Red and purple are both primary colors on the standard color wheel. The color wheel shows the relationships between different colors and how they can be mixed to create new colors. Understanding where red and purple fall on the color wheel can help explain why they go so well together and their role in color theory.
The Basics of the Color Wheel
The basic color wheel consists of 12 colors. The three primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. These colors cannot be created by mixing other colors. The three secondary colors are green, orange, and purple. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors. For example, mixing red and yellow makes orange.
The remaining six colors on the wheel are called tertiary colors. These are created by mixing a primary and secondary color. Red-orange, red-violet, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, and blue-violet are examples of tertiary colors.
Colors that are opposite each other on the wheel are called complementary colors. These color combinations create a strong contrast and pop when placed next to each other. Some examples of complements are red/green, blue/orange, and yellow/purple.
Where Red Falls on the Color Wheel
Red is one of the three primary colors. It sits between the secondary colors of purple and orange. On the 12 part color wheel, its complement is green.
Red is considered a warm color. Warm colors include shades of red, orange, and yellow. They evoke warmth, energy, excitement, and passion. The warmth of red comes from its ties to things like fire and blood.
When looking at light, red has the longest wavelength visible to the human eye. Violet has the shortest wavelength. Red’s long wavelength means it bends the least when refracted. This property is why red sits at the bottom of the visible color spectrum.
Where Purple Falls on the Color Wheel
Purple sits between red and blue on the color wheel. It is directly opposite yellow. Purple is considered a cool color, along with blues and greens. These colors are calming and suggest tranquility and intelligence.
Purple is a secondary color because it is created by mixing the primary colors of red and blue. When mixed in a balanced way, red and blue make violet. Adding more red or more blue alters the shade of purple.
Purple gets its name from the purple dye used in ancient times. It was extremely expensive and associated with kings and emperors. This gave purple a prestigious reputation. Lighter purples took on an air of romance and nostalgia. Darker purples seem more mysterious and sophisticated.
Why Red and Purple Go Well Together
There are several reasons why red and purple make an appealing color combination. First, they both contain a good amount of red pigment. Red is the strongest and most dominant of the three primary colors. Its boldness plays well with lighter and softer purples.
Red and purple are complementary on more complex color wheels. On the 12 part wheel, purple’s complement is yellow. But on the traditional RYB wheel, its complement is red. Complements provide contrast while also balancing each other out. The shared redness of purple and true red keeps them from clashing.
Purple and red are aesthetically pleasing because of their similar hues. Reds that lean more towards pink or violet nicely accompany purples with more blue or red in them. Monochromatic combinations work well.
Lastly, red and purple represent unity. Red is passionate while purple is wise. Together they make a powerful statement. This symbolism adds extra depth to red and purple combinations.
Examples of Red and Purple Color Combinations
Many examples utilize shades of red and purple together:
| Burgundy and lavender |
| Maroon and lilac |
| Scarlet and violet |
| Crimson and plum |
| Ruby and mauve |
| Cranberry and orchid |
Burgundy has red undertones while lavender is a light purple. The contrast makes them pop. Maroon is darker like burgundy and pairs well with soft lilacs. Bright scarlet complements the vivid color of violet.
Crimson adds brightness to deeper plums. Ruby is intense like crimson and works with mauve’s subtlety. Cranberry is muted but still vivid alongside light orchids.
These combinations showcase red and purple shades that share enough similarities to avoid clashing but have enough differences to create interest. The balance between warm and cool tones is key.
Red and Purple in Design and Fashion
Red and purple are utilized often together in the visual arts. Red symbolizes ardour while purple represents royalty. Using them together evokes passion, prestige, and luxury.
In interior design, a red and purple color scheme creates an elegant, romantic ambience. Deep plums or eggplants work well with true reds in formal dining rooms and bedrooms. Lighter lavenders and pink-hued reds are better for more casual living spaces.
In fashion, red and purple make bold statements. A woman wearing a bright purple dress pops even more with the addition of red heels or a red handbag. Dark red skinny jeans with a purple blouse is eye-catching. Red shirts under deep purple sweaters or jackets have a refined, stylish look.
Makeup looks also leverage red and purple for visual impact. Purple eyeshadow, lipstick, or nail polish stands out when paired with red blush or lipstick. For parties and events, matching purple eye makeup with red lips makes a memorable impression.
Purple and Red in Food
The colors purple and red both occur naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods. When intentionally combined, they can make for beautiful and appetizing dishes.
Radicchio, cherries, plums, grapes, figs, purple potatoes, red onions, and pomegranates are examples of purple and red produce. Blending red and purple produce together amps up flavors and antioxidants. Salads with red onions, pomegranate seeds, purple potatoes, and radicchio leaves not only taste great but provide a dose of vitamins.
Purple foods contain anthocyanins which have anti-inflammatory effects. The lycopene in red fruits and veggies reduces cancer risks. Eating a variety of colorful whole foods ensures a range of health benefits.
Purple and red shades also occur in wines, juices, and smoothie bowls. Blending blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, pomegranate juice, acai, and other fruits makes drinks bursting with flavor and nutrients. Topping them with additional fruits boosts the color interplay.
Conclusion
Red and purple complement each other on the color wheel. Their shared red undertones let them blend seamlessly. While bold red excites, purple lends balance with its cool tranquility. Together they represent the unification of passion and wisdom. These colors naturally attract the eye but also convey deeper symbolism. From the visual arts to interior design to fashion and food, red and purple make an impact. Keeping red and purple in mind when planning designs, outfits, or meals ensures a beautiful, thoughtful final product.
