Lavender and violet are two shades of purple that are often confused with one another. Though similar, they are distinct colors with some key differences. This article will examine the relationship between lavender and violet, looking at their origins, RGB values, HEX codes, and uses. We’ll also compare lavender and violet side-by-side to highlight how they are alike yet unique. Read on to finally determine whether lavender is the same as blue violet or its own distinct purple hue.
The Origins of Lavender and Violet
Lavender and violet both get their purple hues from combining the primary colors red and blue. However, they originated from different sources which impacted their eventual colors.
The History of Lavender
Lavender’s name comes from the lavender flower, which has been grown across the Mediterranean region for over 2,500 years. The pale purple color of lavender flowers derived from the French word “lavendre”. Lavender likely originated in the northern Mediterranean region, including Italy, France, and Spain. Ancient Romans used lavender flowers to scent baths, beds, clothes, and even hair. The color lavender became associated with delicate, floral, soft purple hues.
The History of Violet
Unlike lavender, violet’s name stems directly from the purplish-blue color rather than a flower. Violet has origins in the violet flower, but the color was named after the rainbow spectrum rather than the other way around. Violet sits at the end of the visible color spectrum, next to blue. In optics, violet light has the shortest wavelength and highest frequency within the visible range. The violet flower got its name from the color, unlike lavender. As a result, violet is associated with richer, deeper purples than the pale floral lavender.
So while both originate from purple flowers, lavender and violet got their names and connotations from different sources – either the flower (lavender) or color spectrum (violet). This impacted how the two colors eventually developed into distinct shades of purple.
The RGB and HEX Values of Lavender vs. Violet
The RGB (red, green, blue) color model allows us to precisely define colors numerically based on how much red, green, and blue light they contain. RGB values range from 0-255. Similarly, HEX codes use a 6-digit numerical representation of RGB values. Comparing the RGB and HEX values of lavender and violet further highlights their differences.
Lavender RGB and HEX Values
Lavender sits halfway between white and purple. It has medium amounts of blue mixed with high red and green. The RGB values for lavender are:
– R (red): 231
– G (green): 231
– B (blue): 250
Converted to a HEX code, lavender is #E7E6FA.
Violet RGB and HEX Values
Violet has more blue compared to lavender, making it deeper and richer. The RGB values for violet are:
– R (red): 238
– G (green): 130
– B (blue): 238
The HEX code for violet is #EE82EE.
Comparing the RGB and HEX codes shows violet has much more blue than lavender. Lavender is a soft, pale purple from equal parts red and blue. Violet amps up the blue for a richer, more saturated purple.
Uses and Associations of Lavender vs. Violet
Beyond origins and technical definitions, lavender and violet also differ in their emotional associations, uses, and popularity.
Lavender Associations
Lavender’s soft, floral purple hue gives it associations with:
– Calmness
– Serenity
– Grace
– Elegance
– Femininity
– Romance
It evokes spring flowers and herb gardens. Lavender is widely used in beauty, fashion, and design for its soft, graceful allure.
Violet Associations
Violet’s rich, deep purple gives it associations with:
– Royalty
– Luxury
– Ambition
– Creativity
– Magic
– Mystery
It evokes medieval robes and regal crowns. Violet is associated with mysticism, creativity, and higher purposes.
Popularity of Lavender vs. Violet
Lavender is much more widely used and popular than violet:
– Lavender is the 17th most popular color in the world
– Violet ranks down at 130th
– Lavender is a top color in fashion, beauty, interior design, and wedding themes
– Violet is rarely seen outside niche, creative contexts or mystic branding
So while both evoke shades of purple, lavender is universally appealing thanks to its soft, familiar floral associations. Violet remains an outlier, its richer hues reserved for specific regal or mystical contexts.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Lavender vs. Violet
Looking at swatches of lavender and violet side-by-side really highlights their relationship. Lavender is universally known as a light purple, while violet is recognized as a richer, deeper purple.
| Color | Swatch |
|---|---|
| Lavender | |
| Violet |
While similar, these swatches show lavender as a pale, soft purple and violet as a deeper, richer purple – almost fading into blue. Looking at real-world images of lavender and violet colored items also highlights the key differences:
| Color | Real World Image |
|---|---|
| Lavender |  |
| Violet |  |
The pale purple flowers showcase lavender beautifully, while the deep violet pigment lives up to the expectations of true violet.
Conclusion
So is lavender the same as blue violet? Based on all the evidence, lavender and violet are definitively separate hues of purple:
– Lavender is a light, soft, floral purple named after the flower.
– Violet is a rich, deep purple named after the rainbow color spectrum.
They have differing RGB/HEX values, associations, uses and histories. While similar, lavender and violet are distinct shades of purple, not interchangeable names for the same color. Lavender is universally appealing and common while violet is niche, reserved for specific creative contexts.
So in summary, lavender is not blue violet. They are separate colors, albeit closely related on the grand color wheel. Lavender is pale and floral while violet is rich and regal. Both stunning in their own right, but undeniably unique.
