Purple is a color that has fascinated humans for centuries. In modern times, purple represents creativity, imagination, and innovation. There are many shades of purple, ranging from light lavenders to dark, rich purples. Neutral purple is a mid-tone purple that balances warm and cool undertones. The specific hex code for neutral purple provides valuable information for designers and developers looking to use this versatile color.
The Color Purple
The color purple has a rich history and cultural significance. In ancient times, purple was associated with royalty, spirituality, and mysticism. The dyes used to create purple fabrics were extremely rare and expensive, so only the wealthy and elite could afford to wear the color purple. The rarity and high cost of purple dyes led to purple becoming a status symbol of wealth, power, and prestige.
Purple was especially prized in ancient Rome. Roman magistrates wore togas with purple trim to signify their status and authority. The purple trimmed togas were called “togas picta” or “togas praetexta.” Roman emperors decreed that only they could wear solid purple clothing as a symbol of imperial power. The color purple became synonymous with the office of Emperor.
In Christianity, purple represents penitence and mourning. During Lent and Advent, priests wore purple vestments. Bishops still wear purple robes today. Purple is also associated with royalty in Christianity, since Jesus wore a purple robe before his crucifixion to mock his claim of kingship. In the Catholic Church today, cardinals wear purple vestments and hats as symbols of their authority.
Purple has many positive modern associations as well. It represents creativity, individuality, wisdom, dignity, spirituality, imagination, and magic. There are shades of purple to complement any mood or aesthetic.
Properties of Neutral Purple
Neutral purple is a rich mid-tone purple. As the name suggests, it has a balanced neutral presence. Neutral purple combines the warm red undertones and cool blue undertones of purple in equal measure. This makes it both soothing and rich without being too bright or overwhelming.
Neutral purple has an approximate wavelength of 380-450 nm. This wavelength range sits between violet and red on the visible spectrum of light. When all wavelengths of light are combined evenly, the resulting color is white. Neutral purple strikes a harmonious balance between the longer red wavelengths and shorter violet wavelengths.
Neutral purple has moderate saturation and brightness. Its medium chroma gives it a saturated look without being too bold or intense. The balanced lightness creates a rich color that isn’t dark or muddy. These attributes make neutral purple easy on the eyes while still having a noticeable presence.
Use Cases for Neutral Purple
The versatility of neutral purple makes it useful across many contexts. Here are some common use cases:
- Web design – Neutral purple works well for websites that want a splash of color without going overboard. It creates a soothing, creative feel.
- Logos – Companies positioning themselves as imaginative, artistic, or compassionate sometimes incorporate neutral purple into their logos.
- Packaging – Cosmetics, fragrances, and culinary products aimed at women often use shades of purple in their packaging and branding.
- Prints – Neutral purple can be paired with black or white for compelling yet balanced graphic prints.
- Events – For galas, conferences, or weddings with a creative, mystical, or spiritual theme, neutral purple makes an elegant color choice.
- Home decor – Painting an accent wall or adding pillows and throws in neutral purple is an easy way to add visual interest and color to a room.
- Fashion – Soft purple shades complement a wide range of skin tones and work year-round when incorporated into clothing, shoes, or accessories.
Neutral purple’s versatility comes from its perfectly balanced warm and cool undertones. This allows it to blend seamlessly into a wide range of color palettes and design aesthetics.
The Hex Code
In digital design applications like graphic design, web development, and programming, specific colors are defined using hex codes. Hex codes are six-digit codes preceded by a # sign, based on the hexadecimal color system. Each two-digit group defines the levels of red, green, and blue in an RGB color model.
By mixing different levels of red, green, and blue, the full spectrum of colors can be represented digitally. Hex codes allow designers and developers to call specific colors in a standardized, universal digital format.
The hex code that precisely defines the neutral purple color is:
#927BC0
Breaking this hex code down into its component parts:
| Color Value | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Red | 92 |
| Green | 7B |
| Blue | C0 |
Hex values range from 00 to FF, where 00 represents the lowest intensity of that color and FF the highest. This neutral purple is comprised of moderate red, very low green, and high blue values.
The resulting color has a rich, vibrant red-purple appearance. It is slightly warmer than a pure purple due to the boosted red undertones. However, the higher blue value gives it an overall balanced, neutral look.
Use in Design Systems
The hex code #927BC0 can be used to incorporate neutral purple into digital design systems and frameworks. Here are some examples:
- UI/UX design – Use neutral purple #927BC0 for headlines, buttons, or backgrounds to add creative flair.
- Graphic design – Include neutral purple in a swatch palette along with complementary colors for a magazine layout.
- Web design – Apply #927BC0 to links, banners, or other accents to liven up a website.
- Mobile design – Neutral purple makes a great background color for landing screens and viewing interfaces in mobile apps.
- App development – Reference #927BC0 in code to display neutral purple features, graphics, or themes in apps.
- Game design – Use neutral purple for environmental accents, power-ups, menus, and HUD elements.
Having the precise hex code makes integrating neutral purple into any digital design simple and straightforward. Designers can copy the hex value directly into their project files and digital tools.
Conclusion
Neutral purple is a versatile, balanced shade that evokes creativity and spirituality. With its equal mix of warm red and cool blue undertones, neutral purple complements a wide range of aesthetics and color palettes. The specific hex code #927BC0 provides the exact definition of this useful color for digital design applications.
By harnessing the unique attributes of neutral purple, designers can build visually engaging, emotionally resonant projects. Whether through a subtle accent or making it the dominant color, neutral purple conveys imagination, wisdom, and harmony. With its memorable hex code, this classic yet modern shade is readily accessible for any digital design system.
