The color lilac sits in an ambiguous space between purple and blue on the color spectrum. Many describe it as a light purple or a pale lavender, while others insist it is more of a pinkish blue. So is lilac a shade of purple or blue? The answer lies in examining the technical definitions of color, the historical origins of the name “lilac,” and the cultural associations evoked by this delicate hue.
Defining Lilac
In technical color theory terms, lilac is considered a pale violet tone that skews toward light blue rather than red on the color wheel. The RGB values for lilac are 216, 191, 216. This means it contains a higher percentage of blue than red or green. However, lilac is still considered a tertiary color made by combining the primary colors red and blue.
| Color | Red Value | Green Value | Blue Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilac | 216 | 191 | 216 |
So while lilac leans closer toward blue than red or purple on the color wheel, it is not a pure blue. The hint of red mixed in moves it into the purplish tertiary color family. But the higher blue value gives it a cooler, crisper feeling compared to richer, warmer purples.
Etymology of Lilac
The word lilac has its origins in the 16th century, derived from the French word lilas. This term referred to a purplish-blue color associated with the blueish flowers of the common lilac bush. The lilas plant itself took its name from the Persian word nilak, meaning bluish or blue-colored.
So originally, lilac was directly linked to bluish tones due to the familiar spring blooms of Syringa vulgaris shrubs. Over time, lilac became a broader color term encompassing paler shades of violet and lavender. But the linguist history connects it firmly to blue.
Cultural Meanings
Across cultures, lilac symbolizes a balance of new life and nostalgia. In western traditions, it evokes spring renewal with its seasonal bursts of flowers. But it also represents old-fashioned romance and femininity, popular in Victorian fashions and décor.
In eastern cultures, lilac symbolizes the beginning of new love. In China, lilacs even represent the birth of a son. But the soft, gentle quality of lilac also recalls sweet memories and nostalgia.
So while lilac contains nuances of purple’s passion and dignity, its major cultural associations align more closely with blue’s calmness, tranquility, and nostalgia.
Is Lilac More Purple or More Blue?
Given its technical color definitions, etymological origins, and cultural meanings, lilac overall skews closer to blue end of the color wheel than purple. But it falls somewhere in between the two as a soft violet tone.
A few key factors support lilac being more blue than purple:
- It has higher blue RGB values than red or green
- The name comes from a French word referring to bluish flower colors
- It symbolizes spring, tranquility and memory more than passion or royalty
However, lilac still sits solidly in the purple family. Its hints of red shift it toward violet. And it shares some regal and romantic connotations with purples.
So is lilac more purple or more blue? The best answer is: it’s a blend of the two. Lilac toes the line between purple and blue, incorporating elements of both while still maintaining its own distinct beauty. It defies simple color categorization, encompassing the best of two colorful worlds.
Lilac vs. Lavender vs. Violet
Lilac is often confused with near-neighbor colors on the wheel such as lavender and violet. But despite their similar hues, these three colors have some notable differences:
Lilac
- Paler, more blueish purple
- Slightly grayish or dusty undertone
- Named for the light purple shade of lilac blooms
Lavender
- Soft, light violet-purple
- Has more pink/red undertones than lilac
- Named for the purple flowers of the lavender plant
Violet
- Deeper, richer purple closer to purple end of spectrum
- No blue undertones
- Derived from the violet flower and color of light at short wavelengths
So lilac is the lightest and most blue-infused of the three. Lavender contains more pink and red hues. And violet is the deepest purple.
Matching and Complementing Lilac
The ambiguity of lilac makes for an intriguing color to decorate with. It pairs well with both blue and purple schemes. Some recommended color combinations include:
- Lilac and sea green – A soothing analogic combo
- Lilac and turquoise – For a retro pastel look
- Lilac and navy – A deep yet feminine palette
- Lilac and lime green – For a bold complementary balance
- Lilac and slate gray – Subtle monochromatic harmony
Lilac also works well with other soft purples and pinks. White, cream and silver accent it nicely. And touches of pale yellow draw out its blue cast.
| Colors that Work Well with Lilac | Colors that Don’t Work as Well with Lilac |
|---|---|
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In general, lilac partners beautifully with other pastels. Earth tones and deep reds overwhelm its delicate nature. Use lilac’s chameleon colors to span the purple and blue color families.
Designing with Lilac
Incorporating lilac into designs requires a deft hand. As an extremely pale tertiary shade, it can read as dated or juvenile if not balanced well. Follow these tips for using lilac stylishly:
- Add black or charcoal accents to modernize soft lilac pieces
- Layer metallic silvers and golds to create an elegant neutral base for lilac
- Opt for a muted dove gray lilac over brighter purples to avoid a saccharine look
- Introduce lilac through accessories like pillows or vases rather than overpowering with lilac walls or furniture
Lilac works best when it can play off more grounding neutral backdrops. Keep accents clean and contemporary to allow its beauty to shine.
Psychology of Lilac
Like most pastel shades, lilac promotes introspection and imagination. It has a dreamy, contemplative affect. Unlike its bold cousin purple though, lilac is less likely to stimulate creative breakthroughs or dynamic new visions.
Instead, lilac has a calming, gentle energy. Exposure to lilac can relax the mind, ease fears, and create a sense of inner peace and comfort. It’s a color of acceptance rather than direction action or change.
Lilac is unsuited environments where productivity, focus or decisiveness are needed. But its tranquil qualities make it ideal for meditation spaces, bedrooms, or areas designed for relaxation.
| Positive Psychological Effects | Negative Psychological Effects |
|---|---|
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Surrounded by extreme purple hues can be overwhelming. But lilac’s lighter touch eases the mind gently. This soft, misty color caresses rather than dominates.
Conclusion
While lilac contains elements of both blue and purple, its technical properties, origins, and cultural associations place it firmly on the blue side of the color wheel. Yet its hint of red/pink infusion prevents it from fully claiming blue status.
Instead, lilac remains suspended between the two colors – not quite blue, not quite purple, but somehow even more intriguing for its inability to be definitively categorized. This gentle, hazy blend brings out the best soothing qualities of its parent colors.
Lilac’s beauty lies in its sheer tones and amorphous nature. Is it blue or purple? In the end, the only correct answer is: lilac is just purely, delicately lilac.
