Lavender (color) Facts for Kids

This box shows the color lavender.

A lavender flower

Lavender is a beautiful and popular color. It is a light shade of violet, which is a mix of blue and red.

The color lavender gets its name from the lovely lavender plant and its flowers. At first, the word "lavender" only described the exact color of this flower. Today, the flower's color is still the main example of lavender. However, many other light or medium shades of violet are also called lavender.

The color of the actual lavender flower can be called floral lavender. Other shades of lavender can look a bit different. Some might be more pinkish-purple, while others lean towards blueish-indigo. Lavender colors can also be very light and pale, or they can be medium and even a bit greyish.

By the 1930s, a book called A Dictionary of Color listed three main types of lavender. These were [floral] lavender, lavender gray, and lavender blue. There was also a fourth type called old lavender, which was a dark lavender gray. Later, by 1955, another book listed many different shades of lavender.

The first time the word "lavender" was used to describe a color in the English language was in the year 1705.

What Makes Lavender Special?
- Lavender in Art and Design
- Different Shades of Lavender
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What Makes Lavender Special?

Lavender is a soft and calming color. It is often linked to things like peace, quiet, and even magic. Because it comes from the lavender plant, it also reminds people of nature and pleasant smells.

Lavender in Art and Design

Artists often use lavender to create a gentle mood. Designers use it in clothes, home decor, and even websites. It can make things look elegant and dreamy.

Different Shades of Lavender

There are many different shades that fall under the name "lavender." Some are very light, almost white, while others are deeper and richer. Each shade has its own unique feel. For example, some might be called "lavender blush" because they have a pinkish tint, while others are "lavender blue" because they have more blue in them.