Periwinkle is a light blue-violet color that takes its name from the periwinkle flower. It’s a popular color for paint, fashion, and decor. But what types and shades of color make up periwinkle? In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the different color types that fall under the periwinkle umbrella.
The Origins of Periwinkle
Periwinkle gets its name from the periwinkle plant, which has delicate, blue-purple flowers. The periwinkle plant is known by the scientific name Vinca, and it grows as a ground cover in many parts of the world.
The first recorded use of “periwinkle” as a color name in English was in 1922. However, the vibrant blue-violet shade has been known since ancient times. The periwinkle plant was used to make blue dye in Europe since at least the Middle Ages.
Periwinkle as a Crayola Color
In 1958, periwinkle became one of the original Crayola crayon colors when the company introduced their 64-box. Crayola describes periwinkle crayon as a “light lavender blue” shade.
The Crayola periwinkle falls right between blue and purple on the color wheel. It has a hue code of 237, which places it in the blue-violet family.
| Color | Hue Family | Hue Code |
|---|---|---|
| Periwinkle | Blue-violet | 237 |
Crayola periwinkle has a luminous, soft quality with a very slight purple tint. It became one of the brand’s signature pastel crayon colors.
Periwinkle as a Web Color
In web design, periwinkle is considered a light blue-violet color like the Crayola crayon. The official web colors for periwinkle are:
| Color Name | HEX Code | RGB Code |
|---|---|---|
| Periwinkle | #CCCCFF | 204, 204, 255 |
| Periwinkle (Crayola) | #C3CDE6 | 195, 205, 230 |
HEX and RGB codes are used to create web colors. Periwinkle has a HEX code of #CCCCFF, which makes it slightly more vivid and bright than the Crayola periwinkle color.
Web periwinkle sits between the primary colors of blue and purple. It mixes blue’s calm vibes with purple’s sense of nostalgia and imagination.
Periwinkle as an Interior Paint Color
Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams have popular periwinkle paint colors. Here are some of the top periwinkle shades for walls:
| Paint Brand | Color Name | Undertones |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Periwinkle | Blue |
| Sherwin Williams | Serene Sky | Blue-violet |
| Behr | Morning Fog | Blue-gray |
Benjamin Moore’s Periwinkle is a soft sky blue. Sherwin Williams’ Serene Sky is more of a true periwinkle with subtle purple notes. Behr’s Morning Fog is a pale blue-gray.
These chic, airy periwinkle paint colors work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and studies. The blue-violet hues create a relaxing vibe.
Periwinkle Color Palettes
Periwinkle can be paired with other colors to create stylish color schemes. Here are some examples of popular periwinkle color palettes:
| Color Palette Name | Palette Colors |
|---|---|
| Periwinkle and Coral | Periwinkle, Coral, Sand, Ivory |
| Periwinkle and Sage | Periwinkle, Sage, Moss Green, Brown |
| Periwinkle and Peach | Periwinkle, Peach, Buttercream, Chestnut |
Periwinkle works well with warm neutrals like peach, ivory, and sand. Earthy greens like sage and moss also complement the blue-violet shade. Coral adds a fun pop of color to periwinkle palettes.
Light Periwinkle Color Shades
There are many light, airy shades of periwinkle ranging from pale blue to lilac. Here are some examples of light periwinkle color shades:
| Color Name | HEX Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Blue Eyes | #A2CFEA | A very light sky blue |
| Lavender Blue | #B1A0C7 | A light lilac blue |
| Clouds Blue | #ACCBE1 | A pale, airy periwinkle |
| Periwinkle Mist | #C9CBE2 | A light, hazy periwinkle blue |
These pale periwinkle shades have a misty, ethereal vibe. They work nicely in bedrooms, nurseries, and bathrooms.
Dark Periwinkle Color Shades
Deep, vivid periwinkles also exist that add drama and sophistication. Here are some examples of dark periwinkle shades:
| Color Name | HEX Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mystic Purple | #535491 | A dark purple-blue |
| Night Violet | #4C316B | A rich, vivid purple |
| Stormy Periwinkle | #747AC8 | A dark periwinkle blue |
| Midnight Blue | #02066F | An inky indigo blue |
These midnight periwinkle shades work well in elegant powder rooms, offices, and dining spaces. They create an upscale, moody ambiance.
Periwinkle Color in Fashion
Periwinkle is a ubiquitous color in women’s fashion. It flatters many skin tones. Here are some of the ways periwinkle is used in clothing and accessories:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dresses | Flowy periwinkle dresses are popular for special occasions |
| Blouses | Button-up periwinkle blouses look great with black slacks |
| Shoes | Periwinkle heels and flats are chic and feminine |
| Bags | Small periwinkle handbags add a pop of color to outfits |
Periwinkle dresses with lace trim are a staple for flower girls and bridesmaids. The color also shows up in professional wear, like pantsuits and blazers. Its versatility makes periwinkle a mainstay in women’s closets.
Periwinkle Color in Decor
There are many ways to incorporate periwinkle into home decor:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Accent pillows | Toss periwinkle pillows on a sofa or bed |
| area rugs | Layer a periwinkle rug over hardwoods or tile |
| Table linens | Use periwinkle napkins and tablecloths in dining areas |
| Floral arrangements | Display periwinkle hydrangeas or tulips in vases |
The color works well in shabby chic, French country, and coastal decors. Periwinkle adds a romantic, feminine touch to bedrooms and living spaces.
Conclusion
Periwinkle is a versatile color that comes in many shades. It ranges from misty, pale blues to vivid violets. Periwinkle works beautifully in fashion, interior design, and everyday life. It’s a timeless color that evokes pleasant feelings and relaxation. Whether you prefer a light periwinkle or deep midnight shade, there’s a perfect periwinkle out there to suit your style.
