Pastel Paint Colors Are Back (How to Use Them Like a Designer)
Pastels have officially grown up. The 2026 Sherwin Williams® Colormix Forecast brings back these soft milky hues with a fresh elevated twist.
Think gauzy blues lavender tints and refreshing greens that work just as well in a living room as they do in a serene bedroom. These shades are no longer reserved for nurseries or springtime accents. In the right setting they can look incredibly sophisticated and timeless.
In this guide, I am sharing all twelve pastel paint colors from the 2026 forecast grouped by color family so you can see just how versatile these shades can be.
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PLUS my designer approved Sherwin-Williams trim paint color picks to use with each pastel. You’ll get one cool toned and one warm toned paint color for every pastel.
That way you can instantly build a palette that works beautifully in your home. Each color includes its Light Reflectance Value or LRV so you know exactly how light or dark it will appear on the wall.
➡️ If you want to see all of the 2026 palettes, you can read my main trend post 2026 Paint Color Trends Sherwin Williams.
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Why Pastels Are Trending Again in 2026
After several years dominated by rich earthy neutrals homeowners and designers are craving lighter brighter palettes that bring a sense of openness. Pastels provide that airy quality without the starkness of a pure white wall.
They carry a hint of color that feels cheerful but not overpowering and they layer beautifully with textures like natural wood and soft silver and gold metallic finishes.
The 2026 Sherwin Williams forecast delivers a range of pastels that are both nostalgic and updated for modern spaces. By pairing them with timeless classics you can create rooms that feel fresh today and will still look elegant years from now.
Best Blue Pastel Paint Colors
Blue pastels are some of the easiest to decorate with because they work in nearly any style from coastal to traditional or even modern.
The shades in this forecast range from airy sky tones to deeper muted options that still read as soft.
Watery SW 6478
Light blue-green teal, reminiscent of clear tropical water. Has a summery, coastal feel.. LRV 57
Cool trim paint pairing: Greek Villa SW 7551 A crisp bright white that keeps the palette airy and clean.
Warm trim paint pairing: White Flour SW 7102 A off-white that grounds Watery without dulling its energy.
Tradewind SW 6218
Breezy light blue with green undertone (a mellow aqua). Evokes a coastal, beachy vibe. LRV 61
Cool trim paint pairing: Extra White SW 7006 Clean and fresh for a classic high contrast look.
Warm paint pairing: White Sand SW 9582 Adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
I painted my office cabinets Tradewind and LOVE how they look! My office feels bright and airy, which makes heading to work each morning more enjoyable. Mick the Maltese in Gracious Rose SW 6317 painted office chair.
Upward SW 6239
Light sky blue with a hint of lavender. Airy, uplifting, and clean. Sherwin Williams 2024 Color of the Year. LRV 57
Sherwin Williams Color of the Year for 2024 makes a return as a perfect pastel blue with just enough gray to keep it modern.
Cool trim paint pairing: Pure White SW 7005 Keeps the look simple and modern
Warm trim paint pairing: Marshmallow SW 7001 A warm light greige that adds richness
Breathtaking SW 6814
Ethereal periwinkle. A cool, airy blue with barely there violet-gray undertones. LRV 63
Cool trim paint pairing: Ceiling Bright White SW 7007 The perfect crisp ceiling or trim choice
Warm trim pairing: Creamy SW 7012 Adds a soft buttery undertone for a warmer feel
Solitude SW 6535
A muted medium-blue with indigo leanings (a tranquil twilight blue). Offers more depth than a sky blue. LRV 38
Cool trim paint pairing: Ice Cube SW 6252 Light and icy for a crisp contrast
Warm trim paint pairing: Creamy SW 7012 Adds a grounding effect while still keeping it soft
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Best Green Pastel Paint Colors
Green pastels bring the outdoors in and create a connection to nature. These shades range from muted blue greens to light yellow greens offering a variety of moods from spa like to fresh and sunny.
Celery SW 6421
Soft green with yellow undertone, an herbal light chartreuse. Organic and nurturing. LRV 71
Cool pairing: Snowbound SW 7004 A cool clean white for contrast
Warm pairing: Dover White SW 6385 A creamy warm white that feels inviting
Liveable Green SW 6176
Calm sage green with a gray undertone. A longtime popular neutral green. Balanced and soft. LRV 61
Cool trim paint pairing: Nebulous White SW 7063 Subtle cool white that keeps it calm
Warm trim pairing: Cotton White SW 7104 Adds a cozy touch without taking over
Halcyon Green SW 6213
Muted retro aqua-green, mid-tone with blue gray notes (think vintage jade). Fun yet refined like my Porch Daydreamer brand color. LRV 39
Cool trim paint pairing: Pure White SW 7005 the perfect white that enhances the coolness
Warm trim paint pairing: White Sand SW 9582 Warm antique white that softens the look
Samovar Silver SW 6233
Silvered blue-gray, very subtle and muted. A cool misty hue with soft blue undertone. Definitely a “chameleon color” that changes to look more blue, gray or green in different lighting. LRV 51
Cool paint trim pairing: Ice Cube SW 6252 A light grayed white with a very cool undertone
Warm paint trim pairing: Alabaster SW 7008 Soft warm white that adds balance
Shop the Look: Samovar Silver
Purple Pastels
Purple pastels add a touch of romance and creativity to a room. The key to making them work in an adult space is pairing with the right neutrals and textures.
Modern Lavender SW 9688
A near-gray lavender pastel subdued purple with strong blue undertone. It brings subtle color. LRV 40
Cool trim paint pairing: Pearly White SW 7009 A bright white with cool gray undertones.
Warm trim paint pairing: White Flour SW 7102 Clean bright creamy undertone white.
Lite Lavender SW 6554
Pale violet with a warm dustiness, almost a pastel purple-pink. Elegant and light. LRV 71
Cool trim paint pairing: Eider White SW 7014 A soft gray white for a serene look
Warm trim paint pairing: Creamy SW 7012 Adds a hint of warmth without overpowering
Grape Mist SW 6548
Soft grayed violet hue, like a dusty lavender. Sweet but not juvenile – even for adult bedrooms. LRV 54
Cool trim paint pairing: Extra White SW 7006 Cool soft gray that modernizes the palette
Warm pairing: Antique White SW 6119 Warm creamy white for a cozy effect
Shop the Look: Grape Mist Bedroom
Designer Tips for Decorating with Pastel Paint Colors
Layer textures so your pastels have dimension. Think woven rug, heavy linen curtains, and nubby throws.
Pair with deeper colors to avoid a washed out look. A deep navy, charcoal or chocolate brown can add drama and balance.
Use metallic finishes like brushed brass, polished nickel or soft gold for a touch of elegance.
Keep flooring neutral so the pastel walls or accents can shine. White oak, walnut or white tile work beautifully.
Introduce natural elements such as woven baskets, plants or stone to keep pastels from feeling too sweet.
Throw Pillows that Match Pastel Paint Colors
Porch Daydreamer Home throw pillows come with a Coordinated Color Match™ paint color. Shop my throw pillows in Upward, Grape Mist and Tradewind.
Final Thoughts: 2026 Pastel Paint Color Trend
Pastel paint colors are back in a big way for 2026! Sherwin-Williams delivered a range that is both nostalgic and incredibly versatile.
By grouping them into blues, greens and purples you can see how each family offers something unique! Whether you want a coastal vibe, a nature inspired retreat, or a romantic creative escape their is a beautiful pastel to choose from in this line-up of colors.
The key to using pastels like a designer is pairing them with timeless classics, so they feel intentional and sophisticated. Blend that with my top trim paint pairings – now you can start planning your own pastel makeover with confidence.
For more inspiration and to see all of the 2026 Sherwin Williams palettes visit 2026 Paint Color Trends Sherwin Williams.