Periwinkle is a light purple-blue color that sits between violet and blue on the color wheel. To understand where periwinkle falls, it helps to first look at how the color wheel is structured.
The Basics of the Color Wheel
The color wheel is a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. The most common color wheel uses red, yellow, and blue as the primary colors. When two primary colors are mixed together, they make secondary colors – green, orange, and violet. Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and secondary color. For example, red (primary) mixed with violet (secondary) makes red-violet.
The color wheel can be divided into warm and cool colors. Warm colors are vivid and energetic, including red, orange, and yellow. Cool colors give a calming effect and include green, blue, and purple.
Colors that are next to each other on the wheel are called analogous colors. They create harmonious combinations. Colors directly opposite each other are complementary colors, which create a high amount of contrast.
Where Periwinkle Lands on the Wheel
Periwinkle falls between violet and blue on the color wheel. Violet is a secondary color made from mixing red and blue. Blue is a primary color. This means periwinkle is a tertiary color made from mixing a primary and secondary color – red, blue, and violet.
Specifically, periwinkle is a mix of about two parts blue to one part violet. It takes more blue than violet to produce the light purplish-blue shade of periwinkle.
Since violet is a cool color and blue is a cool color, periwinkle is also categorized as a cool color. It has a calm, soothing effect.
Periwinkle Compared to Violet and Blue
Here is how periwinkle visually compares to violet and blue:
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Code | Color Swatch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periwinkle | #CCCCFF | R: 204, G: 204, B: 255 | |
| Violet | #8F00FF | R: 143, G: 0, B: 255 | |
| Blue | #0000FF | R: 0, G: 0, B: 255 |
As shown, periwinkle has more red and green than pure violet, giving it that soft blue tone. Compared to blue, periwinkle has higher amounts of red and green, making it lighter and less saturated.
The hex codes provide another way to see the color components. Periwinkle has similar amounts of red and green to go along with its higher blue. Violet has a strong blue component with no green. Blue is all blue.
Where Periwinkle Sits Next to Other Tertiary Colors
Zooming out, periwinkle fits between the tertiary colors red-violet and blue-violet:
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Code | Color Swatch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red-Violet | #C71585 | R: 199, G: 21, B: 133 | |
| Periwinkle | #CCCCFF | R: 204, G: 204, B: 255 | |
| Blue-Violet | #8A2BE2 | R: 138, G: 43, B: 226 |
Red-violet has more red than Periwinkle. Blue-violet contains more blue. Periwinkle is the perfect middle ground between the two.
On the full color wheel, periwinkle sits between the tertiary colors red-violet and blue-violet:
|
|
| Red-Violet | Periwinkle |
| Blue-Violet | |
As shown on the color wheel, periwinkle is positioned nicely between its two neighboring tertiary colors.
Periwinkle’s Uses and Symbolic Meanings
Knowing where periwinkle falls on the color wheel helps inform how it can be used:
– **Decorating** – Periwinkle works beautifully in interior design. It has a soft, elegant effect that provides a breath of fresh air. Periwinkle is commonly found in bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. It evokes tranquility.
– **Fashion** – Periwinkle flatters many skin tones. It is a standard color for spring and can be dressed up or down. Periwinkle pumps or a periwinkle dress shirt have versatile style.
– **Branding** – Companies use periwinkle to promote relaxation, wisdom, and creativity. It calms the mind and can increase productivity. Periwinkle is friendly yet thoughtful.
– **Meaning** – Blue means trust and loyalty. Violet represents spirituality and imagination. Periwinkle combines these traits – it symbolizes blossoming friendships, intuitive creativity, and quiet wisdom.
Light and Dark Variations of Periwinkle
Periwinkle has lighter and darker shades. A lighter periwinkle has more white added to the blue-violet mix. This gives an ice blue color. Dark periwinkle contains more violet and blue, creating an indigo shade.
| Variations | Hex Code | RGB Code | Color Swatch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Periwinkle | #C5D0E6 | R: 197, G: 208, B: 230 | |
| Periwinkle | #CCCCFF | R: 204, G: 204, B: 255 | |
| Dark Periwinkle | #545ACF | R: 84, G: 90, B: 207 |
Light periwinkle has more white for an airy effect, while dark periwinkle is deeper and more intense. Regular periwinkle strikes the ideal balance between light and dark.
Conclusion
Periwinkle resides between violet and blue on the color wheel. Specifically, it falls between the tertiary colors red-violet and blue-violet. Periwinkle beautifully mixes the traits of its parent colors – blue’s loyalty and violet’s spirituality – to reflect wisdom and imagination. Whether in decor, fashion, or branding, periwinkle promotes tranquility. Finding its home on the soothing side of the color wheel informs the feeling and symbolism behind this delicate hue.
