Everything about
the color Light Blue

What color is light blue?

Light blue is a pale shade of blue. The light blue hex color code is #ADD8E6.

Wondering how to make light blue? Simply stirring some white paint into a blue base will create light blue’s soft hue.

What is the name for light blue?

On the hex color chart used by web designers and developers, light blue is considered a distinct shade. Other pale shades of blue that might be described as “light blue” include baby blue, pastel blue, sky blue and powder blue.

The history of light blue

The color name “light blue” was first used in 1915, however, the color blue has been used since antiquity. The hue was prized by the Ancient Egyptians, who used blue widely in decorations and jewelry. Blue was the most expensive paint pigment during the Renaissance, while King Louis IX of France (1214 – 1270) dressed regularly in the color. Paler blues became popular during the Rococo era of the late 17th and early 18th century.

In the modern era, light blue shades are often associated with baby boys. However in the 1910s and 1920s, pink was actually considered the appropriate shade to dress young boys in—a Ladies Home Journal article from 1918 stated that blue was “more delicate and dainty” and therefore better suited to girls. However, by the 1940s, the idea of light blue for boys and pink for girls had become widely adopted.

Today, flags for countries like Fiji, Argentina and Botswana all use light blue as the dominant color.

The meaning of light blue

Light blue is a peaceful, calming color. According to color psychology, blue is associated with trustworthiness and reliability. Blue is also said to promote feelings of tranquility; light blue’s gentle appearance means it is particularly likely to make that impression.

Public opinion polls have found that blue is one of the colors most likely to be associated with masculinity. However due to its specific association with baby boys, light blue is more likely to be linked with youth, innocence and childhood than machismo.

Blue is a very popular hue—surveys of the North American and European public have found that almost half of the population consider it their favorite color.

How to use light blue

Light blue is a popular, versatile color. Its calming, relaxed appearance is easy on the eyes and means the shade is suitable for use in large amounts. Blue’s association with trust and reliability make it a common choice in business logos; brands like HP, Intel and Skype all use light blue in their logos.

Light blue can also be a great alternative to darker shades of blue like navy blue, which could look too severe or gloomy in big doses. The hue is popular in fashion and can look relaxing and inviting in interior design.

What colors go with light blue?

Light blue can be matched with a range of colors. It looks striking next to darker shades of blue or can form a youthful, dreamy palette together with gentle purples like lilac or lavender. It looks fresh next to a crisp white and cozy alongside cream. Light blue looks great next to hues like dusty rose, as soft pink is its complementary color on the color wheel. The colors that pair well with light blue include:

• Dusty rose
• Peach
• Lavender
• Lilac
• Navy blue
• Midnight blue
• White
• Cream

Similar colors to light blue

Looking for a different hue? The following colors are related to light blue.

• Pastel blue
• Baby blue
• Blue gray