Periwinkle is a light bluish-purple or lavender color that takes its name from the periwinkle flower. Periwinkle blue is a pale tint of blue that lies between blue and lavender on the color wheel. It is considered a “cool” color, evoking a sense of calmness, tranquility and relaxation. While the exact shades can vary, periwinkle blue typically has a grayish undertone that softens the vividness of true blue. Let’s take a closer look at the origins, meanings and examples of this charming pastel hue.
Where does the name “periwinkle” come from?
The name periwinkle derives from the lesser periwinkle or myrtle herb, a flower belonging to the genus Vinca with blooms that can be violet, blue or white. Periwinkle plants are native to Europe and are also commonly found as garden plants in North America. When the color periwinkle is referred to in design and fashion, it’s usually referring to the pale, lavender-blue shade associated with the periwinkle blossom.
What are the meanings and associations of periwinkle blue?
Throughout history, the color periwinkle blue has taken on some interesting meanings and associations:
- In China, the color periwinkle represents immortality.
- During the Victorian era, periwinkle flowers were sometimes used to represent blossoming friendship.
- The meaning of the color periwinkle has ties to relaxation, tranquility and peacefulness in color psychology.
- Periwinkle blue is thought to promote creativity and calmness.
- It is associated with springtime, freshness and lush plant growth.
- In color symbolism, periwinkle represents blossoming friendships, sentimental memories and everlasting love.
- It is an ideal pastel color for baby showers and nurseries.
- Periwinkle blue is linked to intuition, wisdom and psychic awareness in mystical and spiritual circles.
- It is one of the pastel “ice cream” colors along with mint, buttercream and lavender.
So in summary, periwinkle blue elicits feelings of relaxation, romance, nostalgia, wisdom and intuitiveness.
What are some variations of the periwinkle blue color?
There are a few major variations of periwinkle blue to be aware of:
- Periwinkle – The lightest, pale lavender-blue shade. Has a greyish tinge.
- Lavender blue – More purple than periwinkle. Brighter and more saturated.
- Baby blue – Lighter and brighter, with more of a true blue. No grey undertone.
- Lilac – Contains more pink than periwinkle. Has a rosier tone.
- Cornflower blue – Deeper and brighter, with less grey. Name comes from the cornflower petal color.
- Wisteria blue – Contains more purple/violet. Named after the blueish-purple wisteria flower.
So in summary, periwinkle differs from similar lavender-blues based on its soft, hazy quality and subtle grayish undertone. The other shades tend to be bolder and brighter.
What are some examples of periwinkle blue?
Here are some examples of things that are typically colored periwinkle blue:
- Periwinkle flowers – The periwinkle plant has blooms that can be white, violet-blue or periwinkle blue.
- Crayola crayons – “Periwinkle” is a standard color in Crayola crayon sets.
- colored pencils – Many brands include a “periwinkle” shade in their selection.
- Acrylic/oil/watercolor paints – Paint companies label one of their cool, light blues as “periwinkle.”
- Cars – Some models, like the 1958 Plymouth Fury, came in periwinkle blue.
- Prom dresses – Light periwinkle blue is a popular prom gown color.
- Wedding decor – Bridesmaid dresses and flower arrangements may incorporate periwinkle.
- Bedrooms – Periwinkle blue is recommended for calm, relaxing bedrooms.
- Logos – Some companies use periwinkle blue in their logos and branding.
To summarize, periwinkle blue is a common choice for paints, flowers, textiles, cars and other consumer products looking to add a dash of subtle lavender-blue color.
How does periwinkle blue look against other colors?
Periwinkle blue has a flexibility to work with both warm and cool color palettes. Here’s how it looks against some other colors:
| Warm colors | Periwinkle creates a brighter, more playful look when paired with warm shades like peach, yellow, red or coral. |
| Cool colors | Periwinkle has a soothing, complementary effect alongside other cool blues, greens and purples. |
| Neutrals | From white to gray to black, neutral shades allow periwinkle blue to stand out in a color scheme. |
In summary, periwinkle blue is versatile enough to work in both vibrant, energetic color combinations and soft, muted palettes.
How does periwinkle blue look in fashion and design?
In fashion and interior design, periwinkle blue mixes well with other pastels and looks great on its own in soft furnishings. Here are some periwinkle style tips:
- In women’s fashion, pair a periwinkle top with neutral trousers or a skirt. Or accent an outfit with periwinkle shoes or a handbag.
- For men, incorporate periwinkle into tailored shirts, sweaters, ties and pocket squares.
- Use periwinkle blue pillows, throws, curtains or accent walls in bedrooms, living rooms and nurseries.
- Paint a front door periwinkle blue for a cheery pop of color.
- Arrange cut periwinkle flowers as centerpieces at spring weddings and showers.
- Mix periwinkle flower crowns, table runners and bridesmaid dresses into a whimsical wedding theme.
The soft hue of periwinkle blue works nicely to create a relaxed, upscale look in fashion, home decor and events.
How can you incorporate more periwinkle blue into your life?
Want to add some periwinkle blue to your own style or decor? Here are some simple ideas:
- Paint one wall periwinkle blue for a soothing accent wall in a bedroom, office or living area.
- Make or buy curtains, pillows or blankets in periwinkle for a bedroom or sofa.
- Wear periwinkle blue shirts, dresses, scarves or neckties to complement your wardrobe.
- Pick out some fresh periwinkle flowers for a desk, kitchen table or window sill arrangement.
- Find periwinkle blue dishes, mugs, vases or other kitchenware to brighten up the room.
- Buy a periwinkle blue bike, piece of furniture or appliance to inject color into a space.
Start by adding small periwinkle blue accents, then go bigger with paint, textiles and accessories for a real style transformation.
Conclusion
In summary, periwinkle blue is a light pastel shade blending blue and purple, named after the periwinkle flower. It has many soothing, nostalgic and romantic associations. Periwinkle works nicely on its own or paired with warm neutrals or other pastels in fashion and decor. Add periwinkle blossoms, clothing, paint and accessories to any space you want to feel a little calmer and brighter. So embrace the tranquility of periwinkle blue in your own style and home for a relaxed, uplifting look.
