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Inspiration in the color powder blue.

Learn the history and meaning of the color powder blue, an ethereal mix of cobalt and white.

Design with powder blue

What is the meaning of the color powder blue?

Powder blue is a shade of cobalt as light as the morning sky. Its namesake was powdered smalt, a cobalt blue powder used to make dyes until the 19th century. As the “smalt” part of its origin was forgotten, the color powder blue grew lighter. Powder blue color is now characterized by its soothing pastel-level lightness. It’s a prized color in interiors, fashion, and art.

From its powdered cobalt origin, powder blue color evolved into a popular pastel that looks as soft as its name suggests.