Lavender and lilac are both light purple shades that look quite similar to the naked eye. However, there are some key differences between these two popular colors that are worth noting. This article will examine the origins, meanings, hexadecimal codes, and other attributes of lavender and lilac in order to highlight how they differ from one another. Understanding the nuances between these two shades can be helpful for interior designers, artists, web developers, and anyone else who works with color on a regular basis.
Origins and History
Lavender
Lavender’s name comes from the flowering herb that produces the same pale purple color. Lavender plants have been used for centuries for their healing properties, pleasant scent, and ability to produce a light violet dye. In the Victorian era, the color lavender symbolized femininity, grace, and elegance. Women would often wear lavender dresses and accessories. The soft, sweet smell of lavender also made it a popular ingredient in soaps, perfumes, sachets, and cosmetics.
Lilac
Like lavender, lilac gets its name from the lilac flowering shrub that produces pale purple flowers in the spring. Native to Eastern Europe and Asia, these fragrant blooms have been admired for centuries. In the Victorian era, lilac symbolized youthful innocence and love. Young girls would often wear the color lilac in the ribbons and flowers. Lilac is also the official birth flower for May, adding to its associations with springtime and new beginnings.
So while lavender and lilac both originated as purple floral colors, they developed slightly different cultural meanings over time. Lavender was associated with femininity and grace, while lilac symbolized youth and love.
Meanings and Symbolism
Lavender
In color psychology, lavender represents calmness, tranquility, and relaxation. Its soothing pale purple tone is known to lower stress levels and heart rate. That’s why lavender is so popular in spa settings. The color also symbolizes spirituality, intuition, and inner strength. Lavender encourages introspection and self-improvement. At the same time, it provides a sense of peace and stability.
Lilac
The color lilac also represents tranquil qualities like femininity, innocence, and youth. However, lilac has some additional meanings that distinguish it from lavender. Lilac symbolizes the first emotions of love – perfect for springtime romances. It also represents creativity and new life experiences. There’s a whimsical, magical quality to lilac that inspires the imagination. Compared to lavender, lilac feels more playful, energetic, and childlike.
So in summary, lavender represents relaxation and inner wisdom, while lilac symbolizes love, creativity, and youth.
Hexadecimal Codes
Hexadecimal codes are used to represent colors digitally across websites, apps, software, and other electronic interfaces. The codes allow colors to be recreated precisely on any digital display. Here are the main hexadecimal codes for lavender and lilac:
Lavender Hex Codes
– #B57EDC – Light lavender
– #E6E6FA – Lavender blush
– #CCCCFF – Pale lavender
– #967BB6 – Medium lavender
– #7B5D9F – Dark lavender
– #403D52 – Lavender indigo
Lilac Hex Codes
– #C8A2C8 – Light lilac
– #E6E6FA – Lilac blush
– #DDD6FE – Pale lilac
– #C6B9CE – Medium lilac
– #9B97B6 – Dark lilac
– #7E587E – Red lilac
As you can see, lavender hex codes use more blue undertones, while lilac codes use more red and pink undertones. This gives lilac a slightly warmer, more playful look compared to the cooler, calmer lavender. The codes help illustrate the subtle variations between the two shades.
Paint Colors
When shopping for paints and coatings, you’ll find both lavender and lilac featured prominently among shades of light purple. Here are some examples of lavender and lilac paint colors:
Lavender Paint Colors
– Behr – Irish Mist
– Benjamin Moore – Wisteria Blue
– Sherwin Williams – Rainwashed
-Valspar – Blissful Moment
Lilac Paint Colors
– Behr – Spring Romance
– Benjamin Moore – Victorian Lilac
– Sherwin Williams – Lilac Cupcakes
– Valspar – Turkish Lilac
Paint companies carefully choose descriptive, evocative names for their lavender and lilac offerings. Words like ‘blissful’, ‘wisteria’, and ‘cupcakes’ capture the soft, feminine essence of these two colors.
| Brand | Lavender Color Name | Lilac Color Name |
|---|---|---|
| Behr | Irish Mist | Spring Romance |
| Benjamin Moore | Wisteria Blue | Victorian Lilac |
| Sherwin Williams | Rainwashed | Lilac Cupcakes |
| Valspar | Blissful Moment | Turkish Lilac |
How to Tell the Difference
Now that we’ve compared lavender and lilac side-by-side, let’s summarize some of the key differences:
Lavender
– Cooler, blueish undertones
– Associated with relaxation and spirituality
– Hex codes use more blue/indigo
– Paint colors have names like ‘rainwashed’ and ‘mist’
Lilac
– Warmer, pinkish undertones
– Associated with romance and creativity
– Hex codes use more red/pink
– Paint colors have names like ‘romance’ and ‘cupcakes’
The biggest difference comes down to temperature – lavender is cooler while lilac is warmer. Lavender’s calm blue undertones distinguish it from the energetic pink ones in lilac.
You can also look for small variations in hex codes and descriptive color names. While it can be hard to distinguish lavender from lilac at a quick glance, a closer examination reveals a subtle but significant contrast between these two popular purple tones.
Usage in Design and Decor
So when should you opt for lavender vs. lilac in your own designs and decor? Here are some recommendations:
Lavender Works Best:
– In bedrooms – promotes relaxation and sleep
– In spas – enhances the tranquil atmosphere
– Paired with grey and blue
– With natural elements like stone or wood
– In workplace environments – reduces stress
– For embroidery or lace – traditional feminine look
Lilac Works Best:
– In children’s spaces – whimsical and energetic
– In feminine living spaces – romantic and soft
– Paired with pink, peach, and cream
– With floral motifs and prints
– In boho or cottage decor
– For weddings and special events
Lavender will create a cooler, calmer ambiance with its blue undertones, while lilac introduces a sense of energy and romance with its pinkish hue. Use this as a guide when picking between lavender vs. lilac for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Lavender and lilac have a close relationship as light purple tones, but they have some defining contrasts when examined more closely. While lavender promotes relaxation with its blueish undertones, lilac energizes with its pinkish ones. Lilac also has a warmer, springier association with new love and imagination. So consider the mood you want to create when choosing lavender or lilac paint, designs, or decor elements. Understanding the nuances between these two delicate shades will help you use color more effectively.
