The Best Pink Paint Colors, from Mauve to Coral

Fruity Orange Paint Colors

peach paint colors melon cantaloupe swatches — Adam Albright

Rich melon hues offer all the perks of orange minus its tendency to feel spicy or boisterous. "They're warm, nurturing, and embracing," says designer Sara Bengur. "Color can feel as peaceful as a neutral if the tone is right—natural and muted." Painting your walls orange might sound like a bold idea, but these plucked-from-nature melon hues are creamy and mellow. Even when they're deep and lush, oranges from pale cantaloupe to rich papaya whisper rather than shout.

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Earthy Pink Tones

camel and terra-cotta paints — Carson Downing

Ruddy pinks and light camel tones borrow inspiration from the warm, earthy landscapes of the Southwest. Layering variations of terra-cotta (such as pastel, clay, and rust) creates a calming, cozy look that's perfect for bedrooms. The combination evokes the tranquil feeling of watching a desert sunset.

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Floral Pink Paint Colors

peach and orange paint lids color swatches — Carson Downing

"Warm pink hues of flowering quince [blooms]—what I like to think of as hotter colors of nature—can be used in any room," says Maryland-based designer Kelley Proxmire. The Sherwin Williams' bright, eye-catching coral paint color "Daring" and the soft, sweet pink of Behr's "Deco Shell" exemplify how soft and bold hues come from the same color, modified by undertones and tints.

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Pastel Paint Colors

paint lids coral pink orange — Adam Albright

The mellow peaches, pinks, and coral paint colors that bring to mind fruity Italian ice offer refreshing colors without getting too dramatic. "Sorbets are soft enough to blend with bold hues. Or use several in a monochromatic palette," designer Tineke Triggs says. The key to not going too sappy? Bring in a bold complementary shade. For example, pair with a turquoise blue or stronger oranges and pinks with the same undertones for a vibrant yet livable palette.

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Coral Paint Colors

coral paint lids fabric beads ceramic — Carson Downing

"Coral is such a vibrant and energizing color," says Nancy Ramirez, the artist behind the online art shop Cozamia. "It feels feminine and strong—a little intense but in a good way." Straddling the line between pink and orange, coral paint color warms everything it touches with its inherent optimism. Use it to infuse a space with joy and enthusiasm.

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Blush Pink Paint Colors

pink Paint lid colors blush — Adam Albright

Blush is meant to flatter your face, and colors inspired by the makeup-bag staple can do the same for your walls. Look for great combos to hit the right note with these pinky shades. "Ground bold coral with black and white. Pair pink with a classic gray for a sophisticated look," says Nicole White, a Miami designer.

Paint colors pictured:

Coral Pink 2-6, Pratt & Lambert (no longer available)
Ballet Slipper PPG1190-2, PPG
Coral Reef SW 6606, Sherwin-Williams
Chit Chat 09C-4, Clark+Kensington
Coral Peach 2005-48, Valspar (no longer available)

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How to Use Soft Colors

Light colors like blush and peach look overly sweet if you're not careful. Achieve a sophisticated look with these tips for using soft paint colors. Watch and learn our expert advice.

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Mango-Inspired Paint Colors

orange paint lids mangos — Greg Scheidemann

Showcasing colors like energetic orange and subtle pink, mangoes offer plenty of color inspiration for bright, lively rooms. "These shades bring such warmth to a space, and it can be fun to just saturate the room with an orange glow," color and pattern expert Khristian A. Howell says. "Layer in yellows and golds, copper and brass, and rich dark woods."

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Persimmon Paint Colors

orange paint lids colors — Adam Albright

These fall-inspired oranges can look great any time of year. So how do you build a palette around these spicy shades? "To create a larger color story, use multiple tones of persimmon rather than one specific shade," designer Emily Henderson says. "Mixing deeper and lighter shades tones down the individual shades and makes it easier for the eye to understand the palette as a whole."

Paint colors pictured:

Colorado Peach DE5236, Dunn Edwards
August Morning 2156-40, Benjamin Moore
Carmelized Orange PPG1197-7, PPG
Clarified Butter 3001-68, Valspar (No longer available)
Sewing Bee B1-4, Dutch Boy (No longer available)

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Spring Pink Paint Colors

pink Paint lid colors flowers — Cameron Sadeghpour

These popular shades of pink make a showing in spring as budding cherry blossom and magnolia trees herald the end of winter. And the hues can have a surprisingly sophisticated and energizing effect on your decor. "The pairing is what gives pink its energy," designer Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey says. "An all-pink room will start to feel tired very quickly." Her current fave is a neighboring hue: cantaloupe.

Paint colors pictured:

Impatiens Petal SW 6582, Sherwin-Williams
Gypsy Rose 1327, Benjamin Moore/Ace Hardware
Barely Blush 98RR 80/078, Glidden
Plaster Pink A31-1, Olympic (No longer available)
Cherry Soda 04A5, True Value Paint (No longer available)

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Golden Orange Paint Colors

If you think orange only has a bright side, think again. As these squash blossom-inspired hues prove, orange can take on a subtle energy. To use orange as an enveloping room color, designer Asler Valero prefers the creamier shades that border yellow. "These lighter colors are refined, classic, and livable," he says. But don't let orange stray too far and wash out. "Avoid light yellow," he says. "It disappears. The best shades are vivid and earthy and influenced by browns."

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