Periwinkle is a light bluish-purple or lavender color that takes its name from the periwinkle flower. There are many shades of periwinkle that are defined by hexadecimal color codes or RGB values. These color codes allow periwinkle shades to be displayed accurately on web pages, digital designs, and other digital media.
Overview of Periwinkle
The name periwinkle comes from the periwinkle flower, which has petals that can range from light blue to dark blue-violet. The first recorded use of “periwinkle” as a color name in English was in 1922. Prior to this, the color had often simply been referred to as “blue” or “lavender blue.”
Periwinkle is considered a pale tint of indigo color that has hints of violet. It sits between blue and purple on the color wheel. The addition of white to periwinkle creates lighter tints, while adding black will create darker shades.
In culture, the color periwinkle is often associated with memories, nostalgia, sentimentality, and tranquility. It is linked to relaxation and spirituality. Periwinkle shades are commonly seen in spring flowers and hydrangeas.
Periwinkle Hex Codes
On web pages, periwinkle color shades are defined using hexadecimal color codes. Hex codes are six-digit codes preceded by a hash symbol (#) that define the mixture of red, green, and blue that produces the color. For example, a basic periwinkle hex code is #CCCCFF.
Here are some common periwinkle hex codes and the names associated with those shades:
| Hex Code | Periwinkle Shade Name |
|---|---|
| #CCCCFF | Periwinkle |
| #C9C9FF | French Periwinkle |
| #B4B4FC | Light Periwinkle |
| #838B8B | Dark Periwinkle |
| #8989B8 | Medium Periwinkle |
| #C3CDE6 | Pale Periwinkle |
| #CCCCCC | Very Light Periwinkle |
These hex codes allow periwinkle to be displayed accurately and consistently across all browsers and devices. They ensure the exact periwinkle shade is rendered when used on web pages, digital designs, PDF documents, applications, and more.
Periwinkle RGB Values
In addition to hex codes, periwinkle shades can also be defined using RGB color values. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue – the primary colors used on computer displays.
RGB values are commonly used in design software like Photoshop and InDesign. Each value is an integer between 0 and 255 that represents the intensity of that color. RGB values are defined in this order: (red, green, blue).
Here are some common periwinkle RGB values:
| RGB Value | Periwinkle Shade Name |
|---|---|
| (204, 204, 255) | Periwinkle |
| (201, 201, 255) | French Periwinkle |
| (180, 180, 252) | Light Periwinkle |
| (131, 139, 139) | Dark Periwinkle |
| (137, 137, 184) | Medium Periwinkle |
| (195, 205, 230) | Pale Periwinkle |
| (204, 204, 204) | Very Light Periwinkle |
RGB values allow the periwinkle shade to be recreated in any design software. They provide an accurate way to manipulate and adjust the exact hue, brightness, and saturation of periwinkle needed for a project.
Periwinkle CMYK Values
Periwinkle colors can also be defined using the CMYK color model. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). While RGB is used for onscreen colors, CMYK is used for print design and projects.
CMYK values are represented as percentages between 0-100% for each color. A periwinkle CMYK value may look like this: (40%, 20%, 0%, 0%). The percentages represent the amount of each ink needed to produce the periwinkle color.
Here are the CMYK values for some popular periwinkle shades:
| CMYK Value | Periwinkle Shade Name |
|---|---|
| (40%, 20%, 0%, 0%) | Periwinkle |
| (38%, 19%, 0%, 0%) | French Periwinkle |
| (30%, 10%, 0%, 0%) | Light Periwinkle |
| (47%, 0%, 32%, 45%) | Dark Periwinkle |
| (45%, 27%, 0%, 26%) | Medium Periwinkle |
| (23%, 9%, 0%, 7%) | Pale Periwinkle |
| (34%, 23%, 0%, 0%) | Very Light Periwinkle |
Having the CMYK values for periwinkle allows designers to mix precise percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black pigments to produce an exact periwinkle color for any print project.
Naming Periwinkle Shades
In addition to the numeric color codes, periwinkle shades also have unique names that identify them. Names can provide more context and help identify the exact hue, brightness, and saturation of a periwinkle color.
Here are some tips for naming periwinkle shades:
- Base it on how light or dark the shade is. For example: Light Periwinkle, Dark Periwinkle.
- Use color theory terms. For example: Bright Periwinkle, Soft Periwinkle.
- Reference objects. For example: Periwinkle Blue, Lavender Periwinkle.
- Use geographic names. For example: French Periwinkle, English Periwinkle.
- Include numbers. For example: Periwinkle #1, Periwinkle #2.
Having a consistent naming system makes it easier to identify, organize, and access specific periwinkle colors for future projects and uses.
Using Periwinkle Shades in Design
When using periwinkle colors in digital or print projects, it’s important to select the right shade for your purposes. Here are some tips:
- Light periwinkle shades evoke femininity, romance, and relaxation. Use for wedding websites, spa menus, or baby shower invites.
- Bright periwinkle shades feel energetic. Use for summer event branding or youth event posters.
- Soft periwinkle shades feel gentle and subtle. Use for healthcare brochures, religious event programs, or stationery.
- Dark periwinkle shades feel luxurious and sophisticated. Use for beauty packaging, upscale catalogs, or floral business cards.
Always reference the exact periwinkle color code (hex, RGB, CMYK) when working in your design software. This ensures the color is translated accurately across all applications and media types.
For prints, request color swatches from your printer to see how the periwinkle shade reproduces on paper with your chosen CMYK values. Adjust the percentages as needed to achieve the perfect periwinkle hue.
By incorporating strategic use of different periwinkle shades, you can create visually stunning designs that also reinforce the desired mood and tone.
Conclusion
Periwinkle is a versatile color with many different shades and tones to choose from. The specific periwinkle hue can be precisely defined on screen or in print using hexadecimal, RGB, and CMYK color codes. Identifying each shade by a unique name provides further context into the exact saturation, brightness, and temperament it evokes. Strategic use of different periwinkle shades in design can elevate a brand’s visual identity and allow creation of stunning, cohesive aesthetics across all applications.
