Lavender is a light purple shade that falls between violet and lilac on the color wheel. It is a popular color that is widely used in fashion, interior design, and art. But what color family does lavender actually belong to? The answer is not as straightforward as you may think. In this article, we will examine the technical classifications of lavender and look at how it relates to other shades of purple, pink, blue, and gray. We will also explore the cultural and historical associations of the color lavender. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of where lavender fits within the broad spectrum of colors.
The Technical Classifications of Lavender
Technically speaking, lavender is considered a tone of violet and classified as a lighter shade of purple. The color wheel groups colors into three main families: primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. When you mix primary colors together, you get the secondary colors of orange, green, and purple. Tertiary colors are made by mixing primary and secondary colors, which produces shades like red-violet and blue-green.
Lavender contains hints of both blue and red and is considered a light tone of purple and violet. More specifically, it falls under the classification of a tertiary color. As a tertiary color, lavender can also be described as a soft, muted mix of pink and purple.
On the technical Pantone Matching System (PMS) used for color reproduction, lavender is designated as PMS 277. Other shades of light purple are classified under different PMS codes, distinguishing lavender as its own defined color.
How Lavender Relates to Other Shades of Purple
While lavender has its own distinct technical classification, it is closely related to other shades of light and dark purple. Violet is the primary color that lavender is derived from, and lilac is an extremely similar tone that is slightly more pink. Meanwhile, purple is a deeper, richer shade that contains more blue. Looking at a color wheel or spectrum, lavender falls right in between violet and lilac in lightness and intensity.
Here is a quick breakdown of how lavender compares to other purple shades:
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Violet | The primary purple, contains more blue, darker than lavender |
| Lavender | Light purple with soft gray undertones |
| Lilac | Extremely similar to lavender but slightly more pink/purple |
| Purple | Darker, deeper shade that contains more blue than lavender |
As a lighter purple, lavender is often considered gentler and more delicate than richer shades like purple and violet. Its muted softness gives it a somewhat nostalgic, romantic feeling as well.
Relationship to Pink, Blue, and Gray
In addition to purple shades, lavender is connected to colors like pink, blue, and gray. As a tertiary blend of red and blue, lavender contains subtle hints of both pink and blue. The red undertones give it a soft pink quality, while the blue adds a cooler, grayer effect. Specifically, lavender falls in between the pinkish tones of thistle and mauve and the bluish shades of plum, orchid, and periwinkle.
Lavender’s soft moodiness comes from its gray undertones. On the color wheel, lavender sits between light purple and pale gray. This makes it simultaneously feel bright yet muted. The grayness gives lavender a somewhat reserved, gentle vibe compared to more saturated shades.
Cultural and Historical Use of Lavender
Beyond technical classifications, lavender also has many cultural and historical associations that add to its color meaning and significance. Here are some of the ways lavender has been used and perceived:
- Associated with refinement, elegance and royalty since the Victorian era
- Used to convey femininity, grace, and youth
- Symbol of LGBTQ pride and identity
- Represents wisdom and spirituality in Christianity
- Said to have calming, soothing properties
- Used for mourning and funerals in some cultures
- Evokes nostalgia for the past, sentimentality
Lavender has a long history of being associated with nobility, privilege and luxury. During the Victorian era, faint purple flowers like lavender were revered. Queen Victoria painted her private dinner room a lavender shade, kickstarting a trend among the aristocracy. Lubricants and perfumes scented with lavender notes were popular in upper class Victorian circles as well.
In fashion, lavender has been traditionally considered a feminine, delicate shade associated with spring and youth. Light purple dresses were a staple in women’s wardrobes dating back centuries. Today, muted lavender remains a staple color for feminine clothing, accessories, and decor.
The color has also taken on special significance in the LGBTQ community. Lavender is considered a gender-bending mix of traditional masculine blue and feminine pink. Using gradients of rainbow colors, lavender represents the “L” in LGBTQ flags and Pride imagery.
Beyond its cultural symbolism, lavender is also said to impart a sense of calmness, wisdom and spirituality. In Christianity, the color lavender represents sanctity, silence, and the Holy Spirit. Aura readers believe it corresponds to perception and vision. And aromatherapy practices use lavender to induce relaxation.
So while lavender has a clearly defined technical color classification, its cultural history is diverse and full of meaning.
Conclusion
Although primarily considered a light purple, lavender has a complex identity, sitting in between various color families. Technically, it is classified as a lighter shade of violet, distinguished by its muted grayness and soft pink undertones. Culturally, it has been associated with nobility, femininity, spirituality, and LGBTQ pride throughout history. Lavender’s calming essence comes from this blend of color meanings. So next time you come across this delicate hue, you can appreciate everything that makes lavender a color like no other. Understanding its technical and cultural background deepens the appreciation of this beautiful shade.