Purple and lilac are two similar shades of color that often get confused with each other. At a glance, they may appear identical, but there are some key differences between purple and lilac that set them apart. In this article, we’ll examine the definitions of purple and lilac, look at their origins, compare their hex codes and RGB values, and see examples of how each color is used. With this information, you’ll be able to confidently tell purple and lilac apart.
Definitions of Purple and Lilac
Purple and lilac are both colors that fall in the range between blue and red on the color spectrum. Here are the textbook definitions of each:
Purple – A color intermediate between red and blue. Purples are combinations of red and blue light, with more red than blue. On the RYB color model, purple colors are made by mixing red and blue pigments.
Lilac – A pale purple shade with a slightly pinkish hue. Lilac is a light tone of purple named after the flowering plant of the same name.
So in summary, purple is the broad color between red and blue, while lilac is a specific pale, pink-tinted shade of purple.
Origins of the Colors
Purple and lilac have different historical origins as color names which contribute to their meanings today.
Purple – The word purple comes from the Old English word purpul which was borrowed from the Latin word purpura. This referred to the purple-red natural dye that was made from a specific sea snail known as murex. Because this dye was very expensive and time-consuming to produce, purple fabric was associated with royalty and high status. The color maintains these regal connotations today.
Lilac – Lilac likely gets its name from the light purple flowers of the lilac plant. The word lilac was first used in 1775 to describe the color of the flower. Lilac blooms in spring, so the color also came to symbolize youth and rebirth. Today it has an aesthetic of romance and femininity.
So purple draws meaning from its historic prestige, while lilac is tied to the soft visual qualities of the flower.
Hex Codes and RGB Values
One way to compare purple and lilac is by looking at their hex codes and RGB values.
Hex codes are six-digit codes that represent the components of a digital color. RGB values measure the levels of red, green, and blue light in a color from 0 (none) to 255 (maximum).
Here are the standard hex codes and RGB values for purple and lilac:
Purple
– Hex code: #800080
– RGB values: R 128, G 0, B 128
Lilac
– Hex code: #C8A2C8
– RGB values: R 200, G 162, B 200
This data shows that while both contain a balance of red and blue, lilac is much lighter and desaturated version of purple. It has higher levels of white mixed in.
We can also look at some other popular shades:
Purple shades:
– Dark purple: #301934
– Medium purple: #9F5F9F
– Light purple: #C6BCDC
Lilac shades:
– Pale lilac: #D8C2D5
– Wisteria: #C9A0DC
– Lavender: #B57EDC
So lilacs tend to be lighter, while purples have more range into darker values.
How Purple and Lilac Are Used
Context is another way to identify purple vs. lilac. Here are some of the popular uses of each color:
Purple
– Royalty – Used in crowns, robes, and banners
– Wealth – Used in luxury goods like jewelry or velvet
– Mystique – Used to symbolize magic, fantasy, or spiritual pursuits
– Creativity – Used to evoke imagination and originality
Lilac
– Femininity – Used in floral patterns and perfume packaging
– Romance – Used to convey sweetness in flowers and chocolates
– Vintage – Used to evoke old-fashioned charm in costumes and decor
– Whimsy – Used in children’s products like toys and clothes
Purple has a mood of prestige and intrigue, while lilac creates a soft, nostalgic feeling. Keeping their emotional impacts in mind will help discern between the two.
Comparison in Design
Let’s look at some visual examples of how purple and lilac are used differently in design.
Purple in Design
Purple commands attention and speaks to luxury. It’s commonly used in the following ways:
– Logos – Banks, spas, jewelry brands, creative agencies
– Packaging – Cosmetics, wines, electronics
– Advertising – Used on premium or “indulgent” products
– Interior design – As an accent color in high-end spaces
Lilac in Design
Lilac sets a soft, whimsical mood. You’ll see it used in these applications:
– Product design – Soaps, candles, baby products
– Textiles – Quilts, pillows, upholstered furniture
– Packaging – Pastries, teas, perfumes, valentines
– Floral arrangements – Especially mixed with pinks and whites
So purple suits luxury brands, while lilac is better for vintage or feminine styles.
How Lighting Affects Each Color
The appearance of purple and lilac can also shift under different lighting conditions.
Purple
– In daylight, reads as a vivid, true purple
– Under warm incandescent light, can take on a red-violet hue
– Under cool fluorescent light, can appear more blue-toned
Lilac
– In daylight, reads as a soft, pale purple
– Under warm incandescent light, takes on a pinkish mauve hue
– Under cool fluorescent light, looks more periwinkle
This demonstrates how purple has a wider range of expression from red to blue tones, while lilac stays within the red-violet family.
Conclusion
So are purple and lilac the same? While related, they are distinct shades with unique histories, color values, emotional impacts, and use cases.
In summary:
– Purple is the broad color between red and blue. It has a prestigious, mystical feeling and is used for luxury and creative brands.
– Lilac is a lighter, pinkish type of purple. It has a delicate, vintage mood and is used for feminine, romantic styles.
Being able to spot the difference comes down to recognizing the depth of purple vs. the softness of lilac across various contexts. So next time you need to tell purple and lilac apart, this guide will help you compare them in any setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common FAQs about purple and lilac:
Are purple and lilac warm or cool colors?
Purple is considered a cool color, while lilac is slightly warmer due to its pink/red undertones. However, they are both closer to cool than warm.
What colors go well with purple vs. lilac?
Purple pairs well with other cool tones like blues and greens. Lilac looks great with other light pastels like peach, light blue, pink, and sage green.
How do purple and lilac complement skin tones?
Purple and lilac suit cool-toned skin with pinkish hues the best. Warm olive and yellow-toned skin is often overwhelmed by these colors. However, muted purples and lilacs can suit a wider range of skin tones.
What’s the difference between lilac and lavender?
Lavender is essentially a synonym for lilac – both refer to the same pale purple shade. The words are used interchangeably.
Is lilac a girly color?
Lilac is strongly associated with femininity and is commonly used in products marketed towards women and girls. However, it can have a unisex appeal in more muted tones.
Example Comparisons
Here are some side by side examples of purple vs. lilac across different contexts:
Branding
| Purple | Lilac |
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Flowers
| Purple | Lilac |
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Graphics
| Purple | Lilac |
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As you can see, purple maintains vividness while lilac is more subdued and delicate across contexts.
Final Thoughts
Purple and lilac each have a unique place on the color wheel. When differentiating them, consider the depth of tone, warmth, use cases, and aesthetic mood. Purple speaks to luxury and imagination, while lilac whispers of romance and nostalgia.
Now that you know how to compare purple and lilac, you can artfully use them in any design or decor. So embrace the beauty of their similarities and differences across your creative work.