Dark brownish purple is a complex color that can be difficult to precisely define. As the name suggests, it is a shade that combines elements of dark brown and purple. Determining the exact hue, saturation, and brightness of dark brownish purple depends on the specific color being referenced.
Defining Dark Brownish Purple
In general, dark brownish purple will be a deep, rich color that leans slightly more towards brown than purple. It is created by mixing a dark brown with a medium to dark purple, with the brown being the more dominant tone. The addition of purple lowers the warmth of the brown and brings in a subtle reddish undertone.
There can be variation in how brownish or purplish a particular dark brownish purple color appears. Some shades will be closer to a chestnut brown with deep plum undertones. Other versions will feature a touch more purple, evoking an eggplant or pruny quality.
Lightness and Saturation
Dark brownish purple occupies the deeper end of the color spectrum. It will typically have low to medium lightness or value. Pure brown and purple pigments are naturally dark hues, ensuring any blend of the two retains a rich, muted profile.
Saturation or intensity can also vary in dark brownish purple. Very deep, opaque versions will be more greyish and desaturated. Lighter or brighter shades might display a subtle glow or pop of vibrancy from the hint of purple present.
Similar Colors
Several colors sit in a similar color neighborhood to dark brownish purple. These include:
- Eggplant – A vibrant purple with blue undertones
- Wine – A distinctly reddish purple
- Oxblood – A brownish red or burgundy
- Plum – A soft, slightly greyish purple
Dark brownish purple can overlap with some of the above shades while still maintaining its essential brown-purple hybrid identity.
Color Mixing
To create a custom dark brownish purple, start by mixing artists’ pigments. Some potential color combinations include:
- Burnt umber + dioxazine purple
- Raw umber + carbazole violet
- Van dyke brown + phthalo violet
A good ratio to start with is approximately 3-4 parts brown pigment to 1 part purple. Adjust the proportions as needed to achieve the desired balance of brown and purple.
When mixing colored light, such as on a computer display, these rough combinations can produce a dark brownish purple:
- 130B 90G 90R
- 120B 80G 100R
- 110B 70G 110R
The high blue and red values pull the color towards purple, while the green moderates it towards a brown. Again, adjust the RGB values until you reach your preferred appearance.
Uses and Symbolism
Dark brownish purple has many potential uses due to its muted, earthy qualities:
- As a background wall color
- In fashion and textiles
- Packaging and marketing materials
- Website color schemes
It can project subtle elegance and depth in the right setting. The brown grounding gives it a natural, earthy feel.
In color psychology, dark brownish purple may promote:
- Stability and resilience
- Depth and wisdom
- Sophistication and integrity
- Introspection and spirituality
It bridges the practicality of brown with the mysticism of purple.
Examples
Here are some real-life examples of dark brownish purple:
- Eggplant emoji – A vivid digital shade
- Eggplant – The vegetable that inspired the color eggplant
- Dark taupe – A greyish brown purple
- Aubergine – A color used in French fashion
There are infinite shades of dark brownish purple found in nature, art, fashion, design, and everyday objects.
Equivalent Colors
Dark brownish purple can also be matched to these standardized color names and codes:
| Color System | Color Name/Code |
|---|---|
| HEX | #674188 |
| RGB | 103, 65, 136 |
| CMYK | 24, 52, 0, 47 |
| Pantone | 2592 C |
| RAL | 4004 |
These can be used for design specifications or digital reproductions of a preferred dark brownish purple color.
Conclusion
Dark brownish purple is an intriguing blend of brown stability and purple mystique. It brings a sophisticated, grounded look to any situation. Exploring the brown and purple balance unlocks new shades and color emotions. With strong roots and a hint of imagination, dark brownish purple offers the best of both worlds.