Everything about the color Pastel Green

What color is pastel green?

Pastel green is pale, delicate shade of green.

To make pastel green paint, first mix blue and yellow together. Next, stir in some white paint to lighten the color—there’s no exact ratio for how much white paint to add, just keep mixing until you reach pastel green’s soft hue.

What is the color code for pastel green?

On the hex chart used by web designers and developers, the pastel green color code is #77DD77.

The history of pastel green

Pastel green takes its name from the art medium of pastels, a powdered pigment that typically creates soft, low saturation hues. The word “pastel” first appeared in 1662, while pastels became a popular medium with artists in the 1700s.

Pastels were also a popular color palette for fashion, furniture and architecture in the 18th century, during what’s now known as the Rococo era—think Marie Antoinette. More recently, pastel hues like pastel green, lilac, lavender, mauve, periwinkle and lemon found favor in the 1980s, when the muted hues were popularised by the hit show Miami Vice.

Minty hues like pastel green were particularly popular in the 1950s when they were commonly used in women’s clothing and interior design. Pastel shades have enjoyed a new wave of popularity in fashion and design since around 2014.

The meaning of pastel green

Pastel green is a soothing, peaceful color. In color psychology, green is thought to help promote a sense of serenity and help balance emotions; pastel green’s gentle appearance makes it a particularly calming shade.

As the color of trees and grass, green also has strong links with the environment. It’s seen as the color of luck, optimism, renewal and freshness—all associations likely to be extended to pastel green. All pastel shades are said to be reminiscent of springtime and because of its link to the natural world, pastel green is especially likely to remind audiences of the season.

Pastel shades often appear soft and romantic. But their current widespread popularity in design means the muted hues aren’t necessarily considered feminine—pastel green, in particular, looks gender neutral.

How to use pastel green

Pastel green’s subdued appearance makes it easy on the eyes and suitable for use in large amounts. It’s particularly popular in interior design, where its association with the 1950s can give a room a refined, vintage feel.

This shade is a great choice when you want to promote relaxation or associations with health and freshness. Greens like pastel green are commonly used by supermarket chains for this reason.

For a cool, modern design, you could use the hue alongside other pastel shades.

What colors go with pastel green?

Pastel green can be matched with many different shades. It looks great alongside other pastel hues, particularly lilac, which is its complementary color on the color wheel. Pastel green can appear retro and reminiscent of the 1950s alongside cream, or could be freshened up next to a crisp white. It also pairs well with soft greys and works with neutrals like beige and nude. It even looks nice alongside analogous shades of green.

You might avoid pairing pastel green with vivid shades of red or orange, where it could look washed out. The colors that match well with pastel green include:

• Dusty rose
• Rose quartz
• Lilac
• Periwinkle
• Mint
• Coral
• Gray
• Nude
• Beige
• Cream
• Off white or ivory

Similar colors to pastel green

Looking for a different hue? The following colors are related to pastel green.

• Mint
• Seafoam green
• Teal
• Mint blue