Lavender is a light purple shade that is quite popular in home decor and fashion. When selecting colors to pair with lavender, it’s important to choose ones that will stand out well against the soft, pale hue. In this article, we’ll explore the best color options to make them pop against lavender backgrounds.
Using Contrasting Hues
A basic color theory principle is that contrasting hues stand out against each other more than similar tones. Lavender sits between purple and pink on the color wheel, so shades on the opposite side will contrast sharply. Some top options include:
| Bright yellow | Citrus tones pair beautifully with lavender, creating an eye-catching pastel color combination. |
| Lime green | The vibrant green pops against the muted purple lavender shade. |
| Turquoise | From teal to aqua, these cool blues contrast with lavender’s warmth. |
Warm hues like orange, yellow and chartreuse green attract the most attention against lavender. Cool options like emerald, sapphire and turquoise also stand out nicely.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are directly across from each other on the color wheel. This creates a high amount of visual contrast. For lavender, the complements are:
| Yellow-green | The vibrant yellow-green hue contrasts strongly with lavender. |
| Chartreuse | Slightly greener than yellow-green, chartreuse also pops. |
| Spring green | This fresher green complements the delicate purple tone. |
Some specific shades to try are chartreuse, harlequin, lime green and neon yellow-green. They clash with lavender in an eye-catching way.
Analogous Warm Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmony. To stand out against lavender, choose analogous colors on the warmer side of the wheel:
| Coral | This bright pink-orange hue contrasts nicely. |
| Salmon | A warmer, fruitier shade of pink that pops. |
| Peach | Soft peach provides a luminous glow against lavender. |
Experiment with shades like melon, shrimp, papaya and peach puff. These provide enough contrast against the cooler lavender.
Accent Colors
In addition to the main color pairing, consider adding extra pop with accent colors. Neon brights work well:
| Hot pink | The glowing neon magenta packs a visual punch. |
| Acid yellow | Brilliant and bold, this electrifying yellow attracts attention. |
| Electric lime | Vibrant fluorescent lime green really stands out. |
Even though neon accents are bolder, softer pastels can also highlight lavender nicely. Some examples are sky blue, bubblegum pink and melon orange. Use them in smaller doses against the main color palette.
Neutral Contrast
For a more subtle contrast, pair lavender with light neutrals like off-white, cream or beige. White offers a bright, clean contrast. Soft grays also allow lavender to stand out while keeping the palette relaxed. Darker shades like black, charcoal or chocolate brown make lavender pop as well through high contrast.
Metallic Sheens
Metallics add eye-catching shimmer and luminosity contrasted with lavender. Some top options include:
| Rose gold | The warm pink undertones complement lavender. |
| Copper | The burnt orange metallic gleams against the purple. |
| Bronze | The golden brown color provides rich contrast. |
Even bold metallics like silver, gold and gunmetal gray offset lavender while adding glamour. Subtler metallic sheens can be used as well.
Multicolored Patterns
For maximum contrast, use multicolored prints and patterns against solid lavender:
| Florals | Blooms in warm pinks, oranges and yellows stand out. |
| Plaids | Crisscrossing lines in contrasting hues pop against the solid background. |
| Geometric | Angular shapes grab attention in clashing colors. |
Pair lavender with vibrant watercolor prints, vibrant stripes, vibrant zigzags and other eye-catching motifs.
Choosing Color Combinations
Now that we’ve covered different color options, here are some lavender color combinations to try:
| Lavender and white | Crisp, bright, and elegant |
| Lavender and lemon yellow | Cheerful and summery |
| Lavender and turquoise | Cool and calming |
| Lavender and emerald green | Vibrant, contrasting |
| Lavender and rose gold | Warm, glamorous |
| Lavender and navy blue | Deep, dramatic contrast |
Have fun mixing and matching to find color combos that appeal to your own personal taste. Vary shades and intensities for custom looks.
Conclusion
The best colors to make stand out against lavender depend on the effect you want to achieve. Complementary colors like chartreuse, peach and salmon provide striking contrast because they sit opposite lavender on the color wheel. Warm analogous hues like melon and coral work well too. For bolder pops of color, choose neon brights like hot pink, electric lime or acid yellow as accents. Metallic sheens, multicolor patterns and neutral shades contrast well with lavender too.
With endless color combinations possible, explore both clashing and harmonious hues to find your perfect palette. Just keep basic color theory in mind as you choose. Colors on the opposite side of the wheel visually stand out the most against lavender due to their high contrast. With the lavender shade being so adaptable, you’re sure to find a pairing that fits your own unique sense of style.
