Pink is a fascinating color with a rich history and a wide range of shades and varieties. In this article, we’ll explore the different classifications and categories of pink shades so you can understand the full spectrum of this glorious hue.
True Pink
True pinks are based on the color “pink”, which gets its name from the flower. These shades range from soft and pale through bright and vivid. Key true pink shades include:
- Baby pink – A very soft, pale pink.
- Ballet pink – A very light, cool pink.
- Blush pink – A soft, muted pink with hints of peach.
- Carnation pink – A medium pink that takes its name from carnations.
- Cherry blossom pink – A bright, warm pink inspired by cherry blossoms.
- Coral pink – A pink with strong orange undertones.
- Fuchsia – A vivid reddish purple pink inspired by fuchsia flowers.
- Hot pink – A bright, intense pink closer to magenta.
- Mauve – A soft pinky purple.
- Orchid pink – A cool pink with hints of lavender, inspired by orchid flowers.
- Pastel pink – Very soft, pale pinks.
- Rose pink – Pink with a touch of red, inspired by rose petals.
- Shocking pink – An intense, neon bright pink.
- Tickle Me Pink – A bright, warm pink leaning slightly orange.
Tinted Pinks
Tinted pinks are created by adding white to a pure hue like red, purple, or orange. Some key examples include:
- Salmon pink – Pink tinted with orange/peach.
- Coral pink – A pink with stronger orange tinting.
- Mauve pink – Pink with purple/lavender tinting.
- Dusty pink – Pink muted down with gray.
- Rosy pink – Pink with a rosy red tint.
Shades of Pink
Shades of pink are created by adding black or gray to pink hues. Some shades of pink include:
- Pale pink
- Baby pink
- Pastel pink
- Ballet pink
- Blush pink
- Mauve pink
- Dusty pink
- Mulberry pink
- French pink
- Bashful pink
- Pink sherbet
The more black added, the deeper the shade of pink becomes before turning into a different color like red or purple.
Tones of Pink
Pink tones are created by adding gray to pure pink hues. Some examples of pink tones include:
- Pale pink
- Earth pink
- Sand pink
- Pearl pink
- Whisper pink
- Faded pink
- Dusty pink
Pink tones are more muted, subtle, and gentle compared to bright pure pinks.
Bright Pinks
Bright pinks retain their full saturation and include shades like:
- Hot pink
- Deep pink
- Fuchsia
- Raspberry pink
- Cerise pink
- Wild strawberry pink
- Shocking pink
- Super pink
- Ultra pink
These vivid pinks pack the most punch visually. They are saturated, pure versions of pink at its brightest.
Dull Pinks
Dull pinks are pinks with gray added to mute the color. They include:
- Dusty pink
- Mauve
- Taupe pink
- Desert sand pink
- Smoke pink
- Pale pink
- Pastel pink
Dull pinks are gentler on the eyes and work beautifully in soft, feminine palettes.
Light Pinks
Light pinks include tints of pink with white added to lighten the shade. Some popular light pinks are:
- Baby pink
- Ballet pink
- Blush pink
- Tea rose pink
- Orchid pink
- Cherry blossom pink
- Pastel pink
- Whisper pink
- Pale pink
Light pinks create a delicate, ethereal effect and work well in whimsical, feminine themes.
Dark Pinks
Dark pinks are created by adding black, brown, or complementary colors like green to deepen the color. Some dark pink shades are:
- Raspberry pink
- Fuchsia pink
- Ruby pink
- Cerise pink
- Hot pink
- Deep pink
- Pink sherbet
- Mulberry pink
Dark pinks have dramatic, bold visual impact. They work well as accent colors.
Warm Pinks
Warm pinks lean towards red, orange, and yellow undertones. Some examples include:
- Salmon pink
- Peach pink
- Coral pink
- Melon pink
- Tomato pink
- Sunset pink
- Buttermilk pink
- Mango pink
Warm pinks energize and uplift. They pair beautifully with metallics and neutrals.
Cool Pinks
Cool pinks lean towards blue and purple undertones. Some cool pink shades are:
- Orchid pink
- Ballet pink
- Blush pink
- Cotton candy pink
- Carnation pink
- Mulberry pink
- Raspberry pink
- Mauve pink
Cool pinks have a more sophisticated, elegant effect. They work well in romantic color stories.
Popular Uses of Different Pink Shades
Here are some popular uses and associations for different categories of pink shades:
| Category | Popular Uses |
|---|---|
| Baby pinks | Nurseries, baby showers, girls’ rooms |
| Ballet pinks | Feminine bedroom colors, bridal accents |
| Vivid pinks | Fun accents, playful kids’ decor |
| Dusty pinks | Boho living rooms, laidback bedroom colors |
| Salmon pinks | Vintage kitchens, Mediterranean style homes |
| Blush pinks | Romantic bedrooms, spa-like bathrooms |
| Coral pinks | Tropical, beachy decors |
| Fuchsia pinks | Glamorous accents, artsy decors |
Psychology of Pink Shades
Different hues and tones of pink can evoke different psychological responses:
- Soft pinks (blush, ballet) convey gentle femininity, romance
- Vivid pinks (fuchsia, raspberry) are energetic, fun, youthful
- Dark pinks (deep pink, mulberry) suggest richness, indulgence
- Bright pinks (hot pink, shocking pink) are playful, whimsical
- Light pinks (orchid, cherry blossom) create an airy, delicate impression
- Dull pinks (mauve, dusty rose) are relaxing and soothing
Pink Color Symbolism and Meanings
In color symbolism, pink represents:
- Romance, love, affection
- Femininity, beauty, grace
- Sweetness, kindness, nurturing
- Joy, happiness
- Youth, innocence
- Whimsy, playfulness
It’s most strongly associated with romantic love and sentiment.
Pink in Branding
In branding and marketing, different pink shades can project different personalities:
- Pastel pinks = sweet, innocent
- Bright pinks = energetic, fun
- Deep pinks = glamorous, luxurious
- Dusty pinks = earthy, bohemian
- Blush pinks = feminine, romantic
- Corals = tropical, beachy
Examples of major brands using shades of pink include Barbie, Baskin Robbins, T-Mobile, Cosmopolitan, Dunkin Donuts.
Pink Color Palettes
Some examples of popular pink color palettes include:
- Blush Pink Palette – Blush pink, cream, tan, brown, grey
- Ballet Pink Palette – Ballet pink, ivory, butter yellow, sage green, sky blue
- Peachy Pink Palette – Peach pink, buttercream, olive green, camel, toasted almond
- Cherry Blossom Pink Palette – Cherry blossom pink, mint green, navy blue, champagne, white
- Mauve Pink Palette – Mauve pink, seafoam green, butter yellow, grey blue, burgundy
- Coral Pink Palette – Coral pink, turquoise, lime green, tan, espresso
Pink works well with other pastels, bright primary colors, grays and beiges, and dark shades like black, brown and navy.
Pink Color Mixing
In color mixing and design, pinks can be created by mixing:
- Red + White to make baby pink to fuchsia
- Red + Blue to make raspberry pink
- Red + Purple to make shocking pink
- Orange + White to make peach pink
- Pink + White to make the shade lighter
- Pink + Gray to make the shade duller
- Pink + Black to make the shade darker
Understanding these combinations helps artists and designers customize pink shades.
Number of Pink Shades
The actual number of different pink shades and varieties is infinite! By tweaking the saturation, lightness, hue, or adding shades of black, brown, white, gray, or complementary colors, you have endless possibilities for custom pinks.
That said, some color classification systems have identified between 30-50 distinct pink shades like fuchsia, magenta, orchid, flamingo, and more.
Conclusion
So in summary, while pink may seem simple on the surface, when you start digging deeper there are limitless shades and nuances. By understanding the different categories like true pinks vs tints vs tones, the characteristics of light/dark, warm/cool, and dull/vivid pinks, and how to mix custom pinks, you can tailor this glorious color to any design or decor need.
Pink is always a shade of optimism, joy and fun. Whatever flavor of pink speaks to you, embrace it and let your true colors shine!
