Navy blue and purple are two distinct, yet complementary colors that can be used to create stunning visual designs.
Navy blue is a deep hue with cool undertones and is often thought of as the color of the night or the sea.
Purple, on the other hand, consists primarily of vibrant hues ranging from light lavender to deep violet.
Both colors have unique aesthetic qualities and can add depth to any project or design when combined in creative ways.
Let’s explore how navy blue vs purple can be used effectively together, below!
Differences Between Navy Blue vs Purple
Navy blue and purple are distinct colors that offer a range of possibilities when used together.
While navy blue is a deep hue with cool undertones, purple pops with its vibrant shades ranging from light lavender to deep violet.
In terms of tone, navy blue is more subtle while purple provides a lively feel. Navy blue can be used to create a calming atmosphere and give a sense of sophistication to your designs.
On the other hand, purple brings energy and vibrancy to any color palette, offering an eye-catching contrast to any project.
Additionally, their hues can be combined in various ways for different effects.
For example, dark navy blue serves as an excellent backdrop for cutting through the vibrancy of Purple, whereas lighten Lavender works in harmony with Navy Blue’s cooler shades.
Hex Codes
When it comes to colors, hex codes are a valuable tool for precise color selection.
Hex codes are a six-digit combination of numbers and letters that can be used to accurately identify colors for web design or other digital applications.
The hex code for navy blue is #003F87, while the code for purple is #BF00FF.
Depending on what type of purple you’re looking to use, there are several variations of the hex code available.
For example, light lavender has a hex code of #F4C2C2, while dark violet’s code is #321414.
Using these codes, you can ensure that your design elements are exactly the shade of navy blue or purple you’re looking for.
Psychological Connotations of Each Color: What Each Color Communicates
The colors navy blue and purple bring different psychological connotations to any project. Navy blue is often associated with authority, stability, trustworthiness and confidence. It can also be used to express power, ambition and professionalism.
On the other hand, purple has a more playful feel that evokes creativity, imagination and inspiration. It symbolizes luxury and wealth, as well as royalty and spirituality. Purple also carries connotations of wisdom and enlightenment.
By combining the two colors in your designs, you can benefit from both the seriousness of navy blue tones, along with the vibrancy of purples to craft unique visuals with impact.
Popular Usage
Navy blue and purple are two very popular and distinct colors that are used in a variety of applications.
From fashion to branding, these colors can bring a range of tones, feelings, and effects to any design.
In addition to the psychological connotations mentioned above, both navy blue and purple is often used to inject a sense of sophistication into an image.
The darker shades, in particular, can create a visual balance with lighter colors like yellow or cream. In this way, they can be used to add depth and elegance to any style.
Fashion
Navy blue and purple are often used together in fashion, to create a sophisticated and eye-catching look.
Rich purples can be paired with navy blues for a bold statement, while softer shades can give any outfit an air of regal elegance.
Meanwhile, navy blues can bring a deep texture to warmer colors, and stand out against pastels such as lavender or pink.
These colors are particularly popular in menswear, where they offer the perfect blend of versatility and style.
Navy blues work well with classic suits, while purple tones can help add variety to more casual ensembles.
Design
Navy blue and purple are also commonly used in graphic design projects.
They are especially suited for logo designs as they provide an attractive contrast that stands out from other visuals on the page.
When combined with yellows and creams or even lighter purples, designers can create stunning effects that draw viewers’ attention to the subject matter.
Moreover, these colors have been gaining popularity as highlights on websites due to their ability to communicate seriousness without compromising creativity.
Their combination creates a unique look that speaks volumes about any brand or product it is associated with.
Home Decor
Navy blue and purple are becoming increasingly popular in home decor.
Their deep hues offer a sense of luxury and sophistication that is perfect for creating atmosphere in any living space. Both tones can be used alone, or combined to create a truly unique look.
In bedrooms, navy blue and purple have been used to create dramatic color schemes.
Deep purples paired with navy blues convey an air of class and elegance, while muted shades give off a calming and relaxing vibe.
For bathrooms, lighter shades of these colors can provide the perfect balance between serenity and vibrancy.
These tones also work well with neutral colors such as beige, brown or grey.
Used together they help to bring out the different shapes and structures of furniture and other pieces that make up the home design.
Origins of Each Color
Navy blue and purple have very different origins, but are now often seen in combination. Navy blue was first used in the uniforms of naval officers, which is where it gets its name.
The iconic color is associated with strength, power, authority and respect.
Purple has a longer, more varied history. It was once a highly prized dye that could only be attained through an arduous process making it a symbol of wealth and luxury.
Ancient civilizations believed it to signify divine power and royalty – famously so in Roman Empire when only the emperor was allowed to wear a purple toga.
Today, navy blue and purple still convey associations of strength and power while also offering an air of sophistication and luxury.
They pair beautifully together or on their own, allowing them to easily stand out no matter what the application may be.
Common Questions
What is the difference between navy blue and purple?
Navy blue is a dark shade of blue while purple is a mix of red and blue. Navy blue has associations with strength, power, authority and respect while purple connotes luxury, sophistication, divine power and royalty.
Are navy blue and purple complimentary colors?
Yes, navy blue and purple are complementary colors. Their deep hues work well together to create a dramatic color scheme or against neutral tones such as beige or grey for a sophisticated look.
Can I use navy blue and purple on my walls?
Yes, navy blue and purple can be used together on walls to create an array of beautiful color combinations. For bedrooms, deep purples paired with darker blues convey an air of class while lighter shades give off a calming vibe that’s perfect for bathrooms.
Daniela Corango loves to see the color in all things. She’s passionate about fashion, and interior design. She recently moved to New York and lives with her 2 dogs Peppy and Cinnamon.