Purple vs Violet vs Lavender – Paint Colors Compared

When it comes to adding a touch of elegance, creativity, or calm to your home, few colors are as versatile as purple, violet, and lavender.

Each of these shades brings its own unique personality, from the bold richness of purple to the soft serenity of lavender.

This article shows how these colors work in different spaces, the moods they create, and the best ways to pair them with complementary hues.

Plus, I’ll share complementary color pairings, similar shades, and my top picks for purple, violet, and lavender paint colors.

Definitions

Hex Code

The attributed hex codes for each color is a hexadecimal method of determining the combination of red, blue and green that goes into creating a color.

The important thing about a hex code is that it is shorter; being able to lose the three digits of each of the RGB code allows coders and designers to more efficiently note which colors they want to be included in their web pages and layouts.

RGB Code

RGB values represent the intensity of Red, Green, and Blue light in a specific color, ranging on a scale from 0 to 255.

LRV

LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a measurement that indicates the amount of light a paint color reflects. It is expressed as a percentage, ranging from 0% (absolute black, which absorbs all light) to 100% (absolute white, which reflects all light).

Purple

Purple is a pure blend of equal parts red and blue. Historically, the color purple was the color of royalty; there were some leaders who restricted the use of purple clothing to those of royal descent.

Purple dye came from a snail called Bolinus brandaris.

The color was created and made fast by cracking the shell, pulling out the mucus, and exposing it to sunlight for a short amount of time.

Too short and the dye wouldn’t hold; too long and the color wasn’t pure.

Purple is an inherently cool color. If you try to warm up purple by adding yellow, you end up with brown. When decorating, remember that any color that contains red can create agitation.

You may want a bathroom or powder room that cheers you up and energizes you, but a purple bedroom can make it hard to wind down well. If you want purple in your home, consider a smoky color or look for a color that has more blue than red.

Hex Code: #800080
RGB Code:
r 128
g 0
b 128

Brave Purple (SW 6823) by Sherwin-Williams

My favorite shade of purple is Brave Purple (SW 6823) by Sherwin-Williams. This is a rich and vibrant purple shade. It exudes confidence and sophistication, making it a bold choice for various interior and exterior design projects.

Best Uses for Brave Purple:

1. Accent Walls: This color works wonderfully as an accent wall in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas to add a pop of color and make a statement.
2. Furniture: Use Brave Purple on furniture pieces such as cabinets, bookshelves, or a feature piece of furniture to create a focal point in the room.
3. Kids’ Rooms and Playrooms: Its vibrant hue can add a playful and energetic vibe, perfect for children’s spaces.
4. Entryways: Create a welcoming and stylish entryway with this striking purple.
5. Exterior Trim or Front Door: For a unique and eye-catching exterior, use Brave Purple on the front door or trim.

Colors that Compliment Brave Purple:

1. Neutrals:
   • Snowbound (SW 7004): A crisp, clean white that allows Brave Purple to stand out.
   • Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): A warm gray that balances the boldness of Brave Purple.
   • Alabaster (SW 7008): A soft, warm white that complements the richness of Brave Purple.
2. Blues:
   • Naval (SW 6244): A deep navy blue that pairs elegantly with Brave Purple.
   • Misty (SW 6232): A light blue-gray that provides a soft contrast.
3. Greens:
   • Jade Dragon (SW 9129): A deep green that creates a luxurious and harmonious look.
   • Sea Salt (SW 6204): A light, calming green that adds a serene touch.
4. Yellows and Golds:
   • Butterscotch (SW 6370): A warm yellow that adds a cheerful contrast.
   • Goldenrod (SW 6677): A muted gold that complements the richness of Brave Purple.

Using Brave Purple (SW 6823) thoughtfully can add depth, elegance, and a touch of drama to any space.

Brave Purple Hex code

The hex code for Brave Purple paint color is #968DB8.

Brave Purple LRV

The LRV for Brave Purple is 29.

Brave Purple RGB

The RGB for Brave Purple is R 150 / G 141 / B 184.

Get a peel and stick paint sample of Brave Purple by Sherwin Williams here.

Paint Color Samples

Would you like to sample these paint colors? I recommend using a peel and stick paint sample from SAMPLIZE. Peel and stick paint samples are very affordable and easy to use. They are also clean and environmentally friendly!

Advantages of using peel and stick paint samples:

• EASY TO USE: Simply move your SAMPLIZE paint sample around the room to test under a variety of lighting conditions.
• AFFORDABLE: Budget-friendly solution and no more buying inaccurate swatches, rollers, wasted paint.
• SUPER FAST DELIVERY: Depending on your location, 1 day delivery is possible.
• ORDER FROM HOME: Save a trip to the store looking for samples.
• NO MESS: SAMPLIZE uses real paint samples with zero-mess
• NO WASTE: No leftover cans or wasted paint.

Violet

Violet is also a combination of blue and red, but it has more blue. If you’re mixing your own paint to use on a canvas, start with a dab of blue and mix in a healthy glob of red.

Violet is a soothing color; blue is associated with skies, water, and calmness, so it makes sense that violet in your decor may be less energizing than an even purple blend.

One of the challenges when working with violet is that the colors that work well with violet can be rare in terms of upholstery and window treatment fabric.

If you love violet on the walls, don’t be afraid to rely on other colors that also have a majority blue. For example, a smoky violet accent wall can look crisp and sharp with white trim and art framed in black.

Your tan couch can easily work in the space if the tan has enough yellow, and you may find that a teal throw or pillow will look terrific as a contrast. Teal and violet both bring blue to the visual field and may balance out the yellow tones of your tan sofa or beige carpet.

Do make sure to match your tones as you play with tints. If you put a velvety smoky violet on the wall and want to try teal to put those corresponding blues to work, consider using a throw or a pillow that features a lightened shade of teal.

A variegated blanket or a nubby textured cushion could add even more visual appeal.

Hex Code: #8F00FF
RGB Code:
r 143
g 0
b 255

Vigorous Violet (SW 6838) by Sherwin-Williams

I love Vigorous Violet (SW 6838) by Sherwin-Williams. This is a bright, bold purple that brings a vibrant and energetic feel to any space. This lively color is perfect for making a statement and adding a touch of playfulness and creativity to your design.

Best Uses for Vigorous Violet:

1. Accent Walls: Ideal for creating a focal point in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas.
2. Children’s Rooms: Adds a fun and lively atmosphere to kids’ bedrooms and playrooms.
3. Creative Spaces: Perfect for art studios, home offices, or any area where creativity is encouraged.
4. Furniture: Can be used to paint furniture pieces like chairs, tables, or cabinets to introduce a pop of color.
5. Entryways: Use it on doors or entryway walls for a welcoming and dynamic entrance.

Colors that Complement Vigorous Violet:

1. Neutrals:
   • Pure White (SW 7005): A clean, crisp white that helps Vigorous Violet stand out.
   • Repose Gray (SW 7015): A soft gray that provides a balanced backdrop.
   • Eider White (SW 7014): A light, neutral tone that offers a subtle contrast.
2. Greens:
   • Great Green (SW 6430): A bright, lively green that pairs well with the energy of Vigorous Violet.
   • Softened Green (SW 6177): A muted green that provides a calming complement.
3. Blues:
   • Dynamic Blue (SW 6958): A bright blue that adds a playful contrast.
   • Sleepy Blue (SW 6225): A softer blue that offers a more relaxed pairing.
4. Yellows and Golds:
   • Lemon Twist (SW 6909): A cheerful yellow that enhances the vibrancy of Vigorous Violet.
   • Glimmer (SW 6476): A soft, golden hue that adds warmth.
5. Pinks:
   • Rosebud (SW 6835): A bright pink that creates a bold, fun look.
   • Lite Lavender (SW 6554): A lighter purple-pink that softens the intensity of Vigorous Violet.

Using Vigorous Violet (SW 6838) can bring a sense of excitement and creativity to any room. Pair it with complementary colors to enhance its boldness and create a cohesive design.

Vigorous Violet Hex code

The hex code for Vigorous Violet paint color is #7c5a7e.

Vigorous Violet LRV

The hex code for Vigorous Violet is 13.

Vigorous Violet RGB

The RGB for Vigorous Violet is R124 / G90 / B126

Get a peel and stick sample of Vigorous Violet by Sherwin Williams here.

Lavender

Lavender is functionally a pale purple with enough yellow in the mix to warm up the color. Unlike the sharp, vibrant color of royal purple, which contains no yellow at all, lavender includes green.

This means that this color blend has more blue than red and is a much more restful color.

For those who love to work with acrylics, a simple way to mix your own lavender is to blend a strong purple with a pale green. Lavender is often thought of as a pastel color.

Mixing white acrylic paint to green at a ratio of one to one is a good start; once you mix your pale green in, you can add more white to soften the color even more.

Lavender is a very popular color in children’s rooms, bedrooms, and powder rooms. For restful sleep, don’t be afraid to go for a greyed-out shade of lavender.

The restful pairing of blue, white, red, and just a bit of green can be softened even further with a hint of black. If you choose to grey down your lavender for decorating purposes, try pairing navy with it when adding accents.

Avoid blues that contain too much green, such as cobalt and teal, as these colors may add too much green and turn your smoky lavender walls into a boring concrete grey.

A very pale yellow can also work very well with lavender. Take care not to choose bright sunflower yellow; you want a color similar to whipped butter.

Hex Code: #E6E6FA
RGB Code:
r 230
g 230
b 250

Dried Lavender (SW 9072) by Sherwin-Williams

A stunning shade of lavender is Dried Lavender (SW 9072) by Sherwin-Williams. This is a soft, muted lavender hue that evokes a sense of calm and tranquility. This subtle and elegant color is versatile, making it a great choice for various design applications where a touch of gentle sophistication is desired.

Best Uses for Dried Lavender:

1. Bedrooms: Creates a serene and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for restful spaces.
2. Living Rooms: Adds a touch of elegance and softness, ideal for cozy and inviting living areas.
3. Bathrooms: Enhances a spa-like feel, contributing to a peaceful and soothing environment.
4. Nurseries: Provides a calming and nurturing color suitable for baby’s rooms.
5. Hallways and Entryways: Offers a welcoming and understated sophistication as you enter the home.

Colors that Complement Dried Lavender:

1. Neutrals:
   • Pure White (SW 7005): A clean white that provides a crisp and fresh contrast.
   • Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): A warm gray that balances the softness of Dried Lavender.
   • Alabaster (SW 7008): A warm white that complements the gentle hue of Dried Lavender.
2. Greens:
   • Sea Salt (SW 6204): A light green that adds a refreshing touch.
   • Sage Green Light (SW 2851): A muted green that pairs well with the subdued tone of Dried Lavender.
3. Blues:
   • Sleepy Blue (SW 6225): A soft blue that enhances the calming effect.
   • Rainwashed (SW 6211): A light blue-green that provides a serene complement.
4. Pinks and Mauves:
   • Mauve Mystique (SW 9076): A deeper mauve that adds depth and richness.
   • Intimate White (SW 6322): A light pink that offers a delicate and harmonious pairing.
5. Warm Accents:
   • Creamy (SW 7012): A warm, creamy white that adds a touch of warmth.
   • Humble Gold (SW 6380): A soft gold that introduces a subtle and elegant warmth.

Dried Lavender (SW 9072) is a versatile and tranquil color that can create a serene and elegant ambiance in any space. Pair it with complementary colors to enhance its gentle beauty and achieve a balanced and harmonious design.

Dried Lavender Hex code

The hex code for Dried Lavender is #8595AA.

Dried Lavender LRV

The LRV for Dried Lavender is 29.

Dried Lavender RGB

The RGB for Dried Lavender is 133 / 149 / 170.

Get a peel and stick sample of Dried Lavender buy Sherwin Williams here.

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