Different shades of pink may not always be the first consideration when imagining your dream home, but pink can be a sophisticated and elegant color choice when implemented well. Whether you're looking to create softness and calm, richness and refinement, or a fun retro look, a shade of pink might be the exact color you're looking for.
Find Your Perfect Shade of Pink
Pink is so much more than the bubblegum shade from your childhood. Your perfect shade of pink could be vibrant, muted, neutral, warm, or even cool. Consider one of the different shades of pink that best suits your style, space, and design goals.
Muddy Pink
Using a shade of pink in your home doesn't have to be bright or juvenile. Pink can be neutral, muted, and subtle. Like Sherwin Williams' Glamour, a subtle shade of pink can act much like a neutral color on your walls when used alongside soft shades of beige or cream. Pinks that are muddy from the presence of brown or gray create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Rosy Pink
Pinks that contain plenty of saturation but still feel subtle and elegant are much like a rosy pink. Use shades like this on your walls for a bold look or try accenting with pink on bathroom vanities, doors, or furniture. Benjamin Moore's Pink Buff is a great example of a pretty pink option that still feels sophisticated.
Magenta
If bold and rich are your preferred qualities in pink, Peony from Benjamin Moore is a great choice for a punchy shade of magenta. Don't be afraid to go all-in with this color. Though it is bold, magenta works well alongside jewel tones or deep colors like charcoal and navy while bringing plenty of life to your space.
True Blush
One of the trendiest pinks of the last decade is a soft shade of blush. This popular color gained attention for its subtle color and calming warmth. Blush can be used alongside neutrals for a soft look, or it can stand out against bright white as an accent. Romance from Sherwin Williams is a great example of a blush that is soft, slightly neutral, and elegant.
Pale Pink
As cream is to tan, pale pink is to blush. Just a shade or two lighter than blush, pale pinks can add warmth and subtle color to any space. Use pale pink in places you might usually use off-white or light gray for a refreshing look. Benjamin Moore's First Light is a pale pink that can easily be used as the neutral backdrop to endless color palette options.
Dusty Pink
Similar in shade to blush, dusty pinks are muddier and slightly cooler. Dusty pink complements other muted colors well, so use this shade alongside colors like gray, beige, sage, and dusty blue. Fading Rose is a beautiful example of dusty pink from Sherwin Williams, which is muted enough to work well on walls but colorful enough to be an accent.
Pink Coral
A pink-based coral is a vibrant and warm way to bring pink into your home. This color contrasts beautifully alongside shades of navy or teal and feels particularly warm in rooms with green-tinted neutrals. Try Dishy Coral from Sherwin Williams for a fun shade of color that will brighten up your home.
Mauve
A darker and often grayer shade of dusty pink, mauve is a deep and muted pink. Mauve can be muted by the addition of brown or gray, determining how cool or warm it might appear. Cherry Malt from Benjamin Moore is a refined example of a true mauve that is tinged just slightly with a grayish lilac undertone.
True Pink
If you're looking to embrace pink in its truest form, search for a bubblegum pink that's saturated with color, is warm in tone, and is vibrant without crossing into a neon shade. Sherwin Williams' Cheery is a happy shade of true pink. Use this bold shade to brighten up neutral rooms or use it alongside rich oranges and vibrant reds for a bold color scheme.
Deep Pink
For depth in a moody color scheme, try a deep shade of pink that is rich and slightly cool. Colors like Farrow and Ball's Rangwali are similar to a deep shade of mauve with more saturation. This shade of pink can be elegant, moody, and just vibrant enough to turn the heads of your guests.
Neutral Pink
Did you know that pinks can be entirely neutral? A neutral shade of pink will be mostly muted with a hint of pink peeking through and will be mostly light and entirely warm. Behr's Sand Dance is a great example of a pink that can be used just as you would any other neutral. Try it on walls, cabinets, or your home exterior for the subtlest pink in your home's design.
Cool Pink
While a true pink is warm, cool pink has a subtle purple tint, making it a calm and serene color. Cool pinks can be bright and vibrant like Benjamin Moore's Easter Pink or they can be soft and muted like Countryside Pink. Use a brighter shade for an accent or choose a pastel shade for subtly blending pink into your home's color palette.
How to Use Pink in Your Home
There are ways to use pink in your home that don't necessarily involve paint colors. Shades of pink can be beautiful accents in many elements of your home's design. Try introducing pink into your home decor with these tips.
Be Subtle With Textiles
One of the easiest ways to add pink to your home in a subtle way is to introduce a few textile elements that sport the color. Dusty or pale pink pillows and throw blankets are a great way to ease into this fun color. If you're feeling bolder, try a dark or vibrant shade of pink that accompanies other colors in a beautiful rug.
Use Pink in Fun Places
Adding pink to your home may feel less intimidating when introducing the color to rooms and spaces that are more casual. Try laundry rooms or half-baths for a fun addition to rooms that are often overlooked. Add pink details to sunrooms, patios, and poolsides for a fun way to play with bold and vibrant colors in spaces that are reserved specifically for recreation and relaxation.
Sprinkle Pink Through Home Accents
Small home elements like ceramics, florals, mantel decor, art, and glassware can be an opportunity to experiment with color in a way that doesn't feel intimidating or blow the budget. Add a few pink elements to your decor to gauge how you feel about the color.
Add Flare With Pink Furniture
Chairs, ottomans, sofas, and other furniture pieces are great ways to be bold with pink. Look for furniture in shades of pink that complement existing decor and continue to build your ideal pink look from there. Be sure to consider the type of material your furniture is made of. Pink can look elegant in velvet, silk, or linen. It can also appear more retro or glam in materials like leather, acrylic, or fur.
Give Pink a Chance
Pink is much more than the bold or blushing shades we may be accustomed to seeing. Pink is as versatile as any other color and can create countless color palette possibilities that will wow your guests. It can be as sophisticated as it is fun, and you might be surprised at just how well it works in your home. Choose a shade of pink that you truly love and build your palette and design around that color to ensure your home's style is cohesive.
