Introduction
No, mixing purple and brown does not make green. Purple is a secondary color made by mixing red and blue. Brown is also a secondary color, made by mixing orange and black/gray. When you mix purple and brown, you get a dark, muted tertiary color that is a blend of the two. But you do not get green.
Green is one of the primary colors on the color wheel, along with red and blue. Primary colors can’t be made by mixing other colors. To make green, you need a green pigment or light source. Mixing complementary colors like purple and yellow can result in a brownish olive green. But purple and brown will never make a true green.
The Color Wheel
To understand why purple and brown don’t make green, it helps to look at a color wheel. The color wheel shows the relationships between colors.
There are primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors.
| Primary | Secondary | Tertiary |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Purple | Red-purple |
| Blue | Green | Blue-green |
| Yellow | Orange | Yellow-orange |
The primary colors are red, blue and yellow. They can’t be created by mixing other colors.
Secondary colors are made by mixing two primary colors. For example, purple is made by mixing red and blue.
Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color next to it on the color wheel. For example, red-purple is made by mixing red with purple.
Green is a primary color, so it can’t be made by mixing other colors.
Mixing Purple and Brown
Purple contains red and blue. Brown contains orange and black/gray. When you mix purple and brown, you are mixing:
– Red
– Blue
– Orange
– Black/Gray
This results in a dark, earthy tertiary color that is a combination of those components. It does not contain enough yellow to make a green.
Here is a simple color mixing chart showing what happens when you mix purple and brown:
| Color 1 | Color 2 | Mixed Color |
|---|---|---|
| Purple | Brown | Dark muted tertiary |
As you can see, mixing complementary colors purple and yellow can result in an olive green. But purple and brown will never make a bright, vibrant green.
Purple and Brown Color Combinations
So can you decorate with purple and brown together? Absolutely! Even though they don’t make green, purple and brown are very pretty paired together. Here are some ways to use purple and brown in home decor:
| Color Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| Purple walls + brown furniture | A rich purple on the walls with brown wood furniture creates a regal, elegant look. The brown balances out the brightness of the purple. |
| Brown sofa + purple pillows | Make a brown leather couch pop with vibrant purple throw pillows. This adds an unexpected color to a neutral space. |
| Deep purple sofa + brown accents | A deep purple velvet sofa looks luxurious matched with brown leather ottomans and wood end tables. |
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades of purple and brown to find a combination you love. Just keep furniture and decor cohesive within each color scheme.
Conclusion
In summary, mixing the secondary colors purple and brown will not make the primary color green. Purple contains red and blue while brown has orange and black/gray. Combined, these colors create a dark, muted tertiary shade. Green can only be made with green pigment or light.
However, purple and brown do look beautiful when used together in home decor. The right shades can create an elegant, regal ambiance. So while purple and brown won’t make green, they remain a chic color scheme!
