Choosing the perfect light blue color can be tricky. With so many shades of blue to pick from, how do you know which one is the lightest and brightest? In this article, we’ll explore some of the very light blue colors that are great options for that pale, icy blue look.
True Baby Blue
One of the lightest shades of blue available is called true baby blue. As the name suggests, it resembles the pale blue color often associated with baby blankets and clothes. True baby blue is extremely light and bright, evoking images of sunny skies and cloudless days. Here are some key facts about this delightful color:
- Hex Code: #A2A9D3
- RGB Values: R: 162, G: 169, B: 211
- CMYK Values: C: 23%, M: 20%, Y: 0%, K: 17%
- Closest Web Safe Color: #99CCFF
With its high amount of white, true baby blue is vibrant yet still soft. It works beautifully in any room, adding a soothing touch. You might see it in a breezy beach house, elegant hotel lobby, or chic downtown loft.
Beau Blue
Another pale blue in the same color family as true baby blue is beau blue. Also referred to as periwinkle blue, it has a slightly deeper, fuller tone while still retaining a lightness. Here is some key information on beau blue:
- Hex Code: #BCD4E6
- RGB Values: R: 188, G: 212, B: 230
- CMYK Values: C: 18%, M: 8%, Y: 0%, K: 10%
- Closest Web Safe Color: #CCEEFF
Since beau blue is just a touch darker than true baby blue, it creates a subtle, elegant look. Combining it with crisp white trim gives off breezy, coastal vibes. Its softness also makes it work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and other relaxing spaces.
Alice Blue
Named after a daughter of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Alice blue is another extremely light blue. Roosevelt said it was his wife’s favorite color and had the White House painted in these soft blue tones. Some key details on Alice blue:
| Hex Code | RGB Values | CMYK Values | Closest Web Safe Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| #F0F8FF | R: 240, G: 248, B:255 | C: 6%, M: 3%, Y: 0%, K: 0% | #CCFFFF |
With its greenish undertone, Alice blue has a cool, tranquil effect. Use it in bedrooms for a soothing ambiance. Its extremely pale shade also gives the illusion of increased space, making it popular in small rooms. Overall, it creates a soft, airy look.
Baby Blue Eyes
As a pale icy blue, baby blue eyes is another top contender for lightest blue. Its name comes from the distinctive blue eye color of some infants. Here are the specifics on this beautiful blue:
| Hex Code | RGB Values | CMYK Values | Closest Web Safe Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| #A1CAF1 | R: 161, G: 202, B: 241 | C: 33%, M: 16%, Y: 0%, K: 5% | #99CCFF |
With its high level of white, baby blue eyes has a purity that is almost angelic. It creates a dreaming, ethereal look. Use it in bedrooms, especially kids’ rooms, for a sweet ambiance. Pair with white for a truly heavenly vibe.
Celeste
Similar to true baby blue, Celeste is an airy, delicate blue with a crisp purity. Here are its defining characteristics:
| Hex Code | RGB Values | CMYK Values | Closest Web Safe Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| #B2FFFF | R: 178, G: 255, B: 255 | C: 30%, M: 0%, Y: 0%, K: 0% | #CCFFFF |
With its high amount of cyan, Celeste has a bold, bright appearance. Yet its softness still comes through, lending an open, breezy feel. Use it to make small rooms feel larger. Its cheeriness creates fun energy in children’s or teen’s bedrooms.
Columbia Blue
Named after Columbia University, this soft blue is lighter than beau blue while retaining a subtle grayish tone. Key Columbia blue details:
| Hex Code | RGB Values | CMYK Values | Closest Web Safe Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| #C4D8E2 | R: 196, G: 216, B: 226 | C: 13%, M: 4%, Y: 0%, K: 11% | #CCFFFF |
With its slight gray undertone, Columbia blue has a soothing, tranquil effect. Use it in bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms to promote relaxation. It also has an open, airy quality which makes small spaces appear larger.
Sky Blue
As you probably guessed, this light blue gets its name from its resemblance to a hazy sky. While many variations of sky blue exist, lighter ones have an airy, weightless look. Here are some details on a pale sky blue:
| Hex Code | RGB Values | CMYK Values | Closest Web Safe Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| #87CEEB | R: 135, G: 206, B: 235 | C: 43%, M: 12%, Y: 0%, K: 8% | #99CCFF |
With its subtle green undertones, this sky blue feels both breezy and refreshing. Use it in outdoor living spaces or bathrooms for a soothing, spa-like feel. Pair with whites and natural textures like linen and wood to enhance its softness.
What is the HEX Code?
When looking at light blue colors, you’ll often see something called a HEX code. So what exactly does this mean? HEX code is a way to specify color using hexadecimal notation – a base-16 numeral system that uses 16 distinct symbols. It’s a standardized method for matching colors across different programs and applications.
HEX codes are 6 characters long, using the numbers 0-9 and letters A-F. Each pair of characters represents values for red, green and blue. For example, #87CEEB breaks down as:
| Color | Hex Value |
|---|---|
| Red | 87 |
| Green | CE |
| Blue | EB |
By entering HEX codes into programs like design software or HTML/CSS, you can precisely match specific colors. So when you’re looking for a perfect pale blue, take note of the HEX code for easy matching.
Different Names for Light Blue
With so many shades of light blue available, you might come across some unexpected names. Here are a few other names used for soft, pale blues:
- Powder blue
- Blizzard blue
- Non-photo blue
- Beau blue
- Iceberg
- Pale cerulean
These names are often used interchangeably when referring to shades like sky blue, Alice blue, true baby blue, and other pastel blues. While they might seem random, the names do evoke a sense of coolness, purity, and delicacy characteristic of pale blues.
Use in Decorating and Design
When used in interior design, light blues can create a variety of stylish looks. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your home’s decor:
- Accent walls – paint one wall an icy blue to add a pop of color
- Textiles – use light blue bedding, pillows, curtains or rugs for a soothing look
- Bathrooms – give bathrooms an airy, spa-like ambiance with powder blues
- Kitchens – use pale blue dishes or appliances like fridges for a retro vibe
- Outdoor spaces – blue patio furniture evokes relaxing summer vibes
- Lighting – hang pendant lights or lampshades in soft blue for an elegant glow
Whether trying to create a beachy, coastal look or add an ethereal softness, pale blues can do the trick. Decorating with lights blues results in a soothing, welcoming aesthetic.
Use in Fashion
Beyond home decor, light blues are also hugely popular in the fashion world. Clothing, shoes and accessories in these delicate hues have a feminine, romantic vibe. Here are some of the ways light blues are used in fashion and style:
- Bridesmaid dresses – pale blue is a popular color for bridesmaid gowns
- Denim – light wash denim has a retro, vintage look
- Lingerie – brands like Savage X Fenty use baby blues for dreamy undergarments
- Suits – icy blue suiting has a modern, edgy feel
- Shoes – blue heels, sandals and sneakers add pops of color to outfits
- Bags – handbags in pale blue leather or suede are alluring
Light blues have a playful, youthful effect in fashion. They also serve as neutrals that pair well with many other colors like white, pink, yellow and lavender. Use powdery blues to instantly add some whimsy to your wardrobe.
Conclusion
When you want to add a airy touch of color, very light blues are the perfect choice. From icy cool true baby blue to breezy sky blue hues, they create a delicate, ethereal look. Use these tranquil blues in your home decor, clothing and more to instantly lighten up any space or outfit.
