decorations. Use this color scheme to brighten up living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and offices. It promotes positivity.
Making Pastel Complements Work
When combining any pastel complementary colors, keep these tips in mind:
– Stick to a maximum of 3 pastel colors in one palette. Too many can look chaotic.
– Balance out the palette. If using a darker vs. lighter pastel, make the darker color an accent.
– Add contrast and dimension by including metallics and neutrals like white, cream and tan.
– Soften the pastels further by blending them with white paint/icing for decorating.
– Allow one color to dominate and add smaller touches of the complement color.
– Swap out third accent colors to give the palette a new look. Navy, yellow and grey all complement pastels.
– Incorporate patterns like stripes, florals and polka dots. Anchor them with solid color blocks.
– Use lighter values of the same colors together, like light pink and light mint green.
– Add texture with suede, linen, velvet and other tactile fabrics.
Popular Color Palettes
Here are some favorite pastel complementary color combinations:
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Peach |
| Mint | Pink |
| Lilac | Lemon Yellow |
| Baby Blue | Pale Yellow |
| Seafoam Green | Salmon |
| Pastel Purple | Light Blue |
| Light Sage Green | Dusty Rose |
| Powder Blue | Peachy Pink |
| Pale Lavender | Blush |
| Buttercream | Baby Pink |
As you can see, pastel color palettes work beautifully for any season or occasion. The soft, desaturated hues have universal appeal. Pastels project warmth and positivity when skillfully combined.
Choosing Your Pastel Colors
When creating your own pastel color scheme, follow these tips:
– Pick 1 dominant color and 1-2 complement colors.
– Ensure they contrast enough to accent each other.
– Avoid colors that are too similar in hue and tone.
– Swap out shades of the same color (light blue and navy blue).
– Use a color wheel to find complementary and triadic pastels.
– Look at color palette examples online and in design magazines.
– Pull colors from existing items like artwork, textiles and photographs.
– Consider the purpose of the palette – wedding, baby room, spring theme, etc.
– Pick colors you genuinely enjoy looking at and find pleasing together.
Trust your own sense of style and taste when putting colors together. There are no strict rules. Complementary pastels offer many beautiful possibilities.
Using Pastel Complements in Design
Some ways to skillfully use pastel complements together:
– Paint walls in the dominant color and use accents like pictures frames, vases, lamps and chairs in the complement colors.
– Make accent walls, headboards or doors in the complement color.
– In kitchens and bathrooms, use cabinetry in one color and decor accessories in complement colors.
– Pick out bedding or upholstery in one color and add pillows, throws and curtains in accent colors.
– For events, decorate with tablecloths, flowers, candles, balloons, plates and banners using the palette.
– On clothing, wear the dominant color on top and the complement color on bottom (or vice versa).
– Craft handmade gifts, wreaths, flower arrangements using colors from the palette.
– Display fresh flowers, fruits and veggies that naturally contain the colors.
– On websites and social media, use the palette for background, banners, buttons and brand visuals.
Conclusion
Pastel color complements provide endless possibilities to liven up spaces and designs. Thoughtfully combined, they create cohesive palettes that are inviting, uplifting and feminine. Pastels project warmth and hold universal appeal.
Some particularly gorgeous pastel complements include lavender and peach, mint and pink, and lilac with lemon yellow. Use these combinations in home decor, fashion, events, crafts, graphic design and more. Follow color theory basics and your own personal taste to develop stunning and unique pastel color schemes.