Purple is a colour that evokes mystery, creativity, and royalty. But not all purples are created equal when it comes to darkness and depth of tone. In this article, we will explore thecolours that make up the darkest purples and help you identify truly deep, rich purple hues.
Defining Purple
Purple is a secondary colour, made by combining two primary colours – red and blue. The amount of red vs blue in the mix determines the exact shade of purple. More red leads to reddish purples, while more blue creates bluish purples. Adding white makes purples lighter, while adding black makes them darker.
On the colour wheel, purple sits between red and blue. Purple shades blend into red on one side of the colour wheel and blue on the other side. This makes purple an incredibly diverse colour with many shades and hues.
Darkest Purple Pigments
When it comes to pigments, the darkest purples contain a higher ratio of blue to red. Two of the darkest purplepigments are ultramarine and indigo.
Ultramarine
Ultramarine consists primarily of the mineral lapis lazuli. This deep blue pigment with purple undertones has been prized by artists for centuries. During the Renaissance, ultramarine was more valuable than gold! The word ultramarine means “beyond the sea” in Latin, referring to the stone’s origins in Afghanistan.
True ultramarine has a rich, slightly red-toned blue colour that creates deep purples. When used in paint, ultramarine offers excellent tinting strength and depth of colour.
Indigo
Indigo is another historically significant blue dye used to create dark purples. Traditionally made from the indigo plant, this dye has been used for centuries to colour fabrics and textiles deep blue and purple shades.
Indigo bath-dyed fabrics take on a dark, inky purple tone. The natural dye gives an intense blue with purple undertones that allow deep purples. Indigo maintains its colour well when washed and exposed to light.
Darkest Purple Dyes
Both synthetic and natural dyes can produce rich, dark purple colours for textiles, fabrics, yarns, and more. Here are some of the best options.
Mauveine
Mauveine, also known as aniline purple, was the first synthetic dye ever created. This revolutionary purple dye marked the birth of the chemical industry. Mauveine has a distinctive red-purple tone that appears nearly black in high concentrations.
Jacquard Acid Dyes
These concentrated, synthetic acid dyes effectively dye silk, wool, and nylon deep, dark purples. They offer a wide range of purple shades from eggplant to wine.
Natural Dyes
Plant-based dyes like purple cabbage, elderberries, and hibiscus create lovely, natural purples. Used on protein fibers like wool and silk, these dyes dye fabrics an ultra-rich, deep purple hue.
Darkest Purple Fabrics
Certain fabrics readily absorb dark dye colours and are suitable choices for deep purples. These fabrics have texture and sheen that enhances the richness of the darkest purples.
- Velvet – The plush depth of velvet is perfect for midnight purples.
- Satin – Satin fabric catches light beautifully, intensifying purple hues.
- Silk – Silk takes smoothly to dyes and has a lustrous look.
- Wool – Wool’s natural texture gives depth to dyed purples.
Lighter, more porous fabrics like cotton and linen work best with purple dyes diluted to lighter shades. Their fibers don’t readily absorb the deepest dye colours.
Finding the Darkest Purple Shades
When evaluating purple shades, keep these tips in mind to identify the darkest hues:
- Look for tones with more blue than red
- Choose colours described as rich, deep, or intense
- Swatches should appear nearly black
- No white, grey, or brown should be visible
- Sheen is saturated and vivid
Conversely, you can spot lighter purples by looking for tints of red, pink, white, or grey. Pastel and pale purples also clearly read as purple, unlike the darkest shades.
Comparing Darkest Purple Shades
These purples represent some of the darkest available from leading paint brands. See how they compare:
| Brand | Colour Name |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Midnight Oil 2067-10 |
| Sherwin Williams | Rapture SW 6807 |
| Behr | Downpour PPU6-15 |
| Valspar | Urchin 4000-7A |
While dark purples may have similar hues, slight variations in tone and undertones emerge when viewed together. Whether you want an intense amethyst, deep wine, or carbon black purple, brands offer plenty of choices for the darkest purple shades.
Using Darkest Purple
Interested in decorating with one of these dramatically dark purples? Here are some ways to utilize them:
- Accent wall in a bedroom or living room
- Theater or media room walls
- Entryway or front door
- Highlight a specific wall or architectural detail
- DIY paint project like furniture or accent pieces
Because these colors are so intense, a little goes a long way. Use sparingly on trims, doors, and selective walls. Pair with lighter neutrals like white, grey, or wood tones to offset the drama.
Deep, dark purples work great for creating a moody, romantic, or luxurious feel. They can be exotic yet sophisticated depending on the supporting elements. Just take care not to overwhelm a space with their potent color.
Dark Purple Palettes
Coordinating colours is key when decorating with the most dramatic dark purples. Here are some ideas for colour palettes:
With White
- Crisp white
- Pale greys
- Warm metallics
- Cream
- Beige
With Grey
- Charcoal
- Pewter
- Silver
- Cool metallics
- Black
With Wood Tones
- Oak
- Walnut
- Rustic oranges
- Browns
- Terracotta
Pairing a deep purple with lighter neutrals prevents the colour from becoming overpowering. Warm metallics, creams, or wood tones also create an inviting counterbalance.
Consider Lighting
Proper lighting can make or break a dark purple paint colour. These tips help lighting complement the hue:
- Use soft white light bulbs (2700-3000K)
- Install dimmers for flexibility
- Layer lighting for a cozy glow
- Candlelight flatters bold colours
- Avoid fluorescent lighting
With the right lighting, dark purple walls will appear lush and elegant. Harsh, cold lighting could make them feel dark and overwhelming. Light strategically to enhance the sophistication of the colour.
Conclusion
When searching for the darkest, most luxurious purple shades, look for deep hues with blue undertones. Pigments like ultramarine and dyes such as mauveine create intensely dark purples, especially on rich fabrics like velvet and silk. Brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr offer dark purple colours perfect for accent walls and stylish interiors. Just take care to coordinate with lighter neutrals and flattering lighting. With the right supportive elements, dark dramatic purple makes a striking, sophisticated colour choice.
