When it comes to defining colors, things can get complicated quickly. Plum in particular seems to straddle the line between red and purple. While it ultimately depends on exact shade and hue, plum tends to be considered more purple than red.
The Color Spectrum
To understand where plum falls on the color wheel, it helps to look at the visible spectrum of light. The colors we see correspond to different wavelengths of visible light. Red has the longest wavelength, while violet has the shortest. In between we see orange, yellow, green, blue, and indigo. Purple is a secondary color made by combining red and blue light.
On a basic color wheel, red sits opposite green, with yellow and purple/violet in between. Plum would be placed closer to the purple and violet side than the red side. However, shades of plum can vary, containing more or less red or blue tones.
Defining Plum
In basic color theory, plum is considered a tone of purple. However, it’s not quite as simple as that. Here’s a closer look at how plum is defined:
- Plum contains red and blue tones, but leans slightly more towards purple on the color wheel.
- It is considered a tertiary color – made by combining the primary color red with the secondary color purple.
- Plum sits between the purple and red-violet sections on the color wheel, closer to purple and further from red.
- It is classed as a cool color due to its blue undertones, as opposed to warm reds and oranges.
So while plum shades are not pure purple, they tend to be defined as a purple-ish color rather than classified as a red or pink. The exception would be some vivid reddish plum shades that verge closer to red-violet.
Comparing Plum and Purple
To the untrained eye, plum and purple may seem interchangeable. However, there are some key differences between the two:
- Purple is a secondary color made by combining red and blue.
- Plum contains less red and more blue tones compared to pure purple.
- Plums are less saturated or vivid than bold purples.
- Plum is considered lighter and softer than rich purple shades.
- Names like lavender and lilac are often classified under plum rather than purple.
In summary, plum is generally paler, lighter, and contains more blue than prototypical purple. Think of the difference between pale lilac and vivid violet. In technical terms, plum is a less saturated version of purple.
Plum vs Red-Violet
Red-violet is a vivid reddish purple shade that sits between red and purple on the color wheel. It contains nearly equal parts red and blue, making it quite different from plum despite the similar names:
- Plum has more blue tones, while red-violet is balanced between red and blue.
- Red-violet pops more and is very saturated compared to the muted plum.
- Plum is considered a light, soft purple but red-violet is bold and intense.
- Red-violet shades may sometimes be classified as plums, but true plums are more blue-based.
Some particular shades of plum, especially those with more redness, can be similar to red-violet. But in general red-violet is more vivid while plum is pale and soft.
Unique Qualities of Plum
Here are some of the defining features that set plum apart from other shades:
- Muted and soft – Plum is a pale, soft alternative to the vivid intensity of purple.
- Cool and calming – The blue undertones give plum a peaceful, cool feel compared to warm shades.
- Versatile – Plum can range from pale lilac to deep eggplant purple depending on saturation.
- Feminine – Culturally, plum is seen as a delicate, feminine color associated with flowers and spring.
- Refined and elegant – Plum adds a touch of elegance compared to the drama of true purple.
These special traits make plum a unique choice distinct from other shades of purple. Plum manages to straddle the line between energizing and calming due to its mix of red and blue tones.
Shades of Plum Color
There are endless varieties of plum, ranging from reddish purples to pale lilacs. Here are some of the most popular plum shades and their unique traits:
| Plum Shade | Description |
|---|---|
| Thistle | Pale, soft purple-gray with strong blue undertones |
| Lavender | Very light, airy purplish tone, sometimes with hints of pink |
| Wisteria | Medium-light purple with strong blue tones |
| Eggplant | Deep, rich purple with red-blue balance, named for the fruit |
| prune | Grayish purple, muted and understated |
There are also variations of plum that verge closer to red-violet, containing more red tones. These include shades like mulberry, currant, and boysenberry.
Psychology of Plum
Color psychology suggests that plum promotes the following feelings and moods:
- Spiritual wisdom – Connected to the “third eye” energy point, plum intuitiveness and insight.
- Femininity – Traditionally seen as a delicate, graceful color.
- Charm – Plum’s soft elegance is refined and charming.
- Creativity – Encourages free-flowing creativity and imagination.
- Dignity – Darker plums suggest dignity, class, and sophistication.
At the same time, plum is known for its peaceful, calming effects. The balance of red and blue makes it both gently energizing and soothing. It’s ideal for creating a relaxing environment.
Plum Gemstones
There are several gemstones that exhibit shifting shades of plum, violet, and lilac. Here are some of the most popular plum-colored gemstones:
- Amethyst – Ranges from pale lavender to deep purple. The February birthstone.
- Sugilite – Vibrant purple stone sometimes streaked with black or yellow.
- Charoite – Striking purple mineral with swirling patterns and depth.
- Lepidolite – Lilac-gray or rose-violet mica mineral.
- Fluorite – Often fluoresces in purple, blue, and green.
Plum-hued gems exhibit a magical, spiritual energy with their enchanting depth and luster. They provide a tangible way to connect with the color.
Uses of Plum Color
This elegant cool shade finds many applications, including:
- Interiors – Plum makes for a soothing, relaxing decor and paint color.
- Fashion – Deep plums pair well with black for a stylish, refined outfit.
- Makeup – Violet eyeshadow and lipstick offer a uniquely flattering pop of color.
- Weddings – Light plums and lilacs fit perfectly with spring and summer weddings.
- Branding – Plum logos and color schemes promote creativity and spirituality.
From makeup to interior design, plum’s versatility and feminine charm make it a go-to cool color across industries and applications.
Plum Color Combinations
Plum works beautifully with a wide range of color palettes. Here are some winning plum color combinations:
- Plum and pale pink – Feminine and romantic
- Plum and mint green – Fresh and playful
- Plum and tan – Warm and earthy
- Plum and light blue – Cool and peaceful
- Plum and chocolate brown – Rich and elegant
- Plum and charcoal gray – Refined monochromatic
In general, plum pairs nicely with other cool colors like blues and greens. But it also works well with neutrals like gray, tan, and brown. Vivid plum accents can brighten up a neutral palette. Deeper plums lend richness when combined with other colors.
Plum vs Other Colors
Here’s how plum visually compares to some other key colors:
- Plum vs Purple – More muted and blue vs vivid intensity
- Plum vs Mauve – Contains more purple vs pink undertones
- Plum vs Eggplant – Lighter and softer vs deeper saturation
- Plum vs Lilac – More versatility vs strictly pastel purple
- Plum vs Violet – Subtler and more delicate vs bold vivid shade
Essentially, plum differentiates itself by being relatively light, soft, and subtle compared to other shades in the purple family. It offers a delicate take on purple.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, plum exists in the purple part of the color wheel but offers its own unique flair. It tends to be lighter, cooler, and more blue-toned compared to the intensity of true purple. Plum’s soft femininity and refined elegance set it apart as a charming, versatile color choice.