Dark purples first
Dark purples are the most searched part of the family, and for good reason: they make rich, distinctive backgrounds, especially for dark themes. Aubergine, plum and deep grape read as purple even at very low lightness, while a nearly black purple can look elegant behind white or gold text.
Red-purple or blue-purple
Purple sits between red and blue, so every shade leans one way:
| Leaning | Examples | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Toward red | Plum, magenta, orchid | Warm, romantic, playful |
| Balanced | Royal purple, amethyst | Regal, creative |
| Toward blue | Indigo, violet, periwinkle | Cool, calm, mysterious |
Mixing purples from both sides in one palette can look muddy; pick a side, and use the other as a deliberate accent.
Why purple meant royalty
The ancient dye Tyrian purple was extracted from sea snails and took thousands of them for a single garment, so only the very rich could afford it. That association with power and luxury has lasted for over two thousand years.
Lighter purples and partners
Pale lavenders and lilacs have their own page, light purple. Dusty pink-purples are on the mauve page. To build a three-color scheme around a purple, try the triadic colors tool.