Designing something that looks calm and peaceful isn’t just about slapping some blue on a canvas and calling it a day.
NO, it really is not that easy.
There’s actual science behind it.
Colors affect how people feel, and if you want your design to scream (or rather, whisper) “relax and take a deep breath,” you need the right color combinations.
So, let’s talk about some of the best color pairs for creating a sense of peace, balance, and relaxation in graphic design.
What Should You Know?
Cool tones like blues and greens are naturally calming.
Warm, earthy tones help add coziness without overwhelming the senses.
Soft neutrals create a peaceful backdrop and can be paired with almost any muted color.
High contrast = high energy; low contrast = relaxed vibes.
Colors should match the mood and purpose of your design.
Soft blue reminds people of clear skies and calm waters, while warm beige adds a grounding, natural element.
Kind of like walking on a quiet beach at sunrise (minus the seagulls trying to steal your snacks). The combination creates a sense of stability and peace, making it perfect for any design that aims to soothe the viewer.
Best Uses:
Website backgrounds for wellness brands
Social media graphics for meditation or yoga
Packaging for organic products
Interior decor branding for a peaceful home aesthetic
How to Apply:
Use soft blue as a background and warm beige for text and accents.
Blend gradient transitions between the two for an even softer effect.
Pale Lavender (#D8BFD8) and Creamy White (#FAF5EB)
Lavender is linked to relaxation (probably because of all those lavender-scented candles and oils).
Paired with creamy white, it gives a soft, airy look that feels gentle and easy on the eyes. Lavender also has a touch of elegance, making designs look sophisticated but still inviting.
Best Uses:
Branding for skincare or spa businesses
Calming email newsletters
Minimalist website themes
Meditation apps or mindfulness coaching visuals
How to Apply:
Use pale lavender for backgrounds and creamy white for typography.
Incorporate soft gradients and subtle drop shadows for depth.
Muted Green (#90BE8F) and Natural Wood Tones (#D2B48C)
Muted green is fresh and soothing, reminding people of plants and nature. Pairing it with warm, earthy tones like wood makes it feel even more organic
This combination is great for brands that focus on eco-consciousness or sustainability.
Best Uses:
Eco-friendly branding and logos
Product packaging for sustainable goods
Interior design graphics for home decor brands
Earthy, rustic web design themes
How to Apply:
Use muted green as the primary color and natural wood tones as accents.
Combine this palette with textures like linen or soft paper for an authentic look.
Soft Gray (#D3D3D3) and Pale Pink (#FFC0CB)
Soft gray keeps things neutral and elegant, while pale pink adds a touch of warmth and comfort.
This combination gives a balanced, delicate feel to designs, making them perfect for gentle branding.
Best Uses:
Beauty product packaging
Fashion branding
Gentle, welcoming website designs
Wedding invitations and romantic aesthetics
How to Apply:
Keep soft gray as the dominant color, with pale pink as an accent.
Use these colors in typography for a subtle and elegant approach.
Pastel Yellow (#FDFD96) and White (#FFFFFF)
Pastel yellow brings happiness without being hard on your eyes, while white keeps everything clean and fresh.
It’s like sunshine but on low volume. This color scheme works well for brands that want to inspire positivity and warmth while keeping things understated.
Best Uses:
Branding for mindfulness apps
Backgrounds for motivational content
Subtle yet cheerful product packaging
Educational platforms and wellness guides
How to Apply:
Use pastel yellow for background elements, buttons, and call-to-action highlights.
White typography over pastel yellow ensures legibility and maintains a light, airy feel.
Navy Blue (#000080) and Soft White (#F5F5F5)
Navy blue feels stable and dependable (probably why so many corporate brands love it), while soft white keeps it from feeling too heavy. This is a sophisticated and classic combination that evokes trust.
Best Uses:
Business branding that wants to feel trustworthy but not boring
Professional social media templates
Calming UI/UX designs
Corporate wellness and consulting branding
How to Apply:
Keep navy blue as the dominant color and soft white for text and buttons.
Add gold or metallic accents for an even more premium look.
Additional Considerations
Choosing calming colors isn’t just about picking colors you like. You need to consider:
Contrast levels – Too much contrast can make a design feel chaotic, while too little might make it boring.
Saturation – Muted and pastel tones work best for relaxation; neon? Not so much.
Balance – Use calming colors as your base and add a touch of warmth or depth to make sure it doesn’t look too plain.
Typography Pairings – Consider fonts that match the softness of the color palette. Avoid overly sharp, aggressive typography.
There you have it! Whether you’re designing a website, a product package, or a social media post, the right color combinations can set the perfect mood.
FAQs
What colors are best for a relaxing website design?
Soft blues, muted greens, and warm neutrals like beige or ivory work well for a calming, user-friendly experience.
Can I use bright colors in a relaxing design?
You can, but sparingly. Bright colors should be accents, not the main event if you’re aiming for a peaceful vibe.
How many colors should I use in a calming design?
Stick to 2-3 main colors and a neutral base. Too many colors can feel overwhelming.
What colors should I avoid for relaxation?
Super bright reds, intense oranges, and neons are more energizing than calming.
Are there tools to help pick relaxing color schemes?
Try Adobe Color, Coolors, or even Canva’s color palette tool to find combinations that work well together.
Here Are Some of My Favorite Tools For Print-on-demand
As a graphic designer and POD seller, I’ve had the opportunity to discover different helpful products and tools that can be time-saving and make the process of creating your designs a bit smoother.
DESIGNS:Kittl (best for t-shirt designs), Vexels (for professional designs), Placeit (for unique product mockups)
Disclosure: Some of the links above may contain affiliate partnerships, meaning, at no additional cost to you, NechEmpire may earn a commission if you click through to make a purchase.
I'm Miroslav, a passionate graphic designer, Etsy seller and AI enthusiast. At NechEmpire, I'm here to share my knowledge and skills. I want to turn your design passion into a successful online business.
