What Color is Byzantine
Byzantine is a saturated and opulent red-violet that bridges the gap between historical luxury and modern digital energy. It is a commanding shade that remains more sophisticated than a standard hot pink.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red-Violet
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #32BD4C
- Brightness: 105/255
- Saturation: 73%
Colors That Pair Well With Byzantine
Complementary
Pair with Apple for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Pastel Green for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Byzantine History
Historically, this hue is deeply tied to the Byzantine Empire (330–1453 AD), where 'Tyrian Purple' was a status symbol reserved for the imperial family. The pigment was originally harvested from the murex sea snail, a process so expensive that the color became synonymous with absolute power and divine right.
In 1856, the discovery of mauveine by William Henry Perkin revolutionized this color family. This first synthetic dye allowed the vibrant red-violet tones of the elite to be mass-produced, transitioning the color from ancient throne rooms to the forefront of modern Victorian fashion and later, high-end graphic design.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Byzantine balances the physical energy of red with the spiritual stability of blue, evoking a sense of mystery and deep creativity. It is often perceived as a color of wisdom, used by brands that want to appear established yet unconventional.
Because it sits high on the saturation scale, it can also feel theatrical or even rebellious. It stimulates the imagination and encourages extravagance, making it a favorite for artistic endeavors and luxury branding that targets a bold, confident demographic.
In Nature
In nature, this specific shade is most strikingly visible in the petals of the cattleya orchid and the vibrant bracts of the bougainvillea plant. It is also found in the mineral world within erythrite, a cobalt-based mineral known as 'cobalt bloom,' which forms distinctively colored crystals. These natural occurrences often serve as biological signals to attract pollinators or indicate specific chemical compositions in the earth.
How To Use Byzantine
In senior design practice, Byzantine serves as a powerful focal point; it is best used as an accent color against a palette of charcoal or slate to maintain balance. It works exceptionally well in editorial layouts where a sense of prestige is required without the stuffiness of traditional navy or forest green.
Regarding accessibility, Byzantine (#BD33A4) has a mid-range luminance. Designers must be cautious when layering text over it; while it passes WCAG AA standards with white text, it often fails with black text. Use it for interactive elements like buttons or icons to guide the user's eye through a digital interface effectively.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Imperial Court
A regal and classic combination that leans into the historical roots of the color.
Botanical Neon
A high-energy, modern palette inspired by tropical flora and digital art.
Twilight Horizon
A sophisticated gradient-style palette mimicking the transition of a deep sunset.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #BD33A4;
color: rgb(189, 51, 164);
background-color: #BD33A4;
border: 3px solid #BD33A4;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #BD33A466;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #BD33A4 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Byzantine
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Byzantine?
Explore color palettes containing Byzantine and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Polychromos
middle purple pink
#125 • #C3408B
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Quinacridone Purple
#115 • #8B2B81
Similar Colors
View all Red-Violet colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Byzantine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Byzantine?
What colors go with Byzantine?
Is Byzantine accessible for text?
How do I use Byzantine in CSS?
You can use Byzantine in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.byzantine {
background-color: #BD33A4;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.