Colors are an essential aspect of our lives, and they play a crucial role in our emotions and moods. Two popular colors that are often confused with each other are indigo and purple. While they may seem similar, there are some significant differences between the two that are worth exploring. In this article, we will discuss the differences between indigo and purple, and how to use them in design.
Indigo Vs Purple: What’s The Different？
What is Indigo?
Indigo is a deep blue color that is darker than traditional blue. And it is a tertiary color, created by mixing blue and violet. People often associate it with the night sky and it calms them down.
What is Purple?
Purple is a secondary color that is created by mixing red and blue. It is a versatile color that can range from light lavender to deep violet. People often associate purple with luxury, creativity, and royalty.
Main Differences
Indigo is a darker and more saturated color than purple.
Difference In Code And Value
| Color | Hex Code | RGB Code | Hue | Saturation | Lightness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indigo | #4b0082 | rgb(75, 0, 130) | 275° | 100% | 25% |
| Purple | #800080 | rgb(128, 0, 128) | 300° | 100% | 25% |
Difference In Symbolism
Indigo’s association with intuition, spiritualism, and inner reflection contrasts with purple’s association with luxury, royalty, and creativity.
Difference In Using
Designers can use indigo as a background color for websites, brochures, and other designs when they want to create a calming effect. Additionally, it can add depth and contrast to designs.
Purple can be used to create a luxurious and creative atmosphere in designs. It can also be used to highlight key elements and add accents to designs.
Indigo Vs Purple: Where Does The Name Come From?
“Indigo” comes from the Greek word “indikon,” which means “Indian dye.” The Greeks discovered indigo in India and used it to dye their clothing. The name “indikon” eventually evolved into “indigo,” which is now the commonly used name for the color.
The name “purple” comes from the Latin word “purpura,” which means “purple dye.” The dye was extracted from the glands of a type of sea snail called the murex, which was found in the Mediterranean Sea. The dye was expensive and difficult to produce, which made purple a symbol of wealth and status. Over time, the name “purpura” evolved into “purple,” which is now the commonly used name for the color.
What Colors Go With
Indigo and Purple both are versatile colors that can be used in a variety of settings and paired with many different colors to create a harmonious and balanced color scheme.
Matching Indigo With Other Colors
White
Indigo and white is a classic color combination that creates a fresh and sophisticated look. White serves to offset the intense and lush indigo hue, resulting in a bright and tidy appearance. This color combination is ideal for contemporary and simplistic interior design themes.
Gray
Indigo and gray create a sophisticated and elegant look. Gray is a neutral color that complements the deep and rich indigo color and helps to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a bedroom or living room.
Beige
Indigo and beige create a warm and inviting color scheme. Beige is a neutral color that helps to balance out the richness of the indigo color and creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a casual and relaxed interior design scheme.
Green
Indigo and green create a natural and harmonious color scheme. Green is a calming color that complements the deep and rich indigo color and helps to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a nature-inspired interior design scheme.
Pink
Indigo and pink create a playful and feminine color scheme. Pink is a soft and romantic color that complements the deep and rich indigo color and helps to create a whimsical and charming atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a girly and romantic interior design scheme.
Yellow
Indigo and yellow create a vibrant and energetic color scheme. Yellow is a cheerful color that complements the deep and rich indigo color and helps to create a lively and dynamic atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a playful and fun interior design scheme.
Matching Purple With Other Colors
Black
Purple and black create a dramatic and bold color scheme. Black is a neutral color that complements the richness and depth of purple and creates a sophisticated and elegant look. This color combination is perfect for a formal and glamorous interior design scheme.
White
Purple and white create a fresh and clean color scheme. White helps to balance out the boldness of purple and creates a light and airy atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a modern and minimalist interior design scheme.
Gray
Purple and gray create a subtle and sophisticated color scheme. Gray is a neutral color that complements the richness and depth of purple and helps to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a bedroom or living room.
Gold
Purple and gold create a luxurious and opulent color scheme. Gold is a warm and rich color that complements the regal and elegant qualities of purple and creates a glamorous and extravagant look. This color combination is perfect for a formal and high-end interior design scheme.
Pink
Purple and pink create a playful and feminine color scheme. Pink is a soft and romantic color that complements the boldness and drama of purple and helps to create a whimsical and charming atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a girly and romantic interior design scheme.
Green
Purple and green create a natural and harmonious color scheme. Green is a calming color that complements the richness and depth of purple and helps to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. This color combination is perfect for a nature-inspired interior design scheme.
Conclusion
| ategory | Indigo | Purple |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A deep blue color with hints of purple | A range of colors that blend red and blue |
| Hue | A cool color with a blue undertone | A cool color with a red and blue undertone |
| Saturation | Can vary in saturation from deep to light | Can vary in saturation from deep to light |
| Color Code | Hex: #4B0082 RGB: (75, 0, 130) | Hex: #800080 RGB: (128, 0, 128) |
| Origin | Named after the plant “indigo” | Historically associated with royalty and luxury |
| Cultural Meanings | Spirituality, intuition, and wisdom | Creativity, luxury, and royalty |
| Usage | Often used in textiles, art, and spiritual practices | Commonly used in fashion, cosmetics, and branding |
Indigo and purple are two beautiful colors that can add depth and meaning to designs. Although they may look similar, there are significant differences between these colors that are worth exploring. By understanding these differences and using them in your designs, you can create more impactful visuals.