Purple and green are considered complementary colors in color theory. This means they are opposite each other on the color wheel and create a strong visual contrast when placed next to each other. But why exactly do these two colors complement each other so well? There are a few key reasons.
The basics of color theory
To understand why purple and green complement each other, it helps to first look at some basic principles of color theory. The first is the concept of primary colors – red, blue and yellow. When you mix two primary colors, you get a secondary color. For example:
| Red + Blue | = | Purple |
| Blue + Yellow | = | Green |
| Red + Yellow | = | Orange |
So purple is made by mixing red and blue, while green is made by mixing blue and yellow. This is important because complementary colors are located directly across from each other on the color wheel. The color wheel arranges colors by their hue, starting with the primary colors.
Opposite sides of the color wheel
Since purple is a mix of red and blue, and green is a mix of blue and yellow, they are on opposite sides of the color wheel. Colors opposite each other have very different hues. Our eyes perceive them as strong visual contrasts when seen together. However, even though they contrast, complementary colors also bring out the best in each other. The green makes the purple look richer, and the purple makes the green look fresher.
| Color Wheel: |
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As you can see, purple and green are directly across from each other. This complementary positioning is key to their visual appeal.
Contrast of light and dark
Purple and green also complement each other because there is an inherent contrast of light and dark between the two colors. Green is a relatively light, bright color, especially shades like lime green or neon green. On the other hand, purple is inherently darker and richer, especially shades like indigo or eggplant.
When light green and dark purple are combined, there is an appealing interplay of light and dark. This contrast creates visual interest and vibrancy. The greens make the dark purples pop, while the purples give depth to the light greens.
Contrast of warm and cool
Additionally, purple and green are on opposite ends of the cool vs warm color spectrum. Purple is considered a cool color, bringing to mind things like plums or lavender. Green is considered a warm color, evoking things like lush grass or leafy jungles.
This warm/cool contrast is another dynamic that makes the two colors complement each other. The coolness of the purple balances out the warmth of the green. This creates a satisfying equilibrium for the eyes.
Harmonic wavelengths
On a technical level, purple and green complement each other because their light wavelengths harmonize. The peak wavelengths of green and purple light are actually multiple harmonics of each other.
Green light has a peak wavelength around 510-530 nanometers. Violet and purple light is around 380-450 nanometers. The wavelengths have a harmonic ratio of 2:3. These harmonious wavelengths are said to be pleasing to the eye when seen together.
Practical examples
The complementary power of purple and green is widely seen in nature, art, interior design and more:
- Many flowers and plants have purple and green color schemes, like jacaranda trees, pansies, hydrangeas and grape hyacinths.
- Impressionist painters like Monet often paired purple and green in their nature paintings.
- Interior designers frequently use accents of purple and green together to create vibrant, energetic spaces.
- On the color wheel, the purple-green combination produces a split complementary scheme that is very aesthetically appealing.
- Purple and green are a popular color combo for graphic design and branding.
The opposites attract appeal of purple and green can elevate any space. The green gives the purple a natural, refreshing quality, while the purple adds regal depth to the green. This winning partnership is why purple complements green so seamlessly.
Psychology of the purple and green color scheme
In color psychology, purple is associated with luxury, creativity and magic, while green represents renewal, nature and environmentalism. When used together, these color meanings produce some interesting effects.
For example, the sense of luxury and prestige from the purple contrasts nicely with the earthy simplicity of the green. This can create a look that is both elegant and natural.
Purple’s magical quality takes on an otherworldly, mystical feel when combined with the inherent peacefulness of green. Think dark forests with pops of violet flowers.
The mixture can also convey the creativity and innovation that comes with pursuing environmental causes and sustainability. Overall, purple and green used together blend luxury with nature, creativity with renewal, and magic with down-to-earth stability.
Feng shui and meaning
In feng shui and other Eastern color traditions, purple and green are considered an auspicious color combination.
Green relates to the wood element in feng shui, which promotes health, growth and vitality. Purple connects to the fire element, representing inspiration and vision. Together, the two balance these energies. Purple’s inspiration fuels green’s growth, while green’s vitality gives purple’s vision a stable foundation.
In Buddhism, purple and green represent spiritual wisdom and change respectively. When combined, they create an environment conducive to spiritual evolution and enlightenment.
No matter what the meaning, the complementary power of purple and green is universally recognized. This winning color combo will likely never go out of style.
Scientific explanations
The pleasing dynamic between purple and green can also be explained scientifically in terms of how human vision works. Here are some of the science-based reasons these colors complement each other:
- Purple contains shorter wavelengths of light that over-stimulate the eye’s cone receptors. This is balanced by green’s longer wavelengths.
- Green light stimulates both the medium-wavelength M cones and long-wavelength L cones in the eye. Purple stimulates the short-wavelength S cones that green does not activate.
- The rod cells in human eyes are most sensitive to green light. Purple contrasts strongly with this while not over-stimulating the rods.
- Green light elicits a stronger response in the visual cortex of the brain compared to purple. These differences in neural stimulation create balance.
In essence, purple and green optimally stimulate different parts of the eye and brain in complementary ways. This creates a harmonious viewing experience.
Digital color theory
On the web and digital interfaces, purple and green are appealing because they fit the RGB (red, green, blue) color model used on screens.
Green is one of the three RGB primary colors. Purple is a secondary color made by combining high values of blue light with high values of red light. This makes purple and green very compatible and displayable in the RGB color gamut.
In HTML and CSS, green and purple also have some convenient color codes:
- Green = #00FF00
- Purple = #800080
These hex codes make it simple to produce the purple and green pairing in digital formats. Their strong visual contrast shines through on both bright and dark background screens.
Cultural associations
As mentioned, purple and green have some deeply rooted cultural associations that contribute to their harmonizing effect. Here???s a closer look:
Green
- Associated with nature, health, renewal
- Represents life, freshness, fertility in many cultures
- Symbolizes growth, harmony, safety
- Connected to environmentalism and sustainability
- Represents prosperity and stability in Feng Shui
Purple
- Historically connected to royalty, prestige and ceremony
- Represents luxury, ambition, creativity
- Associated with magic, mystery and spirituality
- Represents wisdom, dignity, independence
- Connected to imagination and nostalgia
When you combine the two colors, you get an association with natural royalty, prosperous ceremonies, growth and spiritual luxury. This melding of symbolism creates a sophisticated and complex color pairing.
Logo design
The classic color combination makes purple and green a popular choice for modern logo design. Using the two colors allows brands to create logos that leverage the balance of green and purple for maximum visual effect.
For example, purple adds a sense of dynamism, inspiration and vision to the logo. Paired with green, this enthusiastic energy is grounded in growth, vitality and natural harmony.
This blended message communicates approachability and reliability, but with a creative twist. Purple and green logos are used in diverse industries like technology, sports, hospitality, retail, education, and healthcare.
Some famous logos featuring purple and green include Lifetime, Yahoo, Rockstar Games, Animal Planet, Baltimore Ravens, and University of Washington. The palette is flexible enough to represent many different brand identities.
Psychological effects
So we know technically why purple and green complement each other as colors. But this combination also produces some unique psychological effects in people who view it. Some of these include:
- Sense of tranquility – The balance of warm green and cool purple is very soothing and pleasant to the eyes.
- Feeling of growth – Green promotes feelings of renewal and organic development.
- Thought stimulation – Purple encourages imagination, creativity and vision.
- Inspiration – The pairing feels harmonious yet energetic, great for sparking ideas.
- Appetite stimulation – For reasons unknown, purple and green can make people feel hungry!
Many find the purple-green color palette deeply satisfying. The experience of viewing the two colors sparks biochemical responses that make this a universally pleasing combination for the brain.
Interior design
Due to its visually stimulating effects, purple and green are extremely popular together in interior design. This color scheme can be adapted to fit diverse decors and moods. Here are some ways to effectively use purple and green for interiors:
- Paint or accent walls green and use purple artwork, pillows, and accessories as pops of contrast.
- Upholster furniture in deep purple and use green rugs or plants to balance the space.
- Stain wooden furnishings green and accessorize with purple vases, curtains or decorative objects.
- Paint built-ins or cabinets green and display purple collectibles on top.
- For a bold look, paint large geometrical shapes on walls combining green and purple.
This color combo works great in living spaces, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms. The purple adds vibrancy anywhere while the green creates natural tranquility.
Fashion and beauty
In the fashion world, purple and green is a runway staple. For cosmetics and beauty, the palette pairs perfectly with most skin tones and lip colors. Some examples include:
- An emerald green dress with purple heels and accessories
- A purple skirt or blouse with green jacket or cardigan
- Green eye makeup with a bold purple lip
- Purple hair paired with green hair accessories
- A green dress with a purple clutch and jewelry
Makeup artists frequently use green and purple eyeshadow together for pops of color. For nail art, green nails with purple polka dots or tips looks very chic. Unusual color pairings like green mascara and purple eyeliner can also make a statement.
Overall, purple and green give you lots of options to get creative and show off your style. The combo allows you to blend striking and natural hues for fashion that pops.
Wedding inspiration
For weddings, purple and green is a beloved color scheme that infuses celebrations with natural charm. This palette works beautifully for spring and summer weddings. Here are some ideas:
- Bridesmaids dresses in purple and groomsmen ties/pocket squares in green
- Purple and green floral arrangements
- Green table runners with purple napkins
- Purple uplighting and green centerpieces
- A green cake with purple frosting accents
- Purple vow books and signage with green wreaths/garlands
The blend of green’s new beginnings symbolism and purple’s luxury makes this combination ideal for weddings. The colors complement food, decor and attire for a very well-rounded palette.
Coordinating colors
To expand the purple and green palette, you can incorporate coordinating colors that harmonize well:
- Blue – Blue works because it is part of both the purple and green color mixes.
- Yellow – Yellow triadic color schemes using purple, green and yellow are very vibrant.
- White – Crisp white acts as a brightening neutral.
- Silver/Gray – Silvery metallics add shimmer and sophistication.
- Black – Classic black paired with the colors gives bold contrast.
You could also potentially coordinate softer hues like mauve, sage green, lilac and seafoam for a more pastel variation.
Common color combinations
Some commonly seen purple and green color combinations include:
- Amethyst purple + emerald green
- Royal purple + forest green
- Pale purple + lime green
- Lavender + mint green
- Violet + sage green
- Eggplant + olive green
Different shades can create bold or subdued looks. Dark jewel tones together make a dramatic statement, while soft pastels are perfectly soothing.
Pattern pairing ideas
Purple and green pair beautifully with a variety of patterns and textures. Some ideas include:
- Herringbone, plaid or pinstripe with purple and green
- Striped green with floral purple accents
- Polka dots, chevron or argyle in complementary purple and green
- Purple paisley and green medallion patterns together
- Subtle green damask wallpaper with a bold purple rug
You can also layer different purple and green geometric patterns for an eclectic bohemian style.
Nature’s purple and green display
In nature, purple and green dominate the plant kingdom. Flowers, fruits, trees, and vegetables naturally showcase gorgeous complementary purple and green hues. Just some examples include:
- Jacaranda tree – Purple blossoms with green foliage
- Grapes – Purple skin on green vines
- Eggplant – Deep purple outside with green stem
- Pansies – Purple and yellow flowers on green stems
- Plums – Purple skin on branches with green leaves
- Bell peppers – Green outside with purple interior
For home d??cor or special events, reproducing these purple and green color palettes from nature creates an organic ambiance. The colors inherently suit each other in the plant world.
Conclusion
In summary, purple and green complement each other due to basic color theory principles. As opposite colors on the wheel, they contrast strongly while also harmonizing to create visual vibrancy. Their inherent differences in light/dark, warm/cool, and cultural meanings produce aesthetically pleasing balance. Scientifically, green and purple wavelengths stimulate the eye optimally. Together, the colors convey tranquility and growth, luxury and nature. This timeless combination will continue to be a top choice across design, fashion
