White is a versatile neutral color that can complement both purple and blue beautifully. The key to pairing white with these cool jewel tones is creating the right balance. Used thoughtfully, white can enhance purple and blue in stylish and sophisticated ways.
Quick Answers
Yes, white goes well with both purple and blue. White works as a neutral base that allows purple and blue to really pop. Combining white with purple or blue creates light, bright, and visually appealing color schemes. White also adds a clean, crisp complement to the richness of purple and blues.
Complementary Color Theory
In color theory, purple and blue are complementary colors, meaning they are directly across from each other on the color wheel. This opposite positioning creates a striking visual contrast when the colors are paired. White acts as a neutral buffer that allows both purple and blue to shine.
Purple’s complementary color is yellow. When mixed, purple and yellow create a grayish-brown tone. Adding crisp white to this combination keeps the palette light and vibrant. Blue’s complement is orange. Blue and orange can be jarring. Mixing in white softens the contrast into a more pleasant scheme.
Monochromatic Schemes
Monochromatic color schemes use different shades, tones and tints of one color. Adding white to monochromatic purple or blue palettes creates soft, elegant looks.
Light purple paired with white takes on a romantic, feminine aesthetic. Dark purple and white makes for a more luxurious, regal style. Different blue tones mixed with white can feel tranquil and refreshing or crisp and nautical.
Analogous Colors
Analogous schemes use colors located right next to each other on the color wheel. Purple paired with blue is a common analogous combination. White completes the trio perfectly.
Purple, blue and white is a versatile palette that works for any season. In spring and summer, it takes on a soft, pastel feel. In fall and winter, deeper jewel tones work well together. The white balances out the darkness.
Triadic Colors
A triadic scheme uses three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel. Purple, blue and yellow is a triadic palette. Replacing the yellow with white results in a pleasant, easier to work with color combination.
Purple opposite yellow is tricky to balance. Swapping yellow for white maintains the visual contrast while creating a more harmonious and flexible color scheme. The white stabilizes the strong purple-blue dynamic.
Creating Color Harmonies with White
There are several ways white harmonizes with the vibrant secondary colors purple and blue:
- Makes the palette feel light and airy
- Adds softness, subtlety and flexibility
- Provide visual relief and keeps the colors from competing
- Acts as a neutral backdrop that lets the other colors take center stage
- Breaks up the palette so it doesn’t feel overpowering
White is like a chameleon – it takes on the tone of colors around it. Next to purple, white skews lavender. Alongside blue, white picks up a cool azure cast. This makes for graceful color gradations.
Using White as a Neutral Base
White is often used as a neutral base for accent colors like purple and blue. Picture a crisp white shirt or blouse paired with a purple skirt or blue trousers. The white grounding allows the bolder purple and blue tones to feel perfectly at home.
White backdrops like walls, tablecloths, bedding and sofa upholstery let vivid purple and blue decor accessories pop. White kitchen cabinets or furniture work well with purple or blue accent pieces mixed in. The neutral white foundation prevents the bolder colors from becoming overwhelming.
Beiges and Creams
For a slightly warmer variation, try pairing purple and blue with beige or cream instead of stark white. Off-white paint colors like Swiss Coffee, Cream Wisp or Vanilla Ice Cream work well with purple and blue accents.
Soft beige carpeting helps anchor purples and blues in a more soothing way than crisp white might. Warm creams blend more seamlessly with purple and blue than true white, creating gentle gradients between the colors. Consider the vibe you want when choosing a neutral base shade.
Using White as a Bold Accent
White can also be used as a bold accent color against backgrounds of purple or blue. Crisp white trim framing a purple wall makes the white pop. White furniture contrasts strongly against a navy blue carpet or area rug.
White accessories stand out clearly against purple or blue backdrops. Think white throw pillows on a purple couch or white dishes displayed in a blue hutch. White lamps, flowers or decorative objects become graphic focal points against darker jewel-toned settings.
Creating Contrast and Dimension
Varying tones of purple or blue with white adds contrast, visual interest and dimension. Pair a pale lilac sweater with crisp white jeans or a baby blue button-down shirt with bright white shorts. Monochromatic white-washed denim provides the perfect neutral counterpoint to jewel-toned tops or accessories.
Gradating purple or blue walls from light at the top to dark at the bottom then framing with white trim creates bold ombre effects. Use white to delineate separate spaces within open floor plans featuring purple and blue tones. Contrast is key for preventing monotony.
Crisp and Clean Palettes
White reflects light, making rooms feel more open and airy when used with medium to darker purple and blue hues. The high contrast creates a crisp, clean modern aesthetic. White gives the eye a place to rest when paired with bolder gem tones.
Contemporary spaces often rely on plenty of white alongside accents of purple, blue or both. The palette feels current, youthful and stylish. White ceilings help keep things light and bright. Streamlined modern furniture in white prevents jewel tones from feeling overwhelming.
Sophisticated and Elegant Effects
When used thoughtfully, white calls out the regal refinement of purple while amplifying the coastal freshness of blue. Picture an elegant bedroom featuring damask purple walls, bright white bedding and pale blue curtains.
Or imagine a breezy living area with white furnishings, cool blue ceramic lamps and violet flower arrangements. White conveys purity and simplicity when supporting the richness of purple and blue.
Gender Neutral Palettes
White, purple and blue are gender neutral colors, making them easy to use in spaces for children or adults. White walls or furniture provide the perfect starting point for adding boys’ or girls’ accent colors.
White mixed with light purple and pale blue makes for a sweet nursery. White, indigo and violet work for a teen’s room. The versatility of white allows purple and blue to blend seamlessly in family friendly areas.
Inviting Ambiance
Paired thoughtfully with purple and blue, white cultivates welcoming, feel-good spaces. It prevents jewel tones from feeling imposing or tiring. Instead, white enhances the positive energy of these friendly colors.
Purple evokes compassion, spirituality and imagination. Blue inspires productivity, tranquility and trust. Mixing them with white creates an environment conducive to relaxation, creativity and harmony – perfect for living and working.
Choosing Purple, Blue and White Paint Colors
If painting walls or trim in shades of purple, blue and white, consider these specific hues:
| Purple | Blue | White |
|---|---|---|
| Lilac | Baby Blue | Bright White |
| Wisteria | Sky Blue | Simple White |
| Orchid | Sea Glass | Clean White |
| Plum | Navy Blue | Dove White |
| Eggplant | Denim Blue | Brilliant White |
Sample paint brands offering purple, blue and white hues include:
- Benjamin Moore
- Sherwin-Williams
- Behr
- Valspar
For a harmonious palette, stick to the same brand and sheen when possible. Combining matte, satin and glossy finishes can disrupt the tranquil visual flow.
Textile and Decor Options
Many fabrics, furnishings and accessories come in shades of purple, blue and white:
Purple textiles: velvet, corduroy, wool, linen, silk
Blue textiles: denim, cotton, linen, seersucker, chambray
White textiles: linen, cotton, eyelet, lace, wool, silk
Furniture: sofas, armchairs, ottomans, headboards, dining tables, desks, shelving
Decor: area rugs, throw pillows, wall art, vases, mirrors, lamps, candles
Look for ornamental objects in complementary materials like gleaming metal, smooth glass or polished wood to complete the refined color scheme.
Creating Cohesive Looks
Some tips for gracefully combining white with purple and blue:
- Use white as a neutral base for purple and blue accents
- Mix different tones of purple or blue with crisp white
- Incorporate white walls, trim, ceilings and furnishings
- Add white though lamp shades, pillows, throws and accessories
- Anchor with neutral white then layer on jewel tones
Keep purple and blue touches to 25-30% of the scheme for visual tranquility. The white foundation ensures everything flows in peaceful harmony.
Creative Combinations
Get inspired by these gorgeous ways to pair white with purple and blue:
- Pale purple walls with navy blue sofa and white trim
- White kitchen cabinets with plum island and baby blue stools
- Crisp white bed with lavender and denim blue accent pillows
- Vibrant blue rug under a white table surrounded by orchid dining chairs
- White desk decorated with vases of purple flowers and blue glass objects
Take cues from nature too. Think white flowers with purple and blue accents or snowy white paired with ocean blues and violet skies.
Conclusion
White works beautifully with both purple and blue to create light, airy palettes with refined style. It allows the richness of purple and blue to shine while preventing the colors from feeling overwhelming. With a balanced approach, the trio can be mixed in endless stylish, sophisticated and serene ways.
