Pink and purple are two colors that just seem to go together. They are commonly paired in fashion, interior design, art and more. But why exactly do these two shades complement each other so well? There are a few key reasons.
Complementary Colors
Pink and purple are complementary colors on the color wheel. This means they are directly opposite each other. Complementary colors create a strong visual contrast, which allows them to stand out when placed side by side.
The pink family falls in the red-violet range of the color spectrum. The purple family falls in the blue-violet range. Bringing a red-based and blue-based color together results in a vibrant, eye-catching combination.
Similar Hue
While pink and purple sit on opposite sides of the color wheel, they are still close in hue. Both contain amounts of red and blue tones. This keeps them from clashing. Too much contrast between colors can be jarring. But pink and purple have just enough difference to be striking yet harmonious.
Shared Qualities
Beyond hue, pink and purple also share other color qualities:
- They are both considered cool colors, meaning they have more blue tones than warm yellows or oranges.
- They are both considered more feminine colors in culture.
- They both can convey similar moods like romance, nostalgia, and whimsy.
- They are somewhat soft, light and muted tones.
These shared characteristics help pink and purple blend seamlessly no matter how they are combined.
Use in Fashion
One of the most common ways we see pink and purple paired is in fashion. The colors work beautifully together in women’s clothing and accessories.
| Fashion Item | Pink and Purple Combination |
|---|---|
| Dresses | A purple dress with pink accents or vice versa |
| Tops | A pink blouse with a purple skirt or vice versa |
| Makeup | Pink lipstick, eye shadow or blush with a purple smoky eye |
| Jewelry | A pink gemstone necklace with purple earrings |
| Shoes | Pink heels with purple bows or embellishments |
| Bags | A purple handbag with pink handles or straps |
Fashion designers often incorporate these color combinations into their collections. The pink and purple pairing has a soft, feminine vibe that appeals to many women.
Use in Home Decor
Pink and purple are also ubiquitous in home decor and interior design. They can be mixed and matched in endless ways to style bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and more.
| Home Item | Pink and Purple Combination |
|---|---|
| Walls | Paint one wall pink and another purple |
| Furniture | A pink couch with purple pillows or vice versa |
| Rugs | A purple shag rug in a pink room |
| Art | Pink and purple abstract prints or purple frames around pink prints |
| Flowers | Pink peonies and purple tulips in a vase |
| Table Settings | Pink napkins, placemats and dishes on a purple tablecloth |
Interior designers lean on the pink and purple scheme to create soft, inviting spaces with a touch of color and vibrancy. The palette works great in children’s rooms, bedrooms, living rooms and more.
Use in Weddings
Pink and purple are extremely popular wedding colors. Brides choose the combination for invitations, bridesmaid dresses, floral arrangements and wedding cakes. The pretty pairing conveys romance and whimsy perfect for a wedding celebration.
Some examples of pink and purple weddings include:
– Pink and purple bouquets
– Pink bridesmaid dresses with purple accents
– Purple table linens with pink napkins
– Pink wedding cake with purple flowers
– Pink and purple centerpieces
– Purple uplighting at pink reception
– Pink invitations with purple text
The colors give weddings an air of femininity, sweetness and elegance that many brides love. And pink and purple flowers are available year round, which is a bonus!
Psychology of Pink and Purple
There may also be psychological reasons we are drawn to pairing pink and purple. Here is some of the color psychology behind these hues:
Pink
– Represents romance, love, kindness
– Provides a sense of calm
– Associated with feminine energy
– Evokes sweetness, innocence
Purple
– Represents luxury, creativity, wisdom
– Provides a sense of spirituality
– Associated with feminine and masculine energy
– Evokes nostalgia, imagination, mystery
Pink and purple perfectly balance each other. Pink softens and tones down the deeper, sometimes “heavier” purple. And purple adds depth and intrigue to pretty, sugary pink.
We are probably instinctively attracted to these color qualities. Pink and purple resonate with us on an emotional level. They represent beauty, romance and creativity.
Mixing Pink and Purple
Now that you know why pink and purple complement each other, how do you actually go about combining them? Here are some tips:
- Choose tones of similar intensity. A very pale pink and deep royal purple may clash. Opt for shades closer in saturation.
- Use one color as the dominant and the other as an accent. Let one take center stage while the other plays a supporting role.
- Try different ratios. Use more pink than purple or vice versa depending on the look you want.
- Add a neutral third color like white, gray or tan to soften the combination.
- Pair cool-toned pinks with cool purples and vice versa for warm shades.
- Combine matte and shine finishes for extra dimension.
With an endless number of pink and purple possibilities, feel free to get creative and have fun with different shades and textures!
Conclusion
Pink and purple truly are a match made in color wheel heaven. These two hues complement each other beautifully thanks to their complementary status, similar undertones, shared color qualities and aesthetic appeal. Fashion designers, interior decorators and brides have all tapped into the magic of this color pairing. With the right approach, you can use pink and purple together to craft gorgeous palettes that pop.
