Mauve and lavender are two shades of purple that are quite similar but have some key differences. In this article, we’ll explore the history, meanings, and uses of mauve vs. lavender to understand if they are the same color.
Defining Mauve
Mauve is a pale purple color that has a pinkish tone to it. The first known use of the word mauve to describe this color was in 1859. Mauve gets its name from the French name for the mallow flower whose color inspired the dyers who first created the mauve dye.
Some key facts about mauve:
- Mauve sits between violet and lilac on the color wheel.
- The hex code for mauve is #E0B0FF.
- Mauve is a tertiary color made by combining red and blue.
- Mauve has a hue angle of 276 degrees on a 360-degree color wheel.
When evaluating mauve, words used to describe it include soft, light, flat, pale, delicate, and spring-like. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, romance, and femininity.
Defining Lavender
Lavender is also a light purple with a pinkish undertone. The word lavender has been used to describe this color since the 16th century, derived from the name of the flowering herb.
Some key facts about lavender:
- Lavender sits between violet and lilac on the color wheel, close to mauve.
- The hex code for lavender is #B57EDC.
- Lavender is a tertiary color made by combining red and blue.
- Lavender has a hue angle of 277 degrees on a 360-degree color wheel.
Words used to describe lavender include soft, soothing, floral, spring-like, romantic and feminine. It evokes feelings of calmness and serenity.
Comparing Mauve and Lavender
When placed side-by-side, mauve and lavender look extremely similar. They are both light purples with pink undertones. However, there are some subtle differences:
| Mauve | Lavender |
|---|---|
| Cooler, with more blue undertone | Warmer, with more red/pink undertone |
| Paler and more muted | Slightly brighter and more vibrant |
| Hex code #E0B0FF | Hex code #B57EDC |
When placed next to each other, mauve generally appears cooler toned and softer than lavender. Lavender has a very slightly more vibrant appearance. However, the difference is incredibly subtle.
Some key ways to summarize the differences:
- Mauve is a cooler, more muted purple.
- Lavender is a slightly brighter, warmer purple.
- Mauve has more blue undertones while lavender has more red/pink.
- The two shades are extremely close and similar in appearance.
History and Origins
The history and origins of mauve and lavender also provide some insight into their subtle differences.
History of Mauve
In 1856, chemist William Henry Perkin accidentally created the first synthetic dye while attempting to create a synthetic quinine. This new dye produced a color that came to be known as mauve. Mauve became incredibly popular in Victorian England in the 1860s. It was used for dresses, ribbons, and other garments. However, mauve dye was unstable and faded quickly. By the 1890s, more stable synthetic dyes were developed and mauve faded from popularity.
History of Lavender
Lavender has been used for thousands of years as an herb and for its essential oils. The color name derives from the flowering plant Lavandula. Lavender plants are native to the Mediterranean region but are now grown worldwide. As early as 2500 BC, lavender was used by Egyptians for mummification and as a perfume. Romans used lavender for bathing, cooking, and scenting the air. In the medieval period, lavender was grown in monastery gardens across Europe. By the 16th century, lavender became a popular fabric dye in addition to its culinary and medicinal uses.
So while both mauve and lavender came into use as dye colors in the Victorian era, mauve was the newer and trendier synthetic color while lavender had much older origins as a naturally derived dye.
Meaning and Symbolism
In terms of meaning, mauve and lavender have very similar symbolism due to their near identical appearance.
Meaning of Mauve
Mauve is associated with the following meanings:
- Femininity, delicateness, and grace
- Romance, sentimentality, and nostalgia
- Springtime and youth
- Neutrality and flexibility
- Creativity and imagination
Meaning of Lavender
Lavender is associated with:
- Femininity, delicateness, and grace
- Calmness, serenity, and tranquility
- Balance and wellness
- Innocence and purity
- Elegance, opulence, and luxury
As you can see, mauve and lavender symbolize many of the same qualities related to their soft feminine aura and spring-like vibe. The only slight difference is lavender’s additional association with calmness and serenity.
Usage and Popularity
Historically, mauve saw a spike in popularity in the mid-late Victorian era before fading again. Lavender has remained popular since medieval times.
Uses of Mauve
Today, mauve is used in interior design to create a romantic, nostalgic, or feminine mood. It works well in a bedroom, living room, or bathroom. Mauve also appears in fashion. It pairs nicely with different shades of purple, pink, gray, and blue. Floral patterns incorporating mauve are also common.
Uses of Lavender
Lavender remains ubiquitous in interior design, fashion, and commercial products. It is a top choice for creating relaxing, Zen spaces. Like mauve, it is seen in women’s clothing and accessories and works nicely with shades of purple, blue, gray, and pink. It is also a popular scent in candles, soaps, perfumes, and essential oils.
In terms of popularity, lavender outpaces mauve significantly, likely because of its deeply ingrained cultural associations with relaxation and wellness. However, mauve does retain an audience who appreciates its unique romantic and delicate personality.
Conclusion
In summary, while mauve and lavender are extremely similar shades, they have some subtle differences in their temperature, brightness, and history. Mauve is a cooler, more muted purple with blue undertones. Lavender is slightly brighter and has more red and pink undertones. Mauve was a victorian trend while lavender has been used for thousands of years. However, the two colors evoke similar moods and feelings. Lavender is simply the more widely used term today.
When evaluating mauve vs. lavender, the takeaway is that they are nearly interchangeable. The differences are minor enough that most people would have a hard time distinguishing them side-by-side. So while they aren’t exactly the same color, they can typically be used in place of one another without much impact. The choice between mauve vs. lavender is largely personal preference.
