Lavender #B57EDC
Lavender, given here as #B57EDC, is a light-to-medium purple with a soft blue undertone. It is cool, moderately saturated, and gentle on the eye. It takes its name and most of its meaning from the herb: rows of purple blooms, calming scents, and spa shelves.
The CSS keyword lavender is a very pale, almost white #E6E6FA. #B57EDC is the stronger 'floral' lavender, closer to the color of the flowers themselves.
| HEX | #B57EDC | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(181, 126, 220) | |
| HSL | hsl(275, 57%, 68%) | |
| HSV | hsv(275, 43%, 86%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(18%, 43%, 0%, 14%) |
Text on Lavender
Black text reads better on Lavender. Ratios use the WCAG 2 formula: 4.5:1 passes AA for body text, 3:1 passes for large text.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Colors that go with Lavender
Lavender tints and shades
Tints mix Lavender with white, shades mix it with black, in 15% steps. Copy any code, or open the tint and shade generator for a full scale.
Tints
Shades
Lavender color schemes
Color-wheel harmonies built by rotating the hue of #B57EDC and keeping its saturation and lightness.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split complementary
Tetradic
Lavender color meaning
Lavender's meaning comes largely from the plant. The herb is widely used in soaps, oils, and sleep products for its scent, so the color carries a strong link to relaxation, rest, and self-care. Rows of lavender in Provence, in southern France, are one of the most familiar images tied to it.
It is softer than purple and less sugary than pink, which makes it feel calm and faintly nostalgic. Many people think of it as gentle, graceful, and quietly romantic.
In the United States, lavender also has a long connection to LGBTQ history. The lesbian feminist group that called itself the Lavender Menace in 1970 is one well-known example. That association is well known in the US but may not register elsewhere.
How to use Lavender in design
Use dark text on #B57EDC for normal reading; charcoal, deep purple, and black all work. White text only holds up at large, bold sizes. Lavender suits beauty, wellness, sleep, and feminine-leaning brands, and it makes a friendly accent in illustration and onboarding screens.
For larger backgrounds, a paler lavender tint is easier on the eyes than this mid-tone. In interiors, lavender bedrooms and bathrooms feel restful, especially with white, sage, and natural wood. On social posts, it makes a soft backdrop for product shots of skincare, candles, or tea.
Palettes with Lavender tones
Curated palettes with a color close to #B57EDC.
Colors similar to Lavender
Work with Lavender
Lavender FAQ
What is the difference between lavender and lilac?
Lavender (#B57EDC) is cooler and more saturated, with a slight blue lean. Lilac (#C8A2C8) is paler, grayer, and pinker. Both are named after flowers, and people often swap the names. If you want a soft, dusty pink-purple, choose lilac; if you want something clearer and cooler, choose lavender.
What colors go with lavender?
Sage, mint, and soft greens echo the plant itself. Cream, white, and light gray keep it airy, and charcoal adds contrast for text. For warmer palettes, try pastel yellow or peach. Lavender also works with gold accents for weddings and with navy for a more grown-up look.
Is lavender a calming color?
Many people find it soothing, mainly because of the plant's link to rest and relaxation. Its soft saturation and cool tone help. That is why it is common in bedrooms, spas, and sleep products. A very saturated lavender can still feel lively, so pick a softer tint if calm is the goal.