Periwinkle vs. Lilac — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
Periwinkle is a light blue with a hint of purple, evoking a serene, delicate vibe, while lilac is a light purple that suggests spring and renewal, often with a pinkish hue.
Difference Between Periwinkle and Lilac
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Periwinkle, often associated with serenity and calm, is a pastel color that blends blue and purple hues, creating a soft and subtle visual appeal. This color is frequently used in designs and aesthetics that aim to evoke a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. On the other hand, lilac, rooted deeply in the imagery of early spring, is a light purple shade that often carries a slight pinkish tone. It embodies renewal, purity, and the youthful vitality of spring. The color is popular in floral designs, fashion, and decorations to introduce a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.
In nature, the periwinkle flower, from which the color takes its name, presents a delicate blue-purple hue that can vary slightly depending on the variety. This color mirrors the calm and gentle aspect of the flower itself, which is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions. Whereas lilac, both the color and the flower, is celebrated for its sweet fragrance and beautiful blooms that signal the arrival of spring. The color lilac is inspired by the light purple shades of lilac blossoms, symbolizing the beginning of a new cycle and the freshness of the season.
In the context of color psychology, periwinkle is often associated with creativity and the fostering of a peaceful, clear mind. Its blend of blue and purple combines the stability and calm of blue with the creativity and mystery of purple, making it an excellent choice for spaces meant to inspire or calm. Lilac, meanwhile, is seen as a color that stimulates emotional health, encourages youthfulness, and fosters an environment of comfort and nurturing. It is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and nerves, making it suitable for bedrooms, living spaces, and areas meant for relaxation.
The use of periwinkle in interior design often aims to create a space that feels both open and restful, with a touch of whimsy and creativity. It works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and nurseries, providing a backdrop that supports relaxation and imaginative thinking. Lilac's use in decor, by contrast, aims to infuse spaces with a sense of optimism, renewal, and soft elegance. It is especially favored in spring decor, floral arrangements, and as an accent color that brings warmth and lightness to a room.
In fashion, periwinkle offers a unique alternative to traditional blues and purples, serving as a versatile color that pairs well with a wide range of tones. It provides a subtle pop of color that is both understated and distinctive. Lilac, on the other hand, makes a bolder statement in fashion, often used to convey femininity, softness, and a playful spirit. It pairs beautifully with whites, creams, and other pastels, making it a popular choice for spring and summer wardrobes, as well as for special occasions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Hue
Light blue with a hint of purple
Light purple with a pinkish hue
Associated with
Serenity, calm, creativity
Renewal, purity, spring, youthfulness
Found in
Nature (flower), design, fashion
Nature (flower), fashion, interior decor
Color Psychology
Promotes peacefulness, stability, creativity
Encourages emotional health, comfort, nurturing
Use in Design
Aims for tranquility, open spaces, imaginative settings
Infuses spaces with optimism, renewal, soft elegance
Compare with Definitions
Periwinkle
A pastel color blending blue and purple.
The nursery was painted in a soothing periwinkle to create a tranquil atmosphere.
Lilac
Used in decor to bring warmth and lightness to spaces.
Lilac curtains brightened the room, adding a soft splash of color.
Periwinkle
Promotes creativity and peacefulness in color psychology.
The artist's studio was adorned with periwinkle accents to inspire creativity.
Lilac
Derived from the fragrant blooms of the lilac bush.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of lilacs in full bloom.
Periwinkle
Associated with serenity and calm.
She chose a periwinkle dress to reflect her serene personality.
Lilac
A light purple color with a pinkish hue.
The bridesmaids wore lilac gowns at the spring wedding.
Periwinkle
Used in design for tranquil and open spaces.
The periwinkle throw pillows added a touch of tranquility to the living room.
Lilac
Encourages emotional health and comfort in color psychology.
They painted the bedroom lilac to create a soothing retreat.
Periwinkle
Found in nature as a resilient flower.
Periwinkle flowers covered the garden bed, creating a carpet of blue-purple.
Lilac
Symbolizes renewal, purity, and youthfulness.
Lilac blooms in the garden signified the start of spring.
Periwinkle
An Old World plant with flat five-petalled, typically bluish flowers and glossy leaves. Some kinds are grown as ornamentals and some contain alkaloids used in medicine.
Lilac
A Eurasian shrub or small tree of the olive family, which has fragrant violet, pink, or white blossom and is a popular garden ornamental.
Periwinkle
Another term for winkle
Lilac
Any of various shrubs of the genus Syringa, especially S. vulgaris, which has been widely cultivated for its clusters of fragrant flowers that are usually purplish or white but may be pink, blue, or creamy yellow depending on the cultivar.
Periwinkle
Any of various marine snails of the family Littorinidae, having thick, cone-shaped, whorled shells, especially Littorina littorea, an edible species of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Lilac
A pale to light or moderate purple.
Periwinkle
The shell or the flesh of any of these snails.
Lilac
A large shrub of the genus Syringa, especially Syringa vulgaris, bearing white, pale-pink, or purple flowers.
Periwinkle
Any of several shrubby, trailing, evergreen plants of the genus Vinca, especially V. minor, having glossy, dark green, opposite leaves and flowers with a blue, funnel-shaped corolla.
Lilac
A flower of the lilac shrub.
Periwinkle
Any of several erect herbs of the genus Catharanthus, especially C. roseus, having flowers with a rose-pink or white salverform corolla and a closed throat.
Lilac
(color) A pale purple color, the color of some lilac flowers.
Periwinkle
A pale purplish blue.
Lilac
Having a pale purple colour.
Periwinkle
Any of several evergreen plants of the genus Vinca with blue or white flowers.
Lilac
A shrub of the genus Syringa. There are six species, natives of Europe and Asia. Syringa vulgaris, the common lilac, and Syringa Persica, the Persian lilac, are frequently cultivated for the fragrance and beauty of their purplish or white flowers. In the British colonies various other shrubs have this name.
Periwinkle
Similar plants of genus Catharanthus.
Lilac
A light purplish color like that of the flower of the purplish lilac.
Periwinkle
A color with bluish and purplish hues, somewhat light.
Lilac
Any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
Periwinkle
A mollusk of family Littorinidae.
Lilac
Of a pale purple color
Periwinkle
Of pale bluish purple colour.
Periwinkle
Any small marine gastropod shell of the genus Littorina. The common European species (Littorina littorea), in Europe extensively used as food, has recently become naturalized abundantly on the American coast. See Littorina.
Periwinkle
A trailing herb of the genus Vinca.
Periwinkle
Chiefly trailing poisonous plants with blue flowers
Periwinkle
Commonly cultivated Old World woody herb having large pinkish to red flowers
Periwinkle
Small edible marine snail; steamed in wine or baked
Periwinkle
Edible marine gastropod
Common Curiosities
How do periwinkle and lilac affect mood?
Periwinkle promotes peacefulness and creativity, whereas lilac encourages emotional health and comfort.
Which color is better for a calming bedroom ambiance?
Both can create a calming ambiance; periwinkle offers tranquility and creativity, while lilac adds softness and a sense of renewal.
Are periwinkle and lilac colors found in nature?
Yes, both colors are inspired by flowers—the periwinkle flower and the lilac bush, respectively.
What season is most associated with lilac?
Lilac is most associated with spring, symbolizing renewal and the blossoming of nature.
What is the primary difference between periwinkle and lilac?
Periwinkle is a blend of blue and purple that evokes tranquility, while lilac is a light purple that signifies renewal and spring.
Can periwinkle and lilac be used together in design?
Yes, periwinkle and lilac can complement each other in design, creating a serene and refreshing palette.
How do these colors influence fashion choices?
Periwinkle offers a subtle, creative flair, ideal for versatile looks, while lilac brings out femininity and playfulness, perfect for spring and summer.
Can men wear periwinkle and lilac?
Absolutely, both colors are versatile and can be stylish choices for men’s fashion as well.
Is periwinkle more blue or purple?
Periwinkle is a balance of blue and purple, but it leans slightly towards blue.
Does lilac have any symbolic meanings?
Lilac symbolizes youthful innocence, purity, and the joy of early spring.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Allegretto vs. Allegro
Next Comparison
Fur vs. SkinAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
