Violet is a color that falls between blue and purple on the visible spectrum. It is one of the seven colors of the rainbow. Violet paint encompasses a range of shades and hues that contain elements of both blue and red. There are many different types and brands of violet paint available that produce slightly different shades.
The Color Violet
On the color wheel, violet sits between blue and purple. It is a secondary color, meaning it is created by mixing two primary colors – blue and red. Violet has a dominant wavelength of approximately 380-450 nanometers. The complementary color of violet is yellow.
Violet is a spectral color, meaning it has its own wavelength on the visible light spectrum. It is one of the seven colors of the rainbow, along with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and indigo. Sir Isaac Newton first used the name “violet” in 1671 in his book Opticks to describe the color between blue and purple.
There are a few other shades that are variations of violet:
- Purple – More red tones
- Lilac – Very pale, whitish purple
- Mauve – Grayish purple
- Indigo – Very deep purplish-blue
Violet has long been associated with royalty, spirituality, and creativity. In color psychology, violet promotes tranquility and inspires creativity. Lighter shades of violet evoke romanticism and femininity. Darker variations are more mystical and dignified.
Violet Paint Colors
When referring to “violet paint”, there is a wide spectrum of shades and hues that could be considered violet. Paint manufacturers produce many purple and violet paint colors with subtle variations in undertones. Here are some of the most popular violet paint shades:
- Valspar Lilac Blossom: A light, airy lavender with subtle gray undertones. It reads as a soft violet.
- Benjamin Moore Victorian Lilac: A romantic, muted violet with blue-gray undertones. It’s a pale purple-gray.
- Sherwin-Williams Passionate Purple: A vivid violet that borders on purple with strong blue undertones. It’s bold and saturated.
- Behr Pale Violet: A lightly tinted, hazy lilac with a frosted appearance. It’s a pale neutral violet.
- PPG Timeless Violet: A medium violet with red-blue undertones. It’s rich without being too overpowering.
There are also some violet shades with paint brands’ more creative color names:
- Benjamin Moore Bohemian Rhapsody
- Sherwin-Williams Plum Curious
- Behr Violet Vista
- Valspar Mystical Magic
- PPG Violet Verse
Comparing Violet Paints
While the violet paint colors mentioned above may look similar on their swatches, small differences in undertones and saturation become more apparent when the paints are applied to a wall. Here is a comparison of a few popular violet paint shades:
| Brand | Color Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Passionate Purple | Deep, jewel-toned violet with strong blue tones |
| Behr | Pale Violet | Soft, hazy lilac with a hint of gray |
| Benjamin Moore | Victorian Lilac | Muted, grayish purple with subtle blue undertones |
| Valspar | Lilac Blossom | Light lavender with cool undertones |
As you can see, Passionate Purple is the deepest shade while Pale Violet is the lightest. Victorian Lilac and Lilac Blossom are medium tones with slight variations in their purple-blue blend.
Uses of Violet Paint
Violet paint colors work well in many interior design schemes. Here are some popular ways to use violet paint:
- An accent wall in a bedroom or living room
- On bedroom furniture like a headboard or dresser
- In a nursery or little girl’s room
- In bathrooms for a soothing spa-like feel
- On front doors and interior doors
- In formal dining rooms
- On kitchen cabinetry
- In offices for creative inspiration
Lighter tints like lilac and lavender work well on walls, furniture, and accessories. Vibrant violets can make dynamic accents. Darker shades add drama and sophistication but should be used sparingly.
Violet pairs nicely with shades of green, yellow, gray and other complementary colors. It also looks beautiful with metallics like gold, rose gold and brass.
Paint Sheen
Paint comes in different finishes called sheens. The sheen determines how light reflects off the painted surface. When choosing a violet paint color, keep in mind the sheen you want:
- Flat/Matte: Absorbs light to hide imperfections. Provides a muted, velvety look.
- Eggshell: Softly reflects light. Provides subtle shine.
- Satin: Lightly pearlescent sheen. Shows some color saturation.
- Semi-Gloss: Moderately shiny and slick surface.
- Gloss: Highly reflective shine. Enhances color vibrancy.
For violet walls, flat and eggshell finishes are recommended to let the color take center stage. Semi-gloss adds nice depth on trims and doors. Use high-gloss on furniture pieces or cabinets.
Paint Brand Comparison
When selecting violet paint, you’ll also need to pick a brand. Here’s an overview of a few top paint manufacturers:
- Behr: Affordable quality with excellent color selection. Known for durability.
- Benjamin Moore: Premium brand with stunning elegant colors. Exceptional coverage.
- Sherwin-Williams: Top brand preferred by painting pros. Long-lasting results.
- Valspar: Several finish options at various price points. Rich color hues.
- PPG: Pro-quality paint with unique colors. Environmentally friendly.
While pricing varies, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paints tend to cost more for their high-end formulas. Valspar and Behr offer quality paints for smaller budgets. PPG is also a professional brand with eco-friendly paint options.
Finding the Perfect Violet
When selecting that perfect violet paint color, here are some tips:
- View color swatches in natural light to get an accurate impression.
- Purchase a sample size to test paint on a wall before fully committing.
- Factor in undertones that may come through based on room lighting.
- Consider sheen to make the color more bold or muted.
- Browse through photos of violet rooms online for inspiration.
- Coordinate with any existing furniture or decor items.
It also helps to bring home paint chips of potential colors to compare. Decorate the samples around your home and observe them at different times of day.
When working with bold colors like violet, have patience during your selection process. The right hue and tone can transform a space for the better. Don’t rush the decision or settle for a “good enough” purple. Take your time playing with different violet possibilities until you find “the one”!
Conclusion
Violet paint encompasses a wide range of shades and variations between blue and purple. There are many lovely violet paint colors to explore from major brands like Behr, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. Light lilacs provide a gentle touch, while vivid violets make a bold statement. Cool undertones yield relaxed vibes, while hints of red add vibrancy. Test different purple hues in your lighting to discover the perfect violet paint for your space.
