Pastel blue emerged as a significant color choice during the Rococo period of the 18th century, when soft, ethereal hues dominated artistic expression. This soothing shade carries associations with clear skies, gentle waves, and the first light of dawn, connecting viewers to natural elements that promote peaceful states of mind. Its gentle nature creates feelings of emotional safety, making it particularly effective in therapeutic environments and healthcare settings.
In digital design, pastel blue typically features high brightness values and moderate saturation levels. The standard hex code #B5D8F7 represents a balanced pastel blue, while its RGB values (181, 216, 247) reveal a composition dominated by blue with significant green and red components. When working with print materials, pastel blue requires careful CMYK values - typically C:40%, M:15%, Y:0%, K:0% - to maintain its delicate appearance. Professional designers often pair pastel blue with warm neutrals or complementary coral tones to enhance its impact. Web accessibility guidelines recommend using darker contrasting colors for text overlay to ensure readability while maintaining the aesthetic of pastel blue backgrounds.
Other related colors to pastel blue: