Discover the mellowness of pastel red

Pastel red emerged from the artistic medium itself, which was first used in 16th century Italy. While "pastel" originally referred only to the powdered pigments, their naturally low saturation eventually led to the term being used for soft, pale colors. Pastel red symbolizes subtle romance, offering a softer and more approachable version of red's traditional associations with passion and energy. As a less vibrant shade, it creates a sense of calm and tenderness. Color psychology associates pastel red with comfort, compassion, and enthusiasm—distinct from the bold energy of pure red. Artists and designers often employ pastel red to create atmospheres of innocence and subtle passion, while marketers leverage its ability to convey warmth and approachability.

Pastel red typically features high lightness values and reduced saturation compared to pure red. The standard hex code #FFB5B5 represents a common pastel red, with RGB values R: 255, G: 181, B: 181 combining to create its characteristic softness. When working with print materials, designers use CMYK values of C:0%, M:29%, Y:29%, K:0% to achieve this lighter shade of red.