Mixing colors can result in new and interesting shades. When dark purple and pink are combined, the resulting color takes on qualities of both hues. To understand the color that is produced when these two are mixed, it helps to first examine each one individually.
Understanding Dark Purple
Dark purple sits between purple and violet on the color wheel. It is created by mixing red and blue, with more blue than red. This gives it a cooler, darker tone than basic purple. Some examples of dark purples include eggplant, aubergine, and dark orchid.
Dark purples are associated with richness, elegance, and mystery. They can evoke feelings of sophistication, spirituality, and creativity. Throughout history, dark purples have been connected to royalty, nobility, and luxury.
Understanding Pink
Pink is a pale, desaturated shade of red. It is known as a feminine and romantic color. There are many variations of pink ranging from very light (baby pink) to very dark (fuchsia).
Pink is often associated with sweetness, playfulness, and warmth. It is used to convey happiness, affection, nurturing, and kindness. Pink has links to childhood, femininity, and self-love. It is commonly used in products marketed towards women and girls.
Mixing Dark Purple and Pink
When dark purple and pink are mixed together, they create a soft, cool tone. The resulting color takes on some richness from the purple and some sweetness from the pink. This makes for a versatile color that can work in many contexts.
There are a few potential shades that can result from mixing a dark purple with pink:
- Dark orchid pink – A rich, jewel-toned pink with purple undertones
- Mauve – A soft, muted purple-pink
- Mulberry – A red-based purple with pink undertones
- Thulian pink – A medium dusty purple-pink
The specific shade will depend on the starting shades of purple and pink and the proportions they are mixed in. Using more pink will result in a lighter, brighter tone. Using more purple will create a darker, moodier color.
Dark Orchid Pink
Dark orchid pink is one potential result of mixing dark purple and pink. It sits between purple and fuchsia on the color wheel. This rich, saturated color combines the depth of purple with the feminine touch of pink.
Dark orchid pink works well in small doses. It has an energizing, bold quality. It can be combined with neutrals like white, black, and gray for balance. Dark orchid pink makes a statement in fashion, makeup, floral arrangements, and interior decorating.
Mauve
Mauve is a soft, elegant purple-pink that comes from adding a larger amount of pink to the purple mixture. Named after the purple-blossomed mallow flower, mauve has a dusty, muted tone.
As a blend of purple and pink, mauve takes on romantic and nostalgic feminine qualities. Its muted tone gives it a vintage feel. Mauve works well in vintage, cottagecore, or boho aesthetics. It provides a softer alternative to bold purple or bright pink.
Mulberry
Mulberry is a reddish-purple that can occur when mixing deep purple with a rose pink shade. It is richer and warmer than mauve. The name comes from the fruit of the mulberry tree.
Mulberry has an earthy, classic feeling. It mixes traditional purple hues with romantic pinks. Mulberry works well in fall color palettes, pairing nicely with browns, oranges, reds, and neutrals. It provides depth and interest to autumnal decor.
Thulian Pink
Thulian pink describes a medium dusty purple-pink tone. It has more purple than a mauve but is lighter than a mulberry. The name comes from Lake Thun in Switzerland.
Thulian pink strikes a balance between the depth of purple and lightness of pink. It has a soft, feminine, romantic feeling while maintaining enough richness to avoid feeling too sugary sweet. Thulian pink provides an alternative to classic pink in women’s fashion and decor.
How Lighting Affects the Color
The perceived color that results from mixing dark purple and pink can shift depending on the lighting and surrounding colors. Different lighting can pull out the pink or purple tones:
| Lighting | Effect on Color |
|---|---|
| Natural daylight | Brings out purple tones |
| Warm incandescent bulbs | Emphasizes pink tones |
| LED lights | Makes the color more vivid and saturated |
| Candlelight | Mutes the color slightly |
The color also shifts based on the surrounding colors through simultaneous contrast. Placing the mixed color against light neutrals will make it appear darker and richer. Putting it against dark neutrals will give it a lighter, pinker look.
Uses and Applications
There are many potential uses for a color mixing dark purple and pink, thanks to its versatility. Here are some ways it can be utilized creatively:
- Fashion – Works for romantic and vintage styles in women’s clothing, accessories, and makeup
- Florals – Provides an alternative to traditional pink or purple in floral arrangements
- Events – For weddings, baby showers, bridal showers in décor
- Interior design – Adds a soft, feminine touch to bedrooms, living rooms, and nurseries
- Art – Useful for painting dreamy, feminine subject matter in watercolor, acrylics, or oils
- Photography – Creates soft, romantic mood for portraits, engagement sessions, or couple’s photos
The depth from the purple paired with the soft romantic feeling of the pink makes this blended color very versatile for creative applications.
Psychology and Symbolism
Looking at the symbolism and psychology behind dark purple and pink gives insight into how they work together:
- Dark purple – associated with luxury, power, creativity, spirituality, mystery
- Pink – represents romance, affection, playfulness, femininity, self-love
Blended together, these two colors take on new meaning related to their combined qualities. Some symbolic meanings that can emerge include:
- Romantic mystique
- Powerful yet delicate
- Creative expression of femininity
- Deep emotional connections
Psychologically, this color can conjure up feelings of love, vulnerability, imagination, and nostalgia. It taps into deep desires for beauty, relationships, and meaningful self-expression.
