Purple navy

#4E5180

Blue-Violet Family →

What Color is Purple navy

Purple navy is a sophisticated blend of deep indigo and muted violet, offering a softer alternative to traditional black or midnight blue. It evokes the feeling of twilight, possessing a quiet authority without being overpowering. This shade bridges the gap between the structured corporate world and creative expression.

What color is opposite Purple navy?

The opposite color to Purple navy is Clay Creek (#7e7b4e).

View Clay Creek

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Blue-Violet
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #7E7B4E
  • Brightness: 85/255
  • Saturation: 39%

Colors That Pair Well With Purple navy

Complementary

Pair with Clay Creek for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#4E5180#7e7b4e

High Contrast

Use Swamp Green for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#4E5180#b1ae7f

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#9597b3#272940

Purple navy History

Historically, obtaining a stable blue-violet was a significant challenge for dyers; while the Royal Navy adopted deep indigo in 1748 for uniforms, pushing that blue toward purple required expensive additives or later chemical innovations. This specific shade sits comfortably within the spectrum of synthetic breakthroughs like Mauveine (1856), which allowed for nuanced, desaturated purples to enter mass production beyond royalty.

Meaning & Psychology

This color stimulates the intellect by combining the calm stability of blue with the creative, spiritual energy of red. It encourages deep introspection, making it ideal for spaces requiring focus, contemplation, or academic study. Unlike bright purple, which can feel whimsical, this desaturated version commands respect and conveys reliability.

In Nature

This specific shade is rarely dominant in flora but is famously captured in the mineral Iolite, often called the water sapphire, which exhibits pleochroism shifting from blue to violet. It perfectly mimics the color of the sky during nautical twilight just before total darkness sets in. Additionally, the shadows cast by deep water hydrangeas often resolve into this cool, muted tone.

How To Use Purple navy

As a senior designer, I recommend using Purple navy as a rich neutral foundation in place of standard charcoal or black. It serves as an excellent backdrop for digital interfaces (specifically dark mode), allowing neon accents like lime green or coral to pop vibrantly without visual fatigue.

Related Words

uniformssyntheticintellectintrospectioniolitetwilighthydrangeasneutralinterfaces

Curated Palettes

#4E5180
#B8B8D1
#F2F2F2
#2C2E4A
#D4AF37

Academic Twilight

A sophisticated palette suitable for education or luxury branding.

#4E5180
#00FFC6
#FF00FF
#1A1B2E
#FFFFFF

Neon Cyberpunk

High contrast digital palette where purple navy acts as the deep background.

#4E5180
#708090
#A9A9A9
#E0FFFF
#556B2F

Mineral Calm

Earthy and grounded palette inspired by slate and stone.

Color Conversions

Hex
#4E5180
RGB
78, 81, 128
RGB %
31%, 32%, 50%
HSL
236°, 24%, 40%
HSV
236°, 39%, 50%
CMYK
39%, 37%, 0%, 50%
LAB
36.11, 11.30, -26.89
XYZ
9.98, 9.06, 21.65

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #4E5180;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(78, 81, 128);
Background Color
background-color: #4E5180;
Border
border: 3px solid #4E5180;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #4E518066;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #4E5180 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Purple navy

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Purple navy

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

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 Purple navy?

Explore color palettes containing Purple navy 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

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail
Contrast with White

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

Polychromos

indanthrene blue

#247#445E98

Buy

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Violet Brown

#129#694A72

Buy

Prismacolor

Periwinkle

#PC1025#50549B

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Purple navy?
The hex code for Purple navy is #4E5180. The RGB values are (78, 81, 128). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Purple navy?
Purple navy pairs well with its complementary color, Clay Creek (#7e7b4e). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Purple navy accessible for text?
No, Purple navy is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Purple navy in CSS?

You can use Purple navy in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.purple-navy {
  background-color: #4E5180;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.