Lavender and lilac are two popular shades of light purple that are often confused with each other. Though they may look similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between these two hues. In this article, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of lavender and lilac and highlight how to tell these two purples apart.
Defining Lavender
Lavender is a light, cool-toned shade of purple that got its name from the aromatic flower of the same name. It sits between violet and blue on the color wheel, though it leans more towards grey with hints of blue.
True lavender has a muted, soft quality to it. It’s classy and beautiful, making me think of English gardens and flower bouquets. Lavender is a color that represents peace, femininity, and grace.
Lavender can range from very pale almost white variations to richer shades that have more pigment. However even deeper lavender hues retain their cool, blueish undertone.
Defining Lilac
Like lavender, lilac is a light purple that gets its name from the blossoms of the lilac plant. However, lilac has a warmer, pinkish quality that sets it apart from the cooler lavender.
If lavender sits between blue and violet, lilac falls between pink and purple. It has a vibrant, saturated appearance compared to the more subdued lavender.
Lilac evokes feelings of youthfulness, innocence, and first love. It has a more playful, whimsical vibe than lavender. From pale, airy lilacs to vivid variations, the hue always maintains its distinctive warmth.
Comparing Color Undertones
One big difference between lavender and lilac is the color of their undertones. Undertones are the soft colors that change the main shade of a color.
- Lavender has cool, blue-gray undertones
- Lilac has warm, pink-red undertones
These contrasting undertones are what make lavender and lilac appear distinctly different from one another.
Lavender’s coolness gives it a more sedate, peaceful look. Lilac’s warmth provides vibrancy and energy. It’s easier to see these undertones when they are lighter or less strong.
Lighting Effects
Different types of lighting can also affect lavender and lilac shades.
Under warm, incandescent lighting, lavender may skew more grey-blue. Meanwhile, lilac remains vivid.
Conversely, under cool fluorescent lighting, lavender maintains its muted tone while lilac can look slightly less warm.
Observing colors under different lighting provides a useful way to distinguish between similar hues like lavender and lilac.
Comparing Hue
What color is a hue? Hue is where a color is on the visible spectrum. Both lavender and lilac are shades of purple. However, their specific hue differs.
Lavender has a blue-based hue, meaning it falls closer to the blue and violet part of the color spectrum.
Lilac has a red-based or pink-based hue, placing it near the red and purple segment.
Examining the exact hue helps further differentiate these two purple tones. While easy to confuse at first glance, close inspection reveals lavender’s subtle coolness and lilac’s inherent warmth.
Coordinate Colors
Certain color combinations can accentuate the distinctive characteristics of lavender versus lilac.
Lavender coordinates beautifully with other cool colors like blues, greens, silvers, and greys. For example, lavender and navy blue make a sophisticated pairing.
Lilac looks radiant against warm metallics like copper and gold. Rich greens and deep blues make an energetic contrast with lilac’s vibrancy.
Observing coordinate colors allows the unique traits of each purple to stand out. Lavender’s cool elegance or lilac’s vibrant energy becomes clearer.
Comparing Color Symbolism
Interestingly, lavender and lilac each boast their own symbolic meanings. These associations help highlight the personality differences between the two hues.
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Lavender symbolizes:
- Serenity
- Grace
- Calmness
- Femininity
- Balance
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Lilac symbolizes:
- Joy
- Playfulness
- First love
- Innocence
- Youthfulness
Lavender embodies tranquility and refinement. Lilac expresses energy and new beginnings.
Using Lavender vs. Lilac in Design
When using lavender and lilac in design or decor, consider the different moods each evokes:
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Lavender works beautifully in bedrooms, promoting relaxation. Its cool tone feels soothing and peaceful.
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Lilac makes a fun accent color in children’s spaces like playrooms. Its vibrancy and energy inspires creativity.
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Light, airy lavenders can create an open, breezy look especially when paired with whites or greys.
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Vivid lilacs contrast elegantly with dark neutrals like black, brown, or navy.
Keep these subtle emotional cues in mind when incorporating either hue.
Comparing Namesakes
Finally, examining the original namesake flowers provides more clues to the divergence of lavender and lilac.
Lavender blooms on slender green stems in bunches. The flowers and foliage have a muted grey-blue color.
Lilac blooms abundantly in large clusters on bushes. The blossoms display a wide range of colors from pale pink to vivid purple.
These natural counterparts share similarities with their color namesakes – lavender is demure like the flower, while lilac has the same bold vibrancy as the bush.
How to Tell Lavender and Lilac Apart
Now that we’ve explored all the distinctive characteristics of lavender and lilac, let’s recap how to tell these two popular purples apart:
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Observe undertones – Lavender has cool blue-grey undertones. Lilac has warm, reddish undertones.
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View in different lighting – Lavender retains its cool muted tone. Lilac remains vivid.
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Compare hue – Lavender has a blue-based hue. Lilac has a red or pink hue.
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Coordinate with accent colors – Lavender goes well with other cool colors like blues and greens. Lilac looks vibrant against warm metallics and neutrals.
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Note color symbolism – Lavender represents tranquility and femininity. Lilac symbolizes energy and youthfulness.
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Look to their origins – Lavender flowers are muted and elegant. Lilac blooms are abundantly colorful.
So although lavender and lilac may seem similar initially, upon closer inspection, it becomes quite apparent how their unique characteristics set them apart. Next time you’re wondering which purple you’re looking at, keep these distinguishing factors in mind. With just a little attention to detail, you’ll be able to discern between lovely lavender and lively lilac.
Growing conditions: Can Lilac and Lavender Grow Together?
I would not recommend growing these two plants because each requires different conditions.
The lavender plant can handle hot and dry conditions better than the lilac plant, which likes cooler weather and moist soil. Lavender thrives in Mediterranean climates, while lilac grows best in temperate climates with cool summers.
Lavender does better in dry, rocky, slightly alkaline soil that doesn’t need as much watering than lilac bush does in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Lilac bush can’t handle drought.
While both herbs require full sun to grow and bloom, lavender can tolerate more intense sun exposure than lilac.
In addition, lilacs require pruning to maintain their shape and encourage blooming, and lavender to prevent woody growth and promote bushiness.
Fragrance: Do lilac and lavender smell the same?
Lilac and lavender are popular flowers for their pleasant strong fragrance.
Lilac has a unique sweet, floral scent with a hint of spiciness. Often described as being fresh and clean, the lilac fragrance can be quite strong. Lilac smells more intense than lavender, and it is often used in perfumes, oils, and candles.
On the other hand, the lavender scent is more earthy with a slightly sweet and floral note. Lavender’s sweet scent is more subtle than lilac’s and is often used in skincare products such as soaps, lotions or salves.
What is the difference between lavender and lilac| how to make lavender| how to make lilac
FAQ
Are lilac and lavender the same thing?
No, lilac and lavender are not exactly the same, though they are both pale shades of purple and often confused. Lilac is a light purple color that leans pink, while lavender is a light purple color that leans blue or gray.
Which is lighter, lavender or lilac?
Yes, lilac is generally lighter than lavender. Lilac typically has a pinkish undertone, making it brighter and lighter than lavender, which tends to have a more bluish or greyish undertone.
Do lilac and lavender go together?
Yes, lilac and lavender can absolutely be paired together!
Is Liliac lavender?
Lilac is a very large hardy shrub/small tree reaching a height of some 20 feet. It is a member of the family Oleaceae and its botanical name is Syringa vulgaris. Lavender is the common name for the genus Lavandula, which contains 39 known species of (mostly) small shrubs. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae.