Pastel purple is a beautiful, soft shade that can add a sense of elegance and tranquility to any space. Unlike bold or electric shades of purple, pastel purple has a muted, delicate quality that is versatile and easy to match with other colors. So what exactly makes this tranquil tone? Pastel purple is created by combining two other colors – a pink and a blue. By adjusting the ratios and shades of these component colors, you can create a wide range of light, airy purples perfect for any pastel palette.
Primary Colors that Make Pastel Purple
The two primary colors that are blended together to create pastel purple are pink and blue. Specifically:
- A light or soft pink
- A light or soft blue
These muted versions of the primary colors red and blue combine to make the secondary color purple. By using less saturated versions of pink and blue, the resulting purple takes on a pale, delicate pastel identity.
Shades of Pink Used
When making pastel purple, the pink component is often a light or dusty shade. Some examples of soft pink hues that work well include:
- Baby pink
- Ballet slipper pink
- Blush pink
- Cotton candy pink
- Dusty rose pink
These names describe subtle, delicate pinks that have a lower saturation or intensity than bold hot pinks. Pastel pinks like these have a high amount of white added to soften the red undertone. Using a pale pink is key for giving pastel purple its lighter chroma.
Shades of Blue Used
On the other side of the pastel purple equation is the blue component. Light and soft blue hues commonly used include:
- Baby blue
- Bone blue
- Ice blue
- Light periwinkle
- Lilac blue
- Powder blue
These names indicate the most desaturated shades of blue – those with a high amount of white to gently mute the intensity. Pairing a soft blue with pink keeps the end result much softer than a bold royal purple.
Ratios of Pink to Blue
By adjusting the ratio of pink to blue, you can mix up the undertone and intensity of pastel purple. Some examples of blending ratios include:
- 80% pale pink + 20% light blue = a pink-leaning lilac purple
- 60% blush pink + 40% powder blue = a soft lavender purple
- 50% dusty rose + 50% periwinkle blue = a neutral pastel purple
- 40% cotton candy pink + 60% lilac blue = a blue-leaning mauve
- 20% baby pink + 80% bone blue = a light purple with blue undertones
So in summary, tweaking the amounts of pink vs. blue allows you to customize your pastel purple shade.
Tinting White or Black into the Mix
Another way to modify pastel purple is by adding white or black into the pink and blue blend. Here’s how:
- Add white to lighten the purple to more of a lavender tone
- Add black to deepen or mute the purple into more of a mauve
White will soften and dilute the color, while black will mute and gray it down. This is another trick for controlling the exact luminance and saturation of homemade pastel purple.
Paint Color Mixing Ratios
When mixing pastel purple paints or dyes, you’ll need to blend together paint versions of pink and blue. Some example paint ratios include:
- 2 parts pink paint + 1 part blue paint
- 3 parts lilac pink paint + 1 part periwinkle blue paint
- 1 part blush pink paint + 1 part sky blue paint
- 1 part coral pink paint + 2 parts slate blue paint
You can use any combination of soft pink and blue paints in different rations. Test small batches first to tweak the proportions to your perfect pastel purple hue.
Textile Dye Mixing Ratios
For dyeing or coloring textiles pastel purple, these dye ratios tend to work well:
- 1 part pink dye + 4 parts blue dye
- 2 parts pink dye + 2 parts blue dye
- 5 parts pink dye + 1 part blue dye
Having more pink or more blue dye will skew the end result to be more pinkish-purple vs. blueish-purple accordingly.
Matching Colors for Design
In interior design and fashion, pastel purple can be gorgeous paired with other soft colors. Some ideas for color schemes include:
- Pastel purple, peach, mint green, and white
- Pastel purple with baby blue and pink
- Pastel purple, sage green, and coral
- Pastel purple with seafoam green and yellow
Pastel purple is extremely versatile and pairs well with most other light, muted colors. It tends to pop against neutral backdrops like white, tan, gray and black.
Web Design Color Codes
When working with digital design, these hex codes can generate beautiful pastel purple shades:
- #E6E6FA – Lavender purple
- #F5F5F5 – Wisteria purple
- #CDB5CD – Orchid purple
- #EECFFB – Liliac purple
- #DAE7E9 – Pastel mauve
Tweak the hex values and play around with RGB combinations until finding your ideal pastel purple color.
Print Design Color Codes
For professional print projects using the CMYK color system, try these pastel purple options:
- 13% Magenta, 11% Cyan, 0% Yellow, 2% Black
- 24% Magenta, 18% Cyan, 0% Yellow, 0% Black
- 20% Magenta, 15% Cyan, 0% Yellow, 0% Black
Adjust the CMYK values to create lighter or darker variations for the perfect print application.
Mixing Food Dyes or Icing Colors
To tint foods or icing pastel purple, liquid food dyes can be blended using ratios like:
- 5 drops pink + 3 drops blue
- 3 drops pink + 5 drops blue
- 4 drops pink + 4 drops blue
Test with toothpicks on a plate before mixing into icing or batter to get the shade just right.
Mixing Makeup and Cosmetic Colors
For making custom pastel purple makeup and beauty products, try combining:
- Pink blush + blue eyeshadow
- Pink lipstick + blue lipstick
- Pink pigment + blue pigment
Use a spatula to blend small amounts first until you create your perfect pastel purple for cheeks, lips, and lids.
Using Soft Pastel Purple in Design
No matter what craft or medium you work with, soft pastel purple can make a gorgeous addition. Here are some ways to stylishly use this tranquil tone:
- Paint walls or furniture pastel purple for a soothing accent
- Dye Easter eggs an ombre pastel purple for a springtime delight
- Add pastel purple sheets, pillows and accents to a bedroom
- Brew pastel purple icing to decorate fairy tale cupcakes and cookies
- Stitch pastel purple fabric into a flowing boho dress or skirt
- Arrange pastel purple paper flowers for a refreshing centerpiece
- Create DIY pastel purpleSoaps, candles or cosmetics for a spa-like feeling
Let your imagination run wild with this dreamy color. Pastel purple can create a feeling of nostalgia, romance and imagination with just a small pop of pretty color.
Conclusion
Pastel purple may look softly sophisticated, but it’s actually very easy to mix at home. By blending a light pink with a light blue in different ratios, you can create a spectrum of delicate purples. Adjust the amounts of each color, add white to lighten or black to deepen the hues, and experiment until you create your perfect pastel purple for any project or design. This versatile, elegant shade can add a feminine touch and sense of tranquility to everything it graces. With the right pink and blue combinations, you’ll be mastering this magical pastel in no time.