What Color is Pastel red
Pastel red is a luminous, softened variation of primary red that retains energy without the aggressive intensity of a pure scarlet. It acts as a gentle bridge between the passion of vermilion and the innocence of pink. This hue embodies a modern aesthetic often associated with flat design and minimalist graphics.
What color is opposite Pastel red?
The opposite color to Pastel red is Cyan / Aqua (#61f7ff).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #61F7FF
- Brightness: 149/255
- Saturation: 62%
Colors That Pair Well With Pastel red
Complementary
Pair with Cyan / Aqua for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Blue Chill for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Pastel red History
Historically, achieving a permanent light red required mixing intense pigments like toxic Vermilion or Cochineal with heavy lead white. The Rococo era utilized these flushed tones extensively to depict vitality and youthful skin in portraits, moving away from the dark chiaroscuro of the Baroque period.
In the 20th century, this shade gained prominence through the invention of chemically stable Cadmium reds mixed with titanium white. It became a staple of 1950s Americana, appearing on cars and kitchen appliances as a visual signifier of post-war optimism and domestic comfort.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this shade removes the danger associated with blood-red while keeping the inherent warmth. It triggers a physical response of alertness but conveys approachability rather than alarm, making it ideal for non-threatening notifications or urgent but friendly messages.
Culturally, it suggests a tempered passion or playfulness. In color therapy, it is believed to stimulate physical energy and appetite without the aggression or stress induction caused by fully saturated crimson, promoting social interaction.
In Nature
In the natural world, this hue is most famously displayed by marine Coral reefs found in shallow tropical waters. It also appears fleetingly during the golden hour in Sunsets and on the delicate petals of hybridized Hibiscus flowers designed to attract pollinators.
How To Use Pastel red
As a Senior Designer, I recommend using this color for Call-to-Action buttons where you need user attention without inducing anxiety. It pairs exceptionally well with charcoal grey or navy blue to create a sophisticated, high-contrast layout.
For accessibility, be cautious using white text over this background; the contrast ratio is often too low for WCAG standards. Opt for dark Typography to ensure readability, or use this shade as a background for Info-graphics to highlight data points clearly.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Retro Diner
A nostalgic 1950s palette balancing warm reds with cool teals.
Modern Minimalist
Clean, flat design colors for high readability and focus.
Sunset Blush
An analogous warmth palette inspired by evening skies.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #FF6961;
color: rgb(255, 105, 97);
background-color: #FF6961;
border: 3px solid #FF6961;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #FF696166;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #FF6961 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Pastel red
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Pastel red?
Explore color palettes containing Pastel red and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Anthraquinoid Pink
#571 • #FD7B76
Prismacolor
Carmine Red
#PC926 • #DB3129
Similar Colors
View all Red colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Pastel red
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Pastel red?
What colors go with Pastel red?
Is Pastel red accessible for text?
How do I use Pastel red in CSS?
You can use Pastel red in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.pastel-red {
background-color: #FF6961;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.