The undertone of lilac refers to the subtle hints of color that come through in this pale purple shade. Lilac is known for its soft, romantic qualities, but its exact hue can vary quite a bit. Determining the undertones present in different lilacs can help you choose the right shade for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore what gives lilac its distinctive color, look at warm versus cool undertones, and provide some examples of lilacs with different undertones.
What Gives Lilac Its Color?
Lilac gets its signature purple-pink color primarily from two pigments:
| Pigment | Color |
|---|---|
| Red | Contributes to lilac’s pinkish tones |
| Blue | Contributes to lilac’s purple tones |
By blending these two pigments in different ratios, you can create lilacs with subtly different undertones. More red pigment leads to warmer, pinker lilacs, while more blue pigment creates cooler, purpler hues.
The amount of white pigment also affects the undertone. Adding white makes the color lighter and more delicate. For example, a lilac with a lot of white will read as a soft, muted pastel. Using less white yields deeper, richer lilacs.
Warm vs. Cool Undertones
When describing color undertones, two main categories are warm and cool:
Warm undertones lean towards red, orange, and yellow hues. Lilacs with warm undertones will appear more pink, peach, or golden.
Cool undertones lean towards blue, green, and purple hues. Lilacs with cool undertones will look more pure purple, lavender, or periwinkle.
There are also lilacs with neutral undertones that don’t read strongly warm or cool. These are often soft pastel lilacs.
Here are some examples that demonstrate the range of lilac undertones:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Warm Lilac | French Lilac has strong reddish-pink undertones |
| Cool Lilac | Blue Lilac has strong blue undertones trending towards lavender |
| Neutral Lilac | Snow Lilac is a pale neutral pastel shade |
When describing a lilac’s undertone, words like rosy, peachy, golden, lavender, periwinkle, and azure can provide more nuance.
Factors that Affect Undertone
Several factors impact the undertone of any particular lilac:
Pigment ratios – As mentioned above, the mix of red, blue, and white pigments in the color formula determines both the depth of shade and undertone.
Manufacturer – The specific red, blue, and white used in a manufacturer’s color formula also affect the undertone. Two lilacs with the same name from different brands may appear slightly different.
Fabric – On fabrics, undertones can change slightly depending on the material’s properties. A lilac polished cotton may read warmer than the same dye on linen.
Lighting – The undertone can also shift in different lighting conditions. Natural daylight often reveals cooler undertones, while incandescent bulbs bring out warmer ones.
Choosing the Right Lilac Undertone
So why does lilac undertone matter? Choosing the right undertone can help in several ways:
Coordinate with skin tone – Warm lilac undertones complement peachy warm skin tones, while cool lilacs pair best with neutral to pink skins.
Coordinate with other colors – Pick an undertone that works with the overall color scheme. Warm lilacs go with peach, terracotta and yellow greens while cool lilacs match blues, grays and emerald greens.
Set a mood – Warm lilacs feel cheerful, fresh and youthful. Cool lilacs read more soothing, elegant and romantic.
Consider lighting – Warm lilacs look great in dim evening light. Cool lilacs show off beautifully in bright natural daylight.
When evaluating lilac options, be sure to view fabric swatches in person to clearly see the undertones. Hold swatches under both warm and cool light sources to test how the undertone shifts.
Examples of Warm Lilac Undertones
Here are some examples of lilacs with warm, reddish-pink undertones:
Peachy Lilac
This lilac has strong warm peach undertones. It complements peachy complexions beautifully. Its warmth also makes it a lively accent color.
Mauve Lilac
With its soft rosy undertone, this lilac reads as a muted mauve shade. The pinkish tint gives it a romantic, vintage vibe.
Blush Lilac
True to its name, this lilac has a delicate blush undertone. The red tones are subtle, making it a fresh, feminine neutral.
Frosted Plum Lilac
The rich plum undertones give this lilac depth. At the same time, white pigment keeps the shade light and shimmery.
Sunset Lilac
A dramatic warm lilac with bold magenta and orange undertones like a sunset sky. Makes for an eye-catching accent.
Examples of Cool Lilac Undertones
Here are some examples of lilacs with cool, bluish undertones:
Periwinkle Lilac
With a crisp lavender blue undertone, this lilac has a vivid periwinkle appearance. The cool tones feel energizing.
Iris Lilac
Slightly deeper than periwinkle lilac, with more purple undertones. Reminiscent of blue irises.
Violet Lilac
This rich lilac has strong blue-purple undertones. The vivid violet shade feels luxurious and mystical.
Wisteria Lilac
More muted and pastel than violet lilac, with soft purple-blue undertones like wisteria blooms.
Ice Lilac
The lightest of the cool lilacs, this shade is an airy, almost white lilac with the barest hint of lavender.
Putting Undertones into Practice
Now that you know the factors that determine lilac undertones, here are some examples of how to select the perfect shade:
Lilac bridesmaid dresses
For a summer wedding with warm peachy tones, choose a lilac with warm undertones like Peachy Lilac or Frosted Plum. For an evening winter wedding, try a cool periwinkle or iris lilac.
Paint color
To coordinate with terra cotta and peach furnishings, select a warm Blush Lilac. For a bedroom with blue-gray tones, cool Ice Lilac is an ethereal choice.
Floral arrangements
For a spring bouquet with yellow tulips and roses, opt for a warm Sunset Lilac. For an arrangement with purple hyacinths and irises, fresh Violet Lilac is ideal.
Cakes and sweets
Pastel cake? Cool Iris Lilac frosting pairs nicely. Bold red velvet cake? Warm Mauve Lilac buttercream adds a pretty pop of color.
The possibilities are endless! Simply evaluate the desired mood and color scheme, and choose a lilac undertone to match.
Conclusion
The undertone makes all the difference when selecting the perfect lilac. Warm undertones trend pink, peach and plum, while cool undertones range from periwinkle to violet. Choosing the right undertone helps lilac coordinate beautifully with other colors and lighting for any project. Now that you know what affects lilac’s undertone, you can confidently pick the perfect shade.