Pastel colour schemes - 10 of the best

Although you might think pastel colours will only work in the spring, these soft shades are actually great for making your home feel light and airy all year round. And you don't have to restrict pretty pastel shades to a girl's bedroom: Take this colour scheme into the kitchen, the bathroom and even the hallway.

Muted tones of mint, lemon and duck egg can make just as much of a statement as more vibrant colours. A pastel colour scheme can even range from elegant and sophisticated, to cute and quirky. Whether your tastes are grounded in classic country, or something more along the line of hotel-chic you still can make this popular colour scheme work for you - and we've got the know-how to help you do it.

If this is your first foray into pastel shades, ease yourself into the trend with subtle accents. Choose a white backdrop to build on and add touches of soft lilac or pale blue on painted furniture or soft furnishings. Pastel throws and cushion, or even a canopy over a bed, in a neutral bedroom is a simple way to give a nod to the trend, without changing the look of your home too much.

If you're in love with a pastel colour scheme and ready to dive in head first, we have plenty of inspiration for you to theme your home in pastel hues. Don't be afraid to mix up your pastel shades: Painting your room in one pale colour will complement one or two other shades around the room - on sofas, tables and chairs - as well as making a small space appear larger.

1/10 Pretty pastel bedroom

If you're after a country look, why not go for pretty pastel bedlinen? Here an assortment of throws and cushions adds warmth and depth to the scheme.

Bed
Loaf

Bed linen
H&M

2/10 Calming green living room

Pastel colour schemes aren't all candy hues and sorbet-inspired shades. Here a calming green tone creates a fresh, spring-like feel in this relaxed living room.

Sofa
Sofa Workshop

Wallpaper
Baker Lifestyle range

3/10 Romantic bedroom with pink canopy

Not sure how to introduce pastel shades into a neutral bedroom? Invest in a statement four poster bed and decorate with a romantic pastel-coloured canopy.

Wallpaper
Little Greene
Canopy fabric
Harlequin

4/10 Sky blue hallway

Love pastel blue? This funky looking hallway mixes warm sky-blue paint with graphic floor tiles - the results are simple, yet stunning.

Floor tiles
Lindsey Lang
Tray table
Cox & Cox

5/10 Grey and pink living room

Grey and pink is a perfect colour combination. Here, a delicate floral wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for layering up pastel-coloured cushions, throws and even some quirky artwork.

Wallpaper
Osborne & Little
Paintings
Vintage Flower Paintings

6/10 Lilac dining room

Going for a full room refresh? Choose soft lilac walls, pink sheer curtains and painted furniture for a stunning colour scheme in the dining room.

Dining table
B&B Italia
Curtains
Designers Guild

7/10 Powder blue bedroom

If you're a fan of tonal colour schemes, take a look at this pretty bedroom. A french-style bed takes centre stage, while powder-blue checks and florals soften the look.

Similar paint
Farrow & Ball
Curtain fabric
Laura Ashley

8/10 Pastel living room

Introduce colour with fresh lemon walls and, if you're feeling brave, why not go for ice-cream coloured furniture - great for adding a playful touch.

Sofa bed
Molteni & C
Armchair
Ligne Roset

9/10 Pink and blue floral living room

Pastel shades work well in country-inspired schemes. Here blue floral wallpaper and a pink coloured sofa give the living room a soft, gentle feel.

Wallpaper and lamp
Laura Ashley
Floral cushion
Lombok

10/10 Girl’s pastel-coloured bedroom

Love neutral tones? Here, grey blue walls teamed with cool white floorboards create a calming mood.

Paint
Farrow & Ball

Looking for more decorating ideas? Take a look at our galleries for inspiration. See our bedroom channel for inspiration. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest homes and interiors trends, news and competitions.