What Color is Palatinate purple
Palatinate purple is a rich, saturated shade of violet with a distinct red undertone. It carries a sense of academic prestige and historical weight, sitting comfortably between deep crimson and royal purple. This hue commands attention without being overly neon, offering a sense of maturity and sophistication.
What color is opposite Palatinate purple?
The opposite color to Palatinate purple is Fun Green (#286730).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red-Violet
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #286730
- Brightness: 66/255
- Saturation: 62%
Colors That Pair Well With Palatinate purple
Complementary
Pair with Fun Green for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Celadon 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)
Palatinate purple History
This distinct shade derives its name from the County Palatine of Durham in England. Historically, the Bishop of Durham held vice-regal powers, and this purple signified that unique sovereignty distinct from the crown. While ancient purples were extracted from sea snails for the elite, this specific red-violet iteration gained standardization in the 19th century through academic institutionalization.
In the context of art and academia, Palatinate purple bridges the gap between the ecclesiastical and the scholarly. It moved away from the extreme scarcity of Tyrian purple once synthetic aniline dyes became available in the Victorian era. It remains a defining symbol of education, specifically representing Durham University, where it is worn on academic robes to denote distinction and tradition.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this color conveys deep wisdom and introspection. Because it leans towards the red end of the spectrum, it possesses more energy and warmth than a cool indigo, making it feel passionate rather than distant. It stimulates the imagination while grounding the viewer with its heavy saturation.
In a cultural context, this shade is inextricably linked to nobility and higher learning. It demands respect, often evoking feelings of luxury and power. However, unlike bright red which signals danger, this purple signals mystery and spiritual awareness, encouraging contemplation rather than immediate physical action.
In Nature
While rare in the animal kingdom, this deep reddish-purple appears occasionally in the floral world. You can find similar hues in the petals of a dark clematis or the heart of a hybrid orchid. It also resonates with the skin of a ripe plum or the deep mineral tones found in high-quality garnet stones, providing a rich contrast against green foliage.
How To Use Palatinate purple
In design, Palatinate purple serves as a powerful accent color. It pairs exceptionally well with metallic tones like antique gold or copper, creating a look of established wealth. For a modern twist, mix it with charcoal greys or creamy off-whites to soften its inherent intensity.
Regarding accessibility, this color provides excellent contrast when used as a background for white text. However, avoid placing black text directly on top of it, as the low luminance makes legibility difficult. It is best used for headers, logos, or distinct branding elements rather than body copy.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Durham Heritage
A classic academic palette blending the primary purple with metallic and neutral tones.
Velvet Orchard
An organic scheme inspired by late-harvest fruits and drying foliage.
Midnight Synth
A high-contrast modern palette for digital interfaces.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #682860;
color: rgb(104, 40, 96);
background-color: #682860;
border: 3px solid #682860;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #68286066;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #682860 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in Palatinate purple
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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.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over 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 Palatinate purple?
Explore color palettes containing Palatinate purple and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
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
Similar Colors
View all Red-Violet colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Palatinate purple
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Palatinate purple?
What colors go with Palatinate purple?
Is Palatinate purple accessible for text?
How do I use Palatinate purple in CSS?
You can use Palatinate purple in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.palatinate-purple {
background-color: #682860;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.