May 24, 2023
A delicate purple color with a muted, dusty appearance is called mauve. It is a sophisticated combination of pink, purple, and grey with a delicate pastel color that is popular in both home decor and fashion.
A young chemistry student named William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered mauve in the mid-19th century while attempting to synthesize quinine, a malaria medication.
Perkin accidentally produced a murky, purplish-black residue during one of his experiments, which he initially thought was a failure. But on closer inspection, he saw that it might be useful as a dye.
Perkin gave his new color the name “mauveine” and started manufacturing it on a large scale, quickly succeeding as an entrepreneur. The dye industry underwent a revolution after mauveine, the first synthetic dye to be produced commercially, was discovered.
It quickly gained popularity thanks to wealthy Victorians who admired its subdued, understated tones.
Mauveine is produced using a multi-step process that includes numerous chemical reactions, and it has a complex chemical makeup. Aniline is combined with a number of other chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid and antimony chloride, to create it.
The final dye, which has a rich, deep color and is perfect for use in textiles, is made from the resulting compound after it has undergone oxidation.
Different Variations of Mauve Color
Designers and artists frequently choose mauve because it is a versatile color with many variations. When developing color schemes for web and print design, it is crucial to understand the various mauve hues and variations.
The mauve color wheel is a helpful tool for choosing and coming up with mauve color schemes. The mauve color codes #E0B0FF, #B784A7, and #874C62 are some of the frequently used ones for print and web design.
Here are some common mauve variations:
Shades of Mauve Color
Mauve color variations offer a variety of opportunities for creative expression in fashion and design. Mauve has a variety of colors to choose from, whether you’re looking for a soft, subtle shade or a strong, dramatic hue.
Rose Mauve Color #AF9690
Rose mauve is a muted shade of pink with purple undertones. It has a romantic, vintage quality and works well in floral design and fashion. The color #AF9690 can be described in different color spaces. #AF9690 color RGB value is (175,150,144).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 37.31%
- Green: 31.98%
- Blue: 30.70%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 0%
- Magenta: 14%
- Yellow: 18%
- Key (Black): 31%
Brownish Mauve Color #62595F
Brownish mauve is a warm, earthy mauve color with undertones of brown. It works well in rustic and bohemian designs and has a warm, comforting quality. The color #62595F can be described in different color spaces. #62595F color RGB value is (98,89,95).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 34.75%
- Green: 31.56%
- Blue: 33.69%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 0%
- Magenta: 9%
- Yellow: 3%
- Key (Black): 62%
Purple Mauve Color #604B62
The color purple mauve has pink undertones and is rich and intense. It works well in fashion and graphic design because of its bold, dramatic quality. The color #604B62 can be described in different color spaces. #604B62 color RGB value is (96,75,98).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 35.69%
- Green: 27.88%
- Blue: 36.43%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 2%
- Magenta: 23%
- Yellow: 0%
- Key (Black): 62%
Dark Mauve Color #874C62
Dark mauve is a deep, rich purple color with brown undertones. As a result, it has a regal and sophisticated appearance and works well in formal settings. The color #874C62 can be described in different color spaces. #874C62 color RGB value is (135,76,98).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 43.69%
- Green: 24.60%
- Blue: 31.72%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 0%
- Magenta: 44%
- Yellow: 27%
- Key (Black): 47%
Reddish Mauve Color #953553
Reddish mauve is a warm, reddish shade of mauve with brown undertones. It has a cozy, inviting quality and works well in autumnal design and fashion. The color #953553 can be described in different color spaces. #953553 color RGB value is (175,150,144).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 52.28%
- Green: 18.60%
- Blue: 29.12%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 0%
- Magenta: 64%
- Yellow: 44%
- Key (Black): 42%
Heather Mauve Color #A14189
A muted, light shade of mauve called “heather mauve” is reminiscent of heather flowers. It works well in fashion and interior design because of its gentle, calming quality. The color #A14189 can be described in different color spaces. #A14189 color RGB value is (161,65,137).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 44.35%
- Green: 17.91%
- Blue: 37.74%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 0%
- Magenta: 60%
- Yellow: 15%
- Key (Black): 37%
Deep Mauve Color #D473D4
A deep, dark purple with blue undertones is known as deep mauve. It’s enigmatic and moody, and it looks great in fashion and interior design. The color #D473D4 can be described in different color spaces. #D473D4 color RGB value is (212,115,212).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 39.33%
- Green: 21.34%
- Blue: 39.33%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 0%
- Magenta: 46%
- Yellow: 0%
- Key (Black): 17%
Pink Mauve Color #C77398
The shade of mauve pink is a light, delicate shade of pink with mauve undertones. It is a feminine, romantic color that is suitable for fashion and floral design. The color #C77398 can be described in different color spaces. #C77398 color RGB value is (199,115,152).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 42.70%
- Green: 24.68%
- Blue: 32.62%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 0%
- Magenta: 42%
- Yellow: 24%
- Key (Black): 22%
Light Mauve Color #C292A1
A delicate, light shade of mauve with pink undertones is known as light mauve. It works well in fashion and interior design because of its light, calming quality. The color #C292A1 can be described in different color spaces. #C292A1 color RGB value is (194,146,161).
The composition is in the RGB color space with the following values:
- Red: 38.72%
- Green: 29.14%
- Blue: 32.14%
The corresponding values for the CMYK color space are as follows:
- Cyan: 0%
- Magenta: 25%
- Yellow: 17%
- Key (Black): 24%
Mauve Color Combinations
A great way to achieve a unified look in your design or clothing is to combine various mauve hues.
There are many options available when it comes to colors that compliment mauve. Mauve looks sophisticated and elegant when paired with neutral colors like beige, ivory, and grey.
Teal, fuchsia, and gold, in contrast, make a striking contrast with mauve and add energy and vibrancy to the design.
It’s crucial to take the desired mood and feel into account when selecting colors to go with and enhance mauve in a design.
For example, pairing mauve with delicate pastels like pale pink or blue produces a calming and soothing ambiance while doing the same with bright jewel tones like emerald or sapphire results in a more energizing and vibrant ambiance.
Use mauve and the 60-30-10 rule to create a harmonious and eye-catching color palette. One color must make up 60% of the design, another 30%, and a third 10% according to this rule.
Consider using mauve for 60% of the design, a complementary color for 30%, and a neutral color for 10%. As a result, the color palette can be varied and made to look interesting while maintaining a sense of balance and coherence.
When it comes to creating color combinations with mauve, there are several color-matching techniques you can use to achieve a cohesive and visually appealing look.
Complementary Color Matching
Pairing colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel are known as complementary color matching. Shades of green and blue are some colors that go well with mauve. You could, for instance, combine mauve with a rich teal or a delicate aqua to produce a striking and well-balanced color scheme. For example, the combination of #E0B0FF and #CFFFB0.
Analogous Color Matching
Utilizing colors that are adjacent to one another on the color wheel are known as analogous color matching. This could include pinkish and purple tones for mauve. For instance, you could combine mauve with light pink and dark purple to create a calming and harmonious color scheme. For example, the combination of #FFB0F7, #E0B0FF, and #B8AFFE.
Monochromatic Color Matching
Monochromatic color matching involves using different shades of the same color. For mauve, this could include light and dark shades of mauve, as well as brownish mauve and rose mauve. This approach creates a cohesive and elegant color palette that is easy on the eyes. For example, the combination of #B783A7, #C49CB7, #D2B5C9, and #E2CEDA.
Triadic Color Matching
Three colors that are equally spaced apart on the color wheel are used in triad color matching. Green and yellow tones are possible here for mauve. A harmonious and energizing color scheme might be made, for instance, by combining mauve with gentle sage green and a pale yellow. For example, the combination of #E0AFFE, #D0FFB0, and #FFC9B1.
Tetradic Color Matching
Using four colors that are equally spaced apart on the color wheel is known as tetradic color matching. This could include pink and blue tones for mauve. For example, the combination of #E0AFFE, #FFEFB1, #D0FFB0, and #FFB0D0.
For instance, you could combine mauve with dark navy blue, a delicate baby pink, and light lavender to produce a lively and vivid color scheme.
Mauve vs. Pink: What’s the Difference and How to Use Them Together
Pink and mauve are two hues that are frequently used interchangeably but are actually quite dissimilar. Pink is a more vivid, more intense shade of red, whereas mauve is a more subdued, greyish-purple color with a hint of brown or pink.
The degree of saturation between mauve and pink is one of their main differences. Compared to pink, mauve has a lower intensity or brightness because it is less saturated.
Pink is a pure, bright color without any grey or brown undertones, whereas mauve is a more subdued color with a faint undertone of grey or brown.
Despite their differences, mauve and pink can be combined to create a delicate color palette in design projects. Finding the ideal balance between these colors is crucial when using them together.
For instance, to create a striking contrast, pair a soft, muted mauve with a bright, vibrant pink. You could also combine a light, pastel pink with a dark, rich mauve to produce a more subdued and understated color scheme.
Wedding invitations, clothing, and interior design are a few examples of design projects that combine mauve and pink. These colors can be used in these settings to produce a romantic, feminine atmosphere that is both chic and sophisticated.
How Mauve Color is Used in Different Design Fields
The color mauve is adaptable and can be used in a variety of design contexts, including fashion, graphic design, and interior design.
Here are some instances of how the color mauve has been used in various design contexts:
- Fashion: Especially in clothing and accessories like scarves, bags, and shoes, the color mauve is popular among women’s fashion. Mauve is frequently used to produce a stylish, ethereal, and feminine look.
- Graphic Design: In graphic design, the color mauve can be used to produce a variety of different visual effects. For a delicate, understated look that is both elegant and understated, mauve is frequently used in logos, advertisements, and web design.
- Interior Design: Interior designers frequently use the color mauve, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. A color palette that is harmonious and visually appealing can be made by combining mauve with a variety of other hues to produce a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Product Design: Additionally, mauve is a well-liked color in product design, especially for cosmetics and beauty items. Mauve is frequently used to produce a soft, natural look that is elegant and flattering.
A variety of design disciplines use the popular and adaptable color mauve. Mauve is a color you can use to create a soft, sophisticated look that is both elegant and understated, whether you are designing a fashion collection, a logo, or decorating a living room.
