Unique muted pastel colour ideas for home decor

Muted pastels are a more subtle and minimalist alternative to regular pastels.

Everyone loves pastel colours for their refreshing and cheerful vibe. When incorporated into the home decor scheme, they make the space feel airy and act as a mood booster, thereby making them a top choice for all kinds of spaces. But what if we tell you that you can add a twist to the pastel aesthetic while also retaining its original whimsy charm? That’s right. Muted pastels provide a unique alternative to regular pastels that can completely transform the vibe of your space by striking the perfect balance between whimsy and sophistication. So if this piques your interest, here are some muted pastel colour ideas you can choose from to amp up your interior decor game.

See also: Trendy muted dark colour ideas for home decor in 2024

 

Dusty rose

Bring home a nostalgic, vintage vibe with a soft pink with hints of grey. This shade is especially preferred for bedrooms and intimate settings due to its ability to create a romantic atmosphere. If you wish for greater sophistication, it is recommended to pair this shade with creams, gold accents and dark wood tones.

dusty rose muted pastel colour

Source: Pinterest @crlcnails

 

Sage green

Emerging as a highly sought after shade for home decor, this muted, earthy green is preferred for the sense of tranquillity it evokes by establishing a connection to nature. Moreover, it is a versatile option that pairs equally well with both modern and rustic aesthetics. Its ability to complement whites, beiges and light wood makes it a top choice for all kinds of spaces, ranging from kitchens and bathrooms to living areas. 

sage green

Source: Pinterest @house_diamond

 

Pale lavender

This shade of purple with subtle undertones of grey results in a soothing and refined ambiance. In spaces like bedrooms and meditation rooms where relaxation is key, this shade is preferred for the calming effect it has on the mind. Enhance the soothing charm further by aiming for a layered look. This can be done by pairing it with whites, soft golds or even deeper purples.

pale lavender

Source: Pinterest @grahamandbrown

 

Soft peach

Warm, fuzzy and playful, this muted peach combines the softness of pink with the warmth of orange, resulting in the ideal blend of playfulness and sophistication. Add a cosy and colourful touch to any room with this shade without overwhelming the space. It works especially well in living rooms and dining areas and can be paired with natural materials like wood and greenery for a unique and eclectic touch.

soft peach

Source: Pinterest @wearelusthome

 

Powder blue

Reminiscent of a clear sky, this blue offers an airy and serene feel. The vibrant appeal makes it ideal for nurseries or coast-themed living spaces. It can be combined with crisp whites, sandy beiges, or even muted yellows that can accentuate its natural lightness.

powder blue muted pastel colour

Source: Pinterest @creativebooster

 

Muted mustard

This soft, buttery yellow adds a touch of cheer and whimsy to your decor while still maintaining a subtle charm. Its vibrancy makes it a great choice for accent walls and textile accents, providing just the adequate amount of warmth without the excessive brightness of traditional yellows. To balance out the vibrancy, you can consider pairing it with greys, deep blues and natural woods.

muted mustard

Source: Pinterest @homebaseuk

 

Warm taupe

By leaning towards the slightly warmer side, this hue acts as a perfect backdrop to accentuate other colours. The earthy quality lends it a cosy, inviting feel, making it suitable for use in any room. Achieve a balanced palette by combining it with other muted pastels or deeper jewel tones.

warm taupe muted pastel colour

Source: Pinterest @EpRemodeling

 

Blush beige

A sophisticated blend of blush pink and beige is ideal for bringing gentle warmth to spaces, especially in living rooms or bedrooms. It pairs excellently with whites and golds to result in a chic, elegant vibe.

blush beige

Source: Pineterst @etsy

 

Seafoam green

This light, muted greenish-blue imitates the waters of a tranquil ocean, The refreshing and airy vibe it brings to spaces makes it ideal for bathrooms or coastal-themed rooms. Promote a harmonious visual appeal by pairing it with sandy beiges, soft whites or light greys.

seafoam green muted pastel colour

Source: Pinterest @farmfoodfamilycom

 

Muted coral

A softened version of coral can add warmth and cheer to the space without appearing overly bright, significantly uplifting spaces like living rooms or kitchens. Achieve a balanced, inviting atmosphere by complementing it with light neutrals or deeper blues.

muted coral

Source: Pinterest @dunnedwardsdura

 

FAQs

Which colours fall under the category of muted pastels?

The softer, less saturated versions of pastels with undertones of grey, beige or brown fall under this category. Examples include dusty rose, sage green and pale lavender.

How can I incorporate muted pastels into my decor?

Muted pastels can be incorporated in forms of wall colours, textile accents, furniture and smaller accessories and decor pieces.

What styles work best with muted pastel colours?

Muted pastels work best with Scandinavian, Bohemian, modern and vintage home decor aesthetics.

Are muted pastels suitable for small spaces?

The softer tones of muted pastels reflect light and create an airy atmosphere, thereby making smaller spaces feel larger and more inviting.

What colours pair well with muted pastels?

Consider using them with neutrals for a calm effect, earthy tones for warmth and deeper jewel tones for contrast.

Are muted pastels suitable for all rooms?

The calming effect of muted pastels makes them suitable for living areas as well as active spaces.

How can I ensure a cohesive look with muted pastels?

For a cohesive look, choose a harmonious colour palette, carefully balance textures and materials and use bolder colours sparingly as accent pieces.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com
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