Pastel green is a pale, soft shade of green that has a muted, subtle appearance. It’s created by mixing a small amount of vivid green with a lot of white, giving it a very light, delicate look. Pastel green can come in a range of light tones from a faint hint of green to a slightly bolder minty shade. But what exactly does this ethereal color look like? Here’s an in-depth look at the different hues and varieties of pastel green and how they appear.
Mint Green
One of the most common shades of pastel green is mint green. Sometimes referred to as mint or seafoam green, this pastel hue gets its name from the gentle green color of mint leaves. It has a cool, invigorating quality similar to the scent and taste of mint. Mint green sits right in the middle of the pastel green spectrum – not too faint but not overly saturated either.
Mint green has a pale, elegant look but more color intensity than a soft sage green. It’s brighter and bolder than other pastels but still very much on the lighter end of the green family. Decorators often use mint green in bathrooms, kitchens, and other spaces that benefit from its refreshing, rejuvenating vibe. The cool mint color is also popular in springtime decor since it evokes images of new growth.
Pistachio Green
Another common pastel green shade is pistachio green. As its name implies, this soft green tone takes inspiration from the pale green hue of pistachio nuts. It’s a few shades lighter than mint green with more yellow undertones.
Pistachio green has a creamy, soothing appearance that calls to mind the inside of a pistachio shell. It’s a calming color that can lend a soft, welcoming atmosphere to any space. Use it in any room where you want to cultivate relaxation. Pistachio green is also perfect for accenting with bolder greens and blues.
Lime Green
On the more saturated end of pastel green hues is lime green. As you may have guessed, this shade gets its vivid color from limes. It sits between green and yellow on the color wheel with bright, cheerful undertones.
Lime green has much more color intensity than other pastel greens. It pops against neutrals and can instantly inject a fun, lively ambiance. But when mixed with enough white, lime green becomes muted into a bolder pastel that still retains some of its zesty personality. Use it sparingly to add a splash of color.
Jade Green
Jade green is another bolder pastel green shade. It’s modeled after the color of jadeite, a semi-precious green stone. This deeper green tone has blue undertones that give it a rich, jewel-toned look.
When mixed with white, jade green becomes a striking pastel hue. It’s much darker than mint or pistachio green and has an almost mysterious, sophisticated quality. Jade green pairs well with neutrals and can lend an elegant ambiance to any space. Use it on accent walls or rug accents.
Celadon Green
Celadon green is named after the light green glaze used on ancient Asian ceramics. It’s an extremely muted pastel green shade with soft gray undertones.
Of all the pastel greens, celadon green is one of the most subtle. It has an almost neutral appearance that serves as a beautiful, soothing backdrop. Borrowed from nature, it’s reminiscent of soft moss or lichen. Use celadon green to paint a relaxing bathroom or bedroom.
Chartreuse
On the opposite end of the subtle spectrum, chartreuse is a vivid pastel green. Named after the French liqueur, this electric shade sits between green and yellow. It has intense color saturation while still being much paler than true chartreuse.
Pastel chartreuse retains the eye-catching brightness of the original. It has a bold, playful personality that instantly energizes any space. Use it sparingly on an accent wall or front door. Chartreuse also pairs well with grays and other muted tones.
Sage Green
Sage green is an extremely soft, calming pastel green. It gets its name from the muted gray-green color of sage leaves. With subtle blue undertones, it has an almost dusty, faded appearance.
Sage green is one of the most soothing shades of pastel green. It cultivates tranquility and relaxation in any environment. Use it in bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices that could benefit from its calming vibe. Sage green also accents neutrals very nicely.
Sea Glass Green
Just like weathered bits of sea glass, this pastel shade has a faded, timeworn quality. It’s a blend of cool blues and greens that mimics the varied hues of real sea glass. With its soft, beachy vibe, it calls to mind sun-bleached glass smoothed by the motion of ocean waves.
Sea glass green can range from a pale sage tone to a bolder aqua depending on the mix. It instantly whisks you away to memories of long beach days and vacation vibes. Use it in bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens to cultivate a relaxed atmosphere.
Pastel Green Color Combinations
When decorating with pastel green, you’ll want to choose coordinating colors carefully to create the look and feel you desire. Here are some of the most appealing and aesthetically pleasing color combinations.
| Pastel | Coordinates With | Creates This Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Mint green | Corals, pinks, yellow | Fresh, cheerful |
| Pistachio green | Peach, beige, cream | Warm, welcoming |
| Lime green | Whites, grays | Bold, lively |
| Jade green | White, navy blue | Rich, elegant |
| Celadon green | Warm neutrals | Relaxed, subtle |
| Chartreuse | Purple, gray | Vibrant, energetic |
| Sage green | Cream, sand | Serene, soothing |
| Sea glass green | Navy, gray | Natural, beachy |
Pastel green is extremely versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of colors. Choose hues that complement each other and create the look, feel, and ambiance you want for any space.
How Lighting Affects Pastel Green
The way pastel green appears is greatly influenced by the lighting in a room. Different types of light can impact its look and feel.
Natural Light – Pastel greens look best in natural light. The soft glow enhances their muted tones and subtleties. Mint and pistachio greens appear brighter and bolder while celadon and sage look more relaxed and serene.
Incandescent Light – Warm incandescent bulbs bring out the green undertones in pastel shades. Chartreuse and lime green look more vivid while sea glass and jade become richer.
Fluorescent Light – The cool cast of fluorescent lighting emphasizes the blue undertones in certain pastel greens. Celadon, jade, and sea glass take on a more muted, grayish tone.
LED Light – Like fluorescent bulbs, the crisp white light of LEDs enhances the cooler side of pastel greens. Sage and pistachio remain fairly true to color.
To control how pastel green looks, opt for tunable light bulbs that allow you to adjust the color temperature from warm to cool as needed. And use plenty of natural light when possible to see the hues at their best.
Pastel Green Paint Colours
When shopping for pastel green paint, there are many shades to choose from. Some top paint brands making beautiful pastel green options include:
| Paint Brand | Pastel Green Hues |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Copen Blue, Waterleaf |
| Sherwin Williams | Tradewind, Rainwashed |
| Behr | Caffeine Fix, Genie Bottle |
| Valspar | Hippie Green, Birds of Paradise |
Most paint brands organize their pastel greens from light to dark or warm to cool. Names are meant to evoke a certain feel but it’s best to sample chips before committing to a particular shade.
Pastel Green in Fashion
In the fashion world, pastel green is a perfect springtime color that always comes back around each season. It’s a refreshing, feel-good hue that conjures up images of renewal and growth.
Some of the top ways to wear pastel green fashion include:
- Flowy mint dress
- Pistachio green button down
- Light green jeans
- Seafoam green handbag
- Sage green jumpsuit
- Jade green heels
- Subtle pastel green jewelry
Pastel green flatters a wide variety of skin tones. Pair it with other spring neutrals and pastels like pink, lavender, and creams. It can be worn both casually and formally for a touch of soft color.
Pastel Green Nails
On the nail polish front, pastel green is huge for spring and summer manicures. Shades like mint, pistachio, and seafoam green add a fun pop of color to bare nails. And it complements the warm weather beautifully.
Pastel green nail ideas include:
- Solid mint nails
- Sea glass green tips
- Light green polka dots
- Pistachio green ombre
- Sage green floral design
- Jade green marbled pattern
Pair pastel green polish with nudes, corals, pinks, and creams for a pretty contrast. Add artful touches like stripes, florals, or color blocking if desired. Pastel green nails are perfect for spring!
Home Decor With Pastel Green
Few colors are as versatile in home decor as the many varieties of pastel green. Here are some fabulous ways to decorate with soft, elegant pastel greens:
- Sage green bedroom with cream and beige
- Mint kitchen accents and decor
- Pistachio green bathroom with wood tones
- Jade green rug in a neutral living room
- Sea glass green kitchen island
- Celadon green tiles in a bathroom
- Chartreuse green front door
Pastel green can be adapted to just about any design style from modern farmhouse to midcentury modern. It brings life to neutrals and complements both warm and cool tones.
Conclusion
With its soothing, inviting personality, it’s easy to see why pastel green is such a beloved color. The soft minty, pistachio, sage, and sea glass green hues instantly conjure up feelings of springtime renewal and relaxation.
Pastel green is a chameleon shade that changes its look and feel depending on the mix and how it’s accented. It can be adapted to everything from fashion to home decor. So embrace the elegance of this ethereal color in all its many splendored green hues.