Colours that pair perfectly with pink

7 min read

Last Modified 6 December 2023 First Added 23 August 2023

Imbue whimsy, playfulness, and bold personality with the limitless versatility of pink.

From baby pink to rich cerise, there is unlimited potential when it comes to this shade. Let’s uncover the hidden depth of its adaptable tones by showing you how to pair pink to make gorgeous palettes that show a sophisticated taste.

From cherubic nurseries to dreamy bedrooms, and romantic living spaces, we’ll dive into how to shine a spotlight on pink…

1. Pastel pink and mint green

Choose soft, calming pastels and the cool undertones of minty green to help you stay calm and centred.

A match made in heaven, pastels lend themselves gorgeously to each other. The muted shades are easy on the eyes and leave you feeling relaxed when you enter a space. Green and pink are complementary colours as they oppose each other on the colour wheel, so the yellow-green leaning of mint is the perfect pairing to a pink with a touch of blue, such as rose or orchid.

Airy pastels are great for making smaller spaces feel bigger as they have a lot of white in them. Use mint and soft pinks as a base for your palette and give the design more maturity with neutral or jewel tone accessories.

Pink bed frame with light green bedding

Credit: @homeonthecorner

2. Pink on pink on pink

Embrace Barbiecore and pair varying shades of pink to create a stunning tribute to the colour.

As a secondary colour, pink is made by mixing red and white, then adding a touch of blue to adjust the undertone. This means that pink pairs perfectly with itself. Choose a cream with a touch of blush as a versatile base, then layer hues for a dreamy, pink sanctuary.

Get creative with textures and shapes to add visual interest and create flow around the space.

Credit: @dreams_beds

3. Royal navy and magenta

Command attention with these rich, complementary tones, full of depth and saturation, to make a statement.

Cool and collected, navy is a fantastic colour to bring in elegance and modernity. It can ground the powerful magenta, bringing more balance to the space. Darker shades are recommended in the bedroom or in a study, or any space where you want to feel tranquil. They also complement richer materials such as velvet and satin.

4. Contrast orange and pink

Unapologetically bright, these analogous colours bring out each other’s strengths for a unique look.

While it may seem like a colour theory blunder, colours adjacent to each other on the colour wheel can make for a punchy pairing that really works. Orange and pink are both lively, warm colours perfect for more outgoing décor.

Introduce brown as the supporting colour to give you a more muted palette of dusky rose, burnt orange, and copper that embodies cosy autumnal vibes all year round.

Bright orange sofa bed, styled against a pink colour blocked walls with botanical accents and feature lighting.

Credit: @afterglow.horizons

5. Contemporary grey and soft pink

One of the most popular interior trends, pink and grey is a stunningly modern pair.

A classic but one we have to mention – grey and pink have become a signature look of interiors from the mid-2010s simply because they work so well. Both highly versatile tones, grey is a fantastic neutral base to build around. Varying from whispery shades of fog to dramatic storm-cloud dark, it acts as a highlight and lowlight. The pink brings warmth to grey’s cool undertones and adds personality and playfulness.

Credit: @dreams_beds

6. Warm neutrals and terracotta pink

Take your interiors to sunnier climes with earthy terracotta, natural wood, and pristine white accents.

For a Mediterranean-inspired interior design, explore the natural palette of terracotta – from chalky pinks, warming rouge, and cheerful yellow. Add lots of plants, bohemian-style macramé accessories, and natural stone tiles to add authentic charm. Our charming wooden beds make for a subtle, rustic finish to a terracotta bedroom.

7. Lovely lilac and pink

Wonderfully feminine, pairing these adjacent shades brings serenity and balance to your space.

This adorable pairing brings out the inherent felicity of both shades. With blue and red as their primary colours, these complementary shades support and contrast for a well-balanced approach. Most fitting in a young princess’ room, you can add a more mature edge to the palette with a hazy lavender base and white finishes.

A pink velvet single kids sleigh bed, with storage drawer, styled in a whimsical pastel-tone kids room.

Explore more inspiration for royal interiors

8. Pink patterns for maximalists

For bold personalities, introduce pink animal prints, stripes, and abstract shapes to achieve dopamine décor.

Embrace the wild side with patterns in deep pink tones for a burst of excitement. Classic patterns in a pink palette are a great way to give a unique twist to your interiors. We love to see statement wallpapers, quirky rugs, and dazzling furniture choices that pay homage to the more daring side of pink. Pair jewel tone floral and mix patterns for the full effect.

Credit: @ked_wards

9. Forest green and pink pops

Entwine nature into your design by taking inspiration from rich, vibrant greens and accompanying pink enhancements.

Elegant and sophisticated, dark greens like bottle, forest, and emerald lend themselves beautifully as an accompaniment to soft pinks. Like a blossoming garden, these natural colours blend harmoniously and can make your space effortlessly stylish. For a lighter touch, add a green bed against a pink wall and accessorise with white and gold.

10. Industrial metals and pink

Adaptable to every style, introduce pink into industrial designs and moody palettes for playful variety.

Industrial interiors rely on sleek finishes, metal accents, and a darker palette, but there’s no reason you can’t introduce pink into the mix. Contrast sharp edges with highlights, whether you’re using a pink metal bed, neon lighting, or blankets and throw pillows. Even pink walls with a touch of muted brown and purple can be used to create a rougher, rustic finish that emulates the key characteristics of industrial design.

Antique-style brass metal bed frame, with traditional finials and castings, styled in a classic bedroom.

How to build a pink colour palette

It may seem surprisingly complex, but building your pink palette is easy once you know what tones you want to emphasise.

The first step is knowing if you want pink to be the main feature of your design or a supporting character. A stunning pink bed frame can introduce pink as the focal point, and then you can build around it, making it pop with neutral framing or complementary colours.

Don’t forget to add depth with highlights and lowlights; touches of very light and very dark shades can bring more complexity to your palette. Whether this is through black picture frames or a white rug, a deeper visual spectrum will elevate the final product.

Always be mindful of the lighting in your space. Colours like pink can be highly affected by how they’re lit, so soft, warm lighting will bring out those red and orange tones, while blue-white light can make it feel cooler and contemporary. Lots of natural light can also make darker shades feel less oppressive, especially in a smaller space, which can open up your options.

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Colour theory of pink

A versatile tone of white and red, pink represents joy, love, and vitality with calming properties that make it perfect for the bedroom.

In modern colour theory, pink has strong associations with feminity and softness, but it’s a colour with an expansive range of shades that all bring a different vibe to your space. A muted version of red, it reduces the intensity of red’s passion and energy, imbuing a gentleness and calm that many appreciate. In fact, there is a shade called “Baker-Miller Pink” that supposedly reduces hostile behaviour and aggression and has been adopted by prisons across the USA.

With its reflective nature, pink pairs wonderfully with both warm and cool tones. Mix pink with yellows and browns to give it an earthy quality that feels more grounded than brighter shades. Meanwhile, orange can create lively coral tones reminiscent of tropical shores and summery days.

A darker, cosier atmosphere can be achieved by choosing more saturated pinks that have a touch of blue or purple in the undertones. Ideal for statement walls, curtains, and decorative accessories, these hues are more attention-catching and work beautifully in maximalist designs.