Mauve and purple are two similar shades that can be easy to confuse. While they are close in hue, mauve is in fact lighter than purple. Understanding the differences between these two colors can help make distinguishing between them much easier.
Defining Mauve and Purple
Mauve is a pale purple color that takes its name from the mallow flower. It has a pinkish undertone and is lighter and brighter than true purple. Mauve became popular in 1856 when Queen Victoria wore it to her daughter’s wedding. Since then, it has remained a staple in the world of fashion.
Purple, on the other hand, is a deep, rich color that is made by mixing red and blue. It sits between violet and magenta on the color wheel. There are many shades of purple, from pale lavender to bold eggplant. But in general, purple will be darker and more saturated than mauve.
Comparing Mauve and Purple
When placed side by side, the difference between mauve and purple becomes clear. Mauve has a soft, dusty quality while purple is much more vivid. Here are some key ways to tell them apart:
- Mauve is paler and toned down.
- Purple has more pigment and is darker.
- Mauve is muted while purple is bold.
- Mauve has a subtle grayish tone.
- Purple is richer and more jewel-toned.
You can see the contrast between the two in this example:
| Mauve | Purple |
|---|---|
The mauve square appears much lighter than the rich purple one. Mauve has a delicate, faded quality that makes it unmistakably lighter.
Mauve vs Purple in Design
When using mauve and purple in design, each color evokes a very different feel:
- Mauve creates a soft, romantic look.
- Purple has a lush, regal appearance.
- Mauve paired with neutrals is understated and feminine.
- Purple stands out and makes a bold statement.
- Mauve works for vintage inspired themes.
- Purple is ideal for luxury branding.
Here are some examples of mauve and purple used in different contexts:
| Mauve | Purple |
|---|---|
| Pastel mauve in a bedroom creates a gentle, peaceful atmosphere. The muted color is calm and relaxing. | A deep purple accent wall makes a living room feel lush and upscale. The rich color gives off an elegant vibe. |
| Mauve flowers on a wedding invitation provide a romantic, feminine touch. The soft color suits the tender occasion. | Purple packaging on a beauty product conveys luxury appeal. The bold color feels indulgent and special. |
As you can see, mauve and purple set very different moods. Mauve is muted and gentle while purple makes a dramatic impact. Choose mauve when you want a delicate feel and purple when you want to create drama.
How Light Reflects Off Mauve vs. Purple
The way light reflects off mauve and purple also shows how the former is lighter. When hit with light:
- Mauve softens and seems to glow.
- Purple deepens in intensity.
- Mauve appears hazy and ethereal.
- Purple looks richer and more saturated.
- Mauve gives off a diffuse, romantic vibe.
- Purple takes on a jewel-toned luster.
Mauve reflects light back gently, resulting in a delicate luminosity. Purple absorbs light more, coming across as deeper and more opaque. Once again, mauve’s lightness compared to purple is clear.
How to Make Mauve Lighter
There are a few simple ways to make mauve even lighter if desired:
- Add white – Adding white makes any color lighter. Mixing white with mauve results in a soft, faded look.
- Increase brightness – Boosting mauve’s brightness gives it more of an ethereal, heavenly appearance.
- Mute with gray – Adding a touch of gray further tones down mauve for a misty, vintage vibe.
- Dilute with pastels – Mixing mauve with soft pastel pinks and peaches lightens up the look.
Here are some examples of how to lighten up mauve:
| Original Mauve | Lighter Version |
|---|---|
Whether you prefer the standard version or a lighter take, mauve remains unmistakably lighter and softer compared to the bold intensity of true purple.
Conclusion
Mauve and purple may seem similar at first glance, but upon closer inspection mauve is noticeably lighter and more delicate. With its pinkish undertone and muted quality, mauve has an ethereal, romantic vibe compared to the dramatic boldness of purple. When used in design, mauve is ideal for creating a soft, feminine look while purple makes a regal statement. Mauve also reflects light differently, taking on a luminous, hazy appearance against purple’s jewel-toned luster. So the next time you are trying to tell these two popular colors apart, remember that mauve is always the lighter purple.