Lavender is a light purple shade that can pair beautifully with a variety of colors. The key to choosing the right colors to go with lavender is understanding the undertones and mood lavender evokes. Cool lavender works well with other cool tones like blues and grays, while warmer lavenders complement peach, pink and yellow. Lavender also has a soft, feminine vibe which pairs nicely with other pastels. With so many options, what are the best color combinations to make lavender pop?
Cool Color Pairings
Lavender contains hints of blue which give it a cool undertone. Playing up the cool tones brings out lavender’s vibrancy and creates tranquil, relaxing color schemes. Some top cool color pairings include:
- Lavender and blue
- Lavender and gray
- Lavender and light green
- Lavender and white
Blue is an obvious color match as it shares lavender’s cool undertones. Any shade of blue from navy to sky blue to indigo beautifully complements lavender. Darker blues create bold contrast while light blues are soft and serene. Gray and light green also have cool undertones that work well with lavender. Crisp white makes lavender pop and keeps the look clean and airy.
Warm Color Pairings
While classic lavender leans cool, warmer shades like mauve and lilac contain hints of red or pink. Bringing out those warmer undertones with peaches, pinks or yellows creates bright, lively color combinations. Some examples include:
- Lavender and peach
- Lavender and yellow
- Lavender and pink
- Lavender and cream
Peach provides a punchy contrast to lavender while still remaining soft. Buttery yellows also intensify lavender’s warmth. Pairing lavender with similar pink undertones is foolproof. Cream provides enough contrast for definition while still harmonizing as a warm neutral.
Pastel Color Pairings
In addition to its cool and warm properties, lavender also has a distinctly feminine, delicate feel. Playing up this softness with other pastels creates dreamy, romantic color palettes. Pretty pastel pairings include:
- Lavender and mint
- Lavender and lilac
- Lavender and blush
- Lavender and seafoam
Mint green and lilac purple have just enough contrast with lavender while remaining in the pastel family. Hints of blush pink and seafoam green also integrate seamlessly into the ethereal pastel aesthetic.
Metallic Color Pairings
For a glam effect, pairing lavender with metallics adds shimmer and shine. Metallic pairs well with lavender include:
- Lavender and gold
- Lavender and silver
- Lavender and copper
- Lavender and bronze
Gold has an elegant effect, especially when the lavender trends warm. Cool-toned silver makes lavender pop while warm coppers and bronzes intensify lavender’s sophistication. Keep metallics minimal against lavender which can look overpowering.
Neutral Color Pairings
For a more subtle effect, pair lavender with neutral colors like:
- Lavender and tan
- Lavender and taupe
- Lavender and beige
- Lavender and gray
Light tans, taupes and beiges allow lavender to stand out while creating a soothing, natural palette. Charcoal grays make lavender the focal point and add modern edge. Keep lavender the star and use neutrals sparingly as accents.
Best Color Combinations with Lavender
With limitless options, how do you narrow down the best color combinations with lavender? Focusing on these top pairs will help lavender look its best:
- Lavender and light blue – Serene and calming, this light combo is perfect for bedrooms or spas.
- Lavender and dark blue – Sophisticated and dramatic, great for bold interiors.
- Lavender and gray – Cool and modern, works in contemporary spaces.
- Lavender and peach – Feminine and fresh, perfect for spring.
- Lavender and yellow – Cheery and bright, makes lavender pop.
- Lavender and pink – Sweet and romantic, for nurseries or shabby chic decor.
- Lavender and mint – Soothing pastel harmony, relaxing for bedrooms.
- Lavender and gold – Timeless and elegant, gives lavender luxury feel.
- Lavender and tan – Subtle natural beauty, great as a neutral base.
- Lavender and charcoal – Bold modern contrast, for sleek contemporary spaces.
When using these color pairs, stick to the 60-30-10 rule for proper proportions. Use lavender as the dominant color (60%), the paired color as the accent (30%), and a neutral like white as the base (10%). This creates balanced, harmonious lavender color schemes. With a huge range of options, you’re sure to find the perfect colors to make lavender shine.
Using Color Theory to Choose Colors for Lavender
Beyond visual appeal, color theory provides guidance on choosing colors that work well together. Here are some color theory principles to use when selecting colors to pair with lavender:
- Analogous colors – Colors located right next to each other on the color wheel, like lavender with lilac or periwinkle. Analogous colors create harmonious, soothing combinations.
- Complementary colors – Colors located opposite each other on the wheel, like lavender and yellow-green. Complements create high contrast and vibrancy.
- Split complements – A color plus the two colors adjacent to its complement, like lavender, yellow-green and red-violet. This provides contrast but is less jarring than true complements.
- Triadic colors – Three colors equally spaced around the color wheel, like lavender, chartreuse and vermilion. Triads are bold and vibrant.
- Tetradic colors – Four colors forming a rectangle on the color wheel, like lavender, lime green, tomato red, and azure. Tetrads provide maximum contrast.
Using these color relationships ensures colors naturally look good together with lavender. You can also check if colors fit into the same color family, like pairing lavender with other mellow pastels. Additionally, pay attention to undertones. Combining cool lavenders with other cool colors like blues and grays brings unity. With so many options, trust your eye and explore different color combinations with lavender.
Lavender Color Palettes for Design Inspiration
Seeing lavender color palettes in action helps spark inspiration. Here are some examples of lavender color schemes for various design aesthetics:
Pretty Pastels
– Lavender
– Mint green
– Pale pink
– Buttercream
Pastel color schemes with lavender, mint, pink and buttery yellow have a delicate, spring-like femininity perfect for Easter decor, baby showers, or boutique branding.
Elegant Contrast
– Lavender
– Navy blue
– Silver
– White
Combining lavender with rich navy blue, glimmering silver, and clean white creates a bold, sophisticated look. Tailored and dramatic for formal dining rooms, weddings, or couture fashion.
Warm and Inviting
– Lavender
– Peach
– Butter yellow
– Ivory
With warm peaches, sunny yellows, and creamy ivory, this lavender palette has a welcoming farmhouse or cottage feel. Perfect for kitchens, bedrooms, or craft projects.
Cool and Modern
– Lavender
– Light blue
– Gray
– White
Crisp, cool hues like light blue-gray, white, and lavender create sleek modern interiors full of airy potential. Ideal for living rooms, offices, or urban lofts.
Use these color formulas as a jumping off point, and have fun developing your own stunning lavender color schemes.
Psychology of Colors Paired with Lavender
Color psychology sheds light on how different hues impact moods and feelings. Here is the psychological impact of popular colors paired with lavender:
Lavender and Blue
– Lavender evokes: grace, elegance, nostalgia, femininity
– Blue evokes: tranquility, wisdom, loyalty, confidence
Together they create a soothing, introspective state of mind perfect for bedroom retreats or spa-like spaces. The classic color combination also expresses trust and sincerity.
Lavender and Gray
– Lavender evokes: grace, elegance, nostalgia, femininity
– Gray evokes: practicality, sophistication, sleekness
This color pairing stimulates the mind while remaining grounded. It sends a message of dependability and timelessness, ideal for offices, dining rooms and formal wear.
Lavender and Yellow
– Lavender evokes: grace, elegance, nostalgia, femininity
– Yellow evokes: happiness, optimism, clarity, energy
Together these colors create an uplifting, lively effect perfect for playrooms, workspaces or highlighting important elements. The pairing expresses creativity, originality and new beginnings.
Lavender and Pink
– Lavender evokes: grace, elegance, nostalgia, femininity
– Pink evokes: love, sweetness, warmth, romance
Combining the inherent femininity of lavender and pink results in a tender, loving aura. Ideal for nurseries, girls’ rooms, or to create welcoming hospitality anywhere. This color pairing conveys gentle affection.
Keep these psychological influences in mind as you choose lavender color combinations for different needs.
Home Decorating with Lavender Color Schemes
Lavender color combinations can transform every room in your home. Here are inspiring ways to decorate with lavender for a beautiful, welcoming space:
Living Room
Create a relaxing sanctuary with lavender, sage green and cream furnishings. Upholster armchairs in lavender velvet, and use lavender and green patterned pillows on a neutral sofa. Creamy walls and floor rug keep the space airy. Lavender candles, flowers and throw blankets enhance the soothing ambiance.
Kitchen
Infuse cheer into the heart of your home with sunny yellow and lavender kitchen accents. Paint upper cabinets a fresh lavender shade, and use yellow for the lower cabinets and kitchen island. Display lavender and yellow ceramic pieces for a handcrafted feel. Yellow windowsills showcase the colors.
Bedroom
Set a romantic mood in the bedroom with lavender and blush pink. Paint the walls or use wallpaper with patterns in these pretty hues. Choose a lavender duvet, with pink and white accent pillows. Mirrored furniture and silver lamps add glam contrast. Lavender candles scent the space.
Bathroom
Unwind in a spa-like lavender and aqua bathroom. Paint the walls aqua, and use a lavender shower curtain. Fold aqua towels and place lavender hand towels atop them. Use a roman blind in lavender stripes. Aqua bottles and lavender candles finish the relaxing vibe.
Let your imagination run free when decorating with lavender color themes. The possibilities are endless!
Fashion and Clothing in Lavender Hues
Delicate lavender is a staple shade for feminine fashion. From pretty pastels to bold evening glamour, lavender dresses well. Here are stylish ways to incorporate this trendy hue into your wardrobe:
Casual Lavender Outfits
– Lavender t-shirt with medium blue jeans and white sneakers
– Pale lavender sweater with black leggings and boots
– Vibrant lavender dress with denim jacket and tan booties
For casual looks, pair soft or bright lavender tops with denim, natural tones and classic accessories. The color pops against neutrals.
Office-Ready Lavender Outfits
– A-line lavender dress with black blazer and black heels
– Lavender blouse with gray trousers and silver jewelry
– Belted lavender midi dress with nude pumps
In corporate settings, temper lavender with sharper neutrals like black, gray and tan. Silver and nude accents keep looks polished and professional.
Formal Lavender Outfits
– Strapless lavender ballgown with diamond jewelry
– Cap-sleeve lavender cocktail dress with gold heels
– Lavender suit with black camisole and stilettos
Make a glamorous entrance in lavender evening wear. Metallic shoes and accessories complement lavender’s elegance for formal events.
From streetwear to work looks, embrace chic lavender style.
Conclusion
With its feminine hue and versatile range, lavender complements any color palette. Cool blues bring out lavender’s tranquility, while bold yellows and peaches intensify its cheer. Soft pastels create dreamy combinations, and metallics add modern edge. Whether you prefer low-key neutrals or high-impact brights, there are endless options to make lavender shine. Use color theory and psychological influence to make informed choices, and decorate lavender rooms with confidence. From fashion to home furnishings, this graceful shade pairs beautifully with anything. So go ahead – find colors that you love, and make lavender the stunning standout it deserves to be.
