Reddish purple is a color that combines the tones of red and purple. It sits between the two on the color wheel, bringing vibrancy, richness, and depth to designs. But what exactly causes this eye-catching shade? In this article, we’ll break down the science, psychology, and uses of reddish purple.
The Color Wheel
To understand reddish purple, we first need to look at the color wheel. This circulating spectrum helps visualize how colors relate to each other. Red and purple sit on opposite sides of the wheel. Red is a warm, high-energy hue, while purple is cool and calming. When you mix red and purple, they neutralize each other’s temperature associations. The result is a color that’s vivid yet soothing.
| Color | Temperature | Associations |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Warm | Energy, passion, danger |
| Purple | Cool | Royalty, spirituality, mystery |
| Reddish purple | Neutral | Vibrancy, richness, depth |
When red and purple blend, they neutralize each other’s temperature associations. This gives reddish purple a bold, lively personality that isn’t overly warm or cool.
The Science of Reddish Purple
From a scientific perspective, reddish purple is made by combining wavelengths of red and blue light. The specific proportion determines the shade. Here’s a closer look at the color science:
– Red has the longest visible wavelengths, around 700 nanometers. It sits at the end of the ROYGBIV color spectrum.
– Purple has shorter wavelengths of around 400-450 nanometers. This bluer tone activates the cone cells in our eyes that detect these colors.
– When you mix wavelengths of red and blue light, the result is reddish purple. The more red dominates, the warmer and more vibrant the shade. The more blue dominates, the cooler and softer it becomes.
– Monitor displays and computer screens create reddish purple by lighting up sub-pixels of red and blue. The strength of each one controls the tone.
– Painters can mix red and blue pigments like carmine and ultramarine to produce rich reddish purples. Varying the proportions shifts the balance.
So in technical terms, reddish purple occurs when wavelengths of red and blue light blend together. The interplay of these two primary colors produces the captivating color we know.
Psychology of Reddish Purple
Like all colors, reddish purple can influence our moods and emotions. Here’s an overview of its psychological effects:
| Shade | Psychology |
|---|---|
| Warmer, red-dominant purples | Exciting, energetic, intense |
| Cooler, blue-dominant purples | Soothing, spiritual, contemplative |
| Balanced reddish purples | Mysterious, creative, imaginative |
In color psychology:
– Warmer reddish purples with more red are lively and stimulating. They grab attention while also feeling luxurious.
– Cooler purple tones are calming and open the mind. Too much blue can seem cold or aloof, though.
– Balanced reddish purples strike an intriguing middle ground. They spark creativity with their richness and depth.
So the unique personality of reddish purple makes it both energetic and soothing. It’s a versatile “passionate but wise” color.
Uses of Reddish Purple
Now let’s explore some popular uses of reddish purple:
Fashion
In clothing, reddish purple adds flair and originality. It complements most skin tones while making a bold statement. Designers often use it for accents like piping or buttonholes. Reddish purple also suits rich fabrics like velvet, satin, and brocade.
Interiors
For homes, this color scheme creates an elegant, moody vibe. Deep reddish purples pair well with metallics and blacks. Lighter tones suit bohemian decor when combined with pale woods. Overall, this rich color commands attention while remaining livable.
Food
From berries to wine, many reddish purple foods occur naturally. This shade is also popular in store branding. It pops on packaging while suggesting flavored, premium products. Cadbury chocolate and Welch’s grape jelly have used it to stand out.
Makeup
In cosmetics, reddish purple makes a striking accent color. Pairing it with nudes or neutrals creates an eye-catching beauty look. This color also flatters brown and green eyes. On lips and nails, it conveys both glamour and edge.
Logos
For branding, reddish purple grabs attention without overwhelming. It offers more flair than blue but more polish than red. Twitch, Houzz, and the National Geographic Kids magazine have all utilized this color.
So from runway fashion to exciting makeup looks, reddish purple makes a gorgeous, evocative accent. It brings richness and depth across industries.
Famous Shades of Reddish Purple
Many specific reddish purples have become famous. Here are some standout examples:
| Shade Name | Hex Code | Fun Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Royal purple | #7851A9 | Historically associated with royalty and nobility |
| Tyrian purple | #66023C | Rare ancient dye made from sea snails |
| Magenta | #FF00FF | Named after 1859 Battle of Magenta |
| Byzantium | #702963 | Developed for Byzantine Empire’s royal robes |
| Mulberry | #C54B8C | Named after the berry fruit |
Some key notes:
– Royal purple has regal connotations dating back to ancient times. It symbolized prestige.
– Tyrian purple was an elite color from rare snail glands. It took huge effort to produce small amounts.
– Vibrant magenta is electric and eye-catching. It was named for a bloody 1859 battle.
– Byzantium comes from Byzantine art. It has a rich, jewel-toned appearance.
– Mulberry resembles the dark reddish purple fruit. It looks lush and organic.
These specific shades give reddish purple its depth of meaning and personality.
How to Make Reddish Purple
Want to use this versatile color yourself? Here are some easy ways to make reddish purple:
Mixing paint
– Start with a red paint like crimson or vermillion
– Add a small amount of blue paint like ultramarine
– Adjust ratios to control warmth vs coolness
– Play with different reds and blues for new shades
Computer screens
– Use RGB values like R: 128, G: 0, B: 128
– Increase red levels for warmer tones
– Increase blue for cooler, more purple hues
– Try R: 150, G: 0, B: 100 for a balanced tone
Dyeing fabric
– Use premixed dyes labeled “plum,” “wine,” or “eggplant”
– Mix some scarlet or magenta dye into blue or purple
– Stir thoroughly and test on swatches before dyeing
– Set the dyed fabric per product instructions
Food coloring
– Combine red and blue coloring gels or liquids
– Start with more red for warmth, adding blue as needed
– Use toothpicks to mix tiny amounts first
– Add to frostings, beverages, or batters to color them
With the right mix of red and blue, you can easily achieve this stylish secondary color.
Conclusion
Reddish purple is a rich, vibrant blend of red and blue tones. Sitting between these two primary colors, it combines their energy and calm for a unique color personality. Reddish purples offer style and flair across fashion, decor, food, and more. But they also retain enough depth and wisdom to feel timeless. So embrace this eye-catching shade to make a bold, creative statement.
