Pastel colors, including this lighter shade of yellow, became fashionable during the Rococo period of the 18th century. At the time, pastel yellow embodied refinement and delicacy in European decorative arts. The gentle hue carries associations with cheerfulness, youth, and new beginnings. In color psychology, pastel yellow is a catalyst for positive thinking and mental clarity. Its subtle energy promotes feelings of hope and emotional well-being without the intensity often associated with pure yellow. Modern designers frequently use pastel yellow in wellness and lifestyle branding, or for content geared towards children.
In digital design, the hex code #FFF4B8 represents a classic shade of pastel yellow. RGB values for pastel yellow register at R: 255, G: 244, B: 184, with the high red and green creating warm undertones. When working with print materials, designers achieve this gentle hue through CMYK values of C: 0%, M: 4%, Y: 28%, K: 0%. The low magenta and complete absence of cyan or black in this mixture are crucial for maintaining the color's softness, while the moderate yellow percentage ensures the hue remains pale and delicate rather than bright or saturated.
Other related colors to pastel yellow: