Combining different pastel colours effectively in web design

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Here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester, we are Manchester’s leading web design and web marketing experts. We work with companies and businesses across the North West, from Southport to Wigan, to provide effective, and successful web design solutions. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you should know about using multiple pastel colours in one website colour palette.

What are the different options for combining different pastel colours effectively in web design?

Pastel colours are a popular option for web designers, and are set to become even more popular throughout 2022, with the introduction of many new pastel shades by industry giant Pantone. But how can you combine these effectively? Well, there are a number of different design options that can be very effective when considering using multiple pastel colours in combination as part of your overall colour palette. These options include:

  • Choosing complementary pastel colours
  • Using different shades of the same colour
  • Using one contrasting colour
  • Using contrasting pastel colours

Using two complementary pastel colours in web design

Using two pastel colours that naturally complement each other can be a great option for your website. This could include colours like orange and yellow, as well as blue and green. The difference in colour will create contrast, helping to divide content sections, or to draw attention to key features. But these will also be complementary, which means that they will work well together for effective and subtle results, instead of overpowering the design or competing for visual attention.

Using different shades of the same pastel colour

Pastel shades are available in a range of different options, for each colour. For example, a pastel mint green is very different to a pastel emerald green. What this means in terms of web design is that you can use two different pastel shades, of the same colour, to create a colour scheme that has a soft, gentle, visual appeal. This can be a great way to emphasize your company branding or company persona too, particularly if this is the kind of effect you are aiming to achieve.

Using one contrasting pastel colour in web design

If you are planning to opt for a combination of two pastel colours, your third colour should be a contrasting colour. This is important for defining different content areas, or for directing attention to key features. Because pastel colours are quite soft, its important to balance this with a bolder, stronger colour that will really stand out from the page. Using this for things like the call to action buttons, can have a dramatic impact on the overall effect.

Using contrasting pastel colours in web design

Contrasting pastel colours can also be effective when used appropriately. This could include pastel shades of purple, paired with pastel greens, or blues paired with oranges or reds. Make sure that the contrast serves a purpose in your design, and that this is used to draw attention to specific features. Contrasting colours when used without a purpose can tend to overpower the design, with each colour fighting for visual attention.

For more information or for professional web design support, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester.