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Periwinkle is a color that is a mix of blue and purple. To make the color periwinkle, you can start with a base of light blue and then add a touch of purple. Start by mixing equal parts of blue and white paint to create a light blue shade. Then, add a small amount of purple paint to the blue mixture and mix it well until you achieve the desired periwinkle color. Remember to start with a small amount of purple and gradually add more if needed. Experiment and adjust the ratio of blue and purple to get the perfect periwinkle shade.
When you desire a unique hue for your painting project, consider the often overlooked periwinkle blue. Periwinkle offers a gentle choice between a bold purple and a masculine blue, making it ideal for baby nurseries, bedrooms, or living spaces regardless of gender. It is also known as lavender blue, and its name is derived from the toxic periwinkle plant (Vinca major and Vinca minor), which matches its shade.
How to Create the Color Periwinkle
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What is the Color Periwinkle?
Periwinkle is a pastel combination of lavender purple and light blue. Like most paints, the lighting in the room can affect the exact shade of the color. It is recommended to test a small patch of paint in your space to determine if the shade works well before painting the entire wall.
When used alongside an analogous color (the color next to it on the color wheel), periwinkle blue can appear more purple when next to blue and vice versa. When paired with vibrant oranges or bright greens, periwinkle, with its blue undertones, can act as a neutral color for your walls. It subtly balances pumpkin oranges and lighter greens.
Is Periwinkle Blue or Purple?
Periwinkle is both blue and purple, although it is commonly referred to as “periwinkle blue.” It leans more towards lavender purple instead of indigo, offering a light and airy hue that can evoke the coolness of ice and the beauty of blooming flowers. The periwinkle flower, after which the color is named, displays a captivating blue-purple against dark green leaves. This color combination can be imitated in both formal and contemporary styles.
It is important to stick with the periwinkle color rather than the plant itself. The periwinkle flower is poisonous to humans and can cause symptoms ranging from upset stomachs to cardiac arrest if ingested. Although it is not the most poisonous plant in the world, even small amounts can cause discomfort and be considered highly dangerous.
How Can I Mix Periwinkle Blue?
Begin by finding the exact shade of periwinkle blue that matches the requirements of your painting project. There are variations of periwinkle color that can impact your decor; for example, periwinkle gray adds a darker tone to the mix, leaning more towards a neutral shade than a vibrant one. Pre-mixed periwinkle blue paints are available in home improvement stores, paint stores, and hardware stores.
To create your own unique mix, start with red and white paint to create a base of pink. Red and blue combine to produce purple, but by starting with a softer red, you can reduce the intensity of the purple tones in your periwinkle color. Mix your pink base with a lighter shade of blue. You can either start with a pre-mixed lighter blue or combine dark blue with white.
The mixture should start to resemble a light purple. Remember that the final result should be a pastel tone, so adding more white will soften the mix if it doesn’t appear right the first time. Adding gray or violet to the mix will darken the shade, but be cautious not to add too much violet, as it can shift the color towards purple rather than the true periwinkle hue.
Choose the Appropriate Paint Finish
The paint finish you choose also plays a significant role in the final appearance. A flat or matte finish with a low sheen can effectively conceal imperfections on the wall, but it is more prone to new stains. On the other hand, glossy finishes, such as semi-gloss or satin, have a higher level of reflectivity and can effectively hide flaws.
Areas with high foot traffic, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways, are better suited for a high- or semi-gloss finish, as they are more resistant to stains compared to matte or satin finishes. For your periwinkle color, an eggshell or satin finish is a good compromise between the matte and high-gloss options and is suitable for bedrooms, accent walls, or trim work.
