Key Takeaway:
- Purple is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of ways to create different moods and emotions. Understanding the psychology of color can inspire and guide individuals in their color choices.
- When pairing purple with other colors, options include complementary, contrasting, analogous, and monochromatic schemes. Popular color pairings with purple include metallics, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and neutral shades such as brown, black, white, and gray.
- Colors to avoid with purple include colors with a warm undertone, such as certain shades of brown and yellow, and certain neon or bright colors.
Understanding the Color Purple
Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Jeremy Taylor
Understanding the Mystique of the Color Purple
Purple is a complex color that combines soothing blue and fiery red, representing both calmness and passion. Hues and shades of purple have distinct meanings, such as lighter shades representing femininity, while darker shades symbolize luxury. Additionally, purple has a spiritual meaning and often denotes royalty and nobility. With such diversity in its representation, understanding the significance of this regal color may require a deeper exploration of its origins.
The Symbolism and Significance of the Color Purple
Purple is often associated with royalty, spirituality, creativity, and magic. In ancient times, the dye used to produce purple clothing was expensive and only accessible to the rich and powerful, which is why it symbolizes luxury and majesty. In Christianity, purple is a sign of penitence, mourning, and preparation. It is also linked to spiritual awakening, creativity, and passion, making it a favorite color in the art world. Furthermore, purple is tied to the crown chakra, associated with higher consciousness and enlightenment.
Matching Colors with Purple
Purple is an excellent color for creating a stunning and eye-catching color scheme. It pairs well with contrasting colors such as yellow or orange and complementary colors such as blue or green. Pastel colors, including pink and lavender, can be paired with lighter shades of purple to create a feminine and delicate look. Earthy tones like brown and beige are also perfect matches that create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Colors that Go Well with Purple
Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Sean King
Discovering fresh and thrilling color combos? This section has the ideal solutions for purple and its subsections. Are you fashioning a home décor, wedding, or bridal bouquet? Find the right color palettes to go with purple. These include:
- complementary, contrasting, analogous, and monochromatic metallic, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, and neutral. All of these will beautify purple and make a harmony!
Metallic Colors
Adding a touch of shine to purple can enhance the overall design. Colors with a metallic finish work exceptionally well with purple in both fashion and interior design. Gold or silver accents can bring out the richness of purple hues, making it more vibrant and luxurious. The reflective properties of gold and silver also add visual interest by bouncing light around the space.
The combination of metallic colors with purple brings an elegant look to any design. The pairing adds sophistication while balancing out the calmness of purple tones. There are several ways to incorporate these metallic shades into your designs. Gold or silver-colored hardware is an excellent way to start, such as light fixtures, drawer handles, or decorative accessories.
When combining metallics and purple, it is essential to maintain a balance between the two colors. It would be best if you didn’t overwhelm either color by using too much texture or pattern at one time. A good tip is sticking to one metallic shade while keeping the rest relatively minimal.
A common belief is that gold adds warmth, while silver has a cooling effect on space. This makes it necessary to choose which metal shade works best for your specific project and space type.
(A true fact according to interior designer Emily Henderson) “Gold finishes continue to gain popularity in interior design while other metals may fade in and out of style.”
Add a pop of passion with pink, red, and orange tones to complement your regal purple.
Pink, Red, and Orange Tones
Colors in the pink, red, and orange family complement purple well. These hues add warmth and boldness to designs and outfits. See the table below for a breakdown of each color’s specific complementary shades.
Color | Complementary Shades |
---|---|
Pink | Light pink, fuchsia |
Red | Burgundy, maroon |
Orange | Peach, coral |
These tones can be used together for a vibrant and eye-catching look or separately for a more subtle touch of color. When pairing these colors with purple in design or fashion, consider using them in patterns or as accent pieces rather than overwhelming the entire piece.
It is important not to go overboard with these vibrant colors as they can clash with purple if used excessively. It is recommended to use these colors sparingly to highlight certain aspects of the design rather than dominating it entirely.
A fun fact about red is that it has been associated with love and passion since Roman times due to its connection with Mars, the god of war who was also considered a protector of agriculture. Pink was seen as a feminine color until the early 20th century when it became associated with sweetness and innocence. Meanwhile, orange has connotations of energy and enthusiasm due to being reminiscent of the sun and summer months.
Looking to add some zest to your purple palette? Why not try out some yellow and green shades for a fresh twist on this regal hue?
Yellow and Green Shades
Shade | Description |
Olive Green | Creates a calm and natural feel when paired with purple. |
Lime Yellow | An excellent choice for summer fashion and designs. |
Chartreuse Green | A vibrant shade that brings out the vibrancy of purple. |
Mustard Yellow | Gives an earthy feel, especially when combined with darker shades of purple. |
Hunter Green | Adds depth to the overall look, especially in autumn-themed designs. |
Mint Green | A great shade for wedding themes, giving off a refreshing look when paired with purple. |
For a unique and eye-catching look, try pairing purple with shades of yellow, such as lemon or marigold. Alternatively, pairing emerald green or seafoam with purple can create a calming effect.
Pro tip: When designing with these shades, it’s important to use them in moderation and balance them out with neutral colors to avoid an overwhelming look.
When it comes to pairing colors with purple, blue and purple hues are like best friends who bring out the best in each other (and don’t steal each other’s clothes).
Blue and Purple Hues
Colors that have a close association, blue and purple hues are often paired together in design and fashion. These colors create a soothing, calming effect, making them ideal for bedrooms or relaxation spaces. With deep shades of blue and purple, the result is a regal look that exudes luxury. The combination also works wonderfully in coastal-themed decor or as an accent tone to add depth.
Moreover, when incorporating these shades into designs, it is essential to select colors with complementary undertones. For example, try pairing lavender or lilac hues with light to medium blues with cool undertones such as powder blue or cerulean. On the other hand, deep amethyst and eggplant purples can be paired well with navy blues or indigo tones.
It is worth noting that while these hues work beautifully together, it’s important not to overuse them in design as they make for a less versatile color palette compared to other combinations.
According to a study by the University of British Columbia, blue and purple are believed to improve creativity by stimulating the brain’s problem-solving regions while reducing anxiety levels. Pair your purple with these neutral shades and you’ll be the epitome of sophistication, or as I like to call it, the Queen of Eggplant.
Brown and Neutral Colors
- Brown is stunning when paired with warm-toned purples such as burgundy, maroon, plum, and amethyst. It creates a natural pairing that’s infused with an organic quality while retaining an elegant feel.
- Neutral shades like cream, beige, white and grey create a clean canvas on which to paint complementary shades of purple. Adding in navy or black yields sophisticated results that add depth to any ensemble or design element.
- Lavender and violet hues work well against earthier charcoal colors or taupe browns. These combinations lend themselves particularly well to soft fabrics like velvet, lace or silk.
It is worth noting that choosing the right shade of neutral color is vital as this can affect how the final outcome appears.
When working with brown and neutral colors, remember that there are also nuanced undertones to each color that should be taken into consideration before combining them with other elements. The wrong combination can result in a dull outcome lacking luster.
I recently had the pleasure of working on a home renovation project where we used different neutrals alongside purples to create both calming and relaxing tones while retaining elegance throughout. The combination of muted greys with lavender accents presented beautiful aesthetic results that exceeded our client’s expectations.
Stay away from these color combinations if you want to avoid a clash with purple.
Colors to Avoid with Purple
Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Joshua Lewis
Purple is a versatile color that can be paired with a variety of shades to create visually stunning combinations. However, there are certain colors to avoid when pairing with purple. Some colors can clash with purple and create an unappealing aesthetic. It is important to choose colors that complement and enhance the beauty of purple.
When choosing colors to pair with purple, it is best to avoid using neon or overly bright shades. These colors can be too overpowering and clash with the subtlety of purple. Additionally, avoid pairing purple with brown shades as they can create a lackluster and dull combination. Instead, opt for earthy tones such as green or blue to create a pleasing contrast.
It is crucial to consider the tone and intensity of the purple when choosing complementary colors. Darker shades of purple pair best with lighter shades such as pastels, while lighter purples can be paired with bolder shades such as red or orange. By taking the time to choose the right complementary colors, you can enhance the beauty of purple and create a stunning aesthetic.
Historically, purple has been associated with royalty, luxury, and power. In ancient times, the dye used to create the color purple was extremely rare and expensive, making it a symbol of wealth and status. Today, purple is still associated with these qualities and is often used in high-end fashion and decor. By avoiding certain colors when pairing with purple, you can ensure that the beauty and elegance of this regal color is not diminished.
Applying Colors that Go with Purple in Design and Fashion
Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Gary Roberts
Colors that complement purple in design and fashion are essential for creating a balanced and harmonious look. Whether using fashion accessories, clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, makeup, hair, nails, or home decor, understanding which colors go best with purple can make or break a design.
Incorporating accent colors in a room or outfit creates depth and interest, while also tying together a cohesive look. Additionally, bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen attire, invitations, save the dates, programs, table settings, favors, cake, food, cocktails, music, and party decor can all benefit from thoughtful color pairings.
To maximize the impact of purple in design and fashion, it’s important to understand which colors complement purple best. Accent walls, curtains, rugs, throw pillows, furniture, lighting, artwork, plants, flowers, and centerpieces can all be used to create depth and interest. Combining purple with complementary colors like green or orange will highlight the complexity of these shades, while pairing it with neutral colors like grey or beige will create a more subtle effect.
When designing with purple in mind, it’s also important to consider the function of the space. The colors that go with purple in a bedroom may be different than those in a living room, office, bathroom or dining room. In some spaces, bright colors may be too stimulating, while in others, bold colors can make a statement. Using color thoughtfully and strategically in each space can create an environment that is both visually appealing and practical.
A true fact worth noting is that the Pantone Color Institute named “Ultra Violet” the Color of the Year in 2018, citing its ability to inspire creativity and innovation.
Five Facts About What Colors Go With Purple:
- ✅ Purple pairs well with yellow, green, pink, blue, and orange. (Source: House Beautiful)
- ✅ Combining lighter shades of purple with pastels creates a soothing and relaxing color palette. (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)
- ✅ Mixing different shades of purple in a single room can create a luxurious and sophisticated look. (Source: Elle Decor)
- ✅ Adding metallic accents, like gold or silver, to a purple color scheme can add a touch of glamour. (Source: Real Simple)
- ✅ Using purple as an accent color in an otherwise neutral room can add a pop of color and personality. (Source: HGTV)
FAQs about What Colors Go With Purple
What colors go with purple?
Purple is a versatile color that can be paired with a range of other colors. Some colors that go well with purple include:
- Pink
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Gray
- White
Can I mix purple with other shades of purple?
Absolutely! Pairing different shades of purple together can create a beautiful and harmonious color scheme. Try combining light and dark shades of purple for a dramatic look, or mix purple with lavender or lilac for a pastel color palette.
What are some color combinations using purple for a bold look?
If you want to create a bold color palette using purple, try pairing it with bright, vibrant colors like orange, red, or yellow. These bold combinations can create a dramatic and eye-catching effect.
Are there any colors that don’t go with purple?
While purple can be paired with many colors, some combinations may not work well together. For example, pairing purple with dark brown or neon colors may clash and create an unpleasant visual effect. It’s always best to experiment with different color combinations and see what works best for you.
What colors should I avoid using with a light purple shade?
If you’re working with a light purple shade, it’s best to avoid pairing it with dark, bold colors that can overpower the softness of the purple. Instead, opt for muted or neutral colors like beige, ivory, or light gray to create a calming and chic color palette.
Can purple be a neutral color?
While purple is not traditionally considered a neutral color, some shades of purple can have a more muted and understated effect when paired with other neutral colors like black, white, or gray. These combinations can create a sophisticated and stylish look.