Periwinkle hydrangea, bench, bird
These color names are interchangeable, both referring to a blue-purple mix. There are some that lean more blue and some more lavender and more subdued grayed versions. In the language of flowers, Periwinkles carry the symbolic meaning of faith, trust, and lasting love. In folklore, Cornflowers, or Bachelors Buttons, were worn by young men in love; if the flower faded too quickly, it was taken as a sign that the man's love was not returned. Hydrangeas too come in a periwinkle range of colors.
If it is bright, periwinkle is cheerful and youthful and works well for a boy’s or girl’s room or the front door. If it is softer and paler, it is ephemeral and airy and can work for a kitchen or bedroom. If it is grayed, it feels laid back and soothing as a bedroom or living room.
French Provencal fabrics have time-honored color combinations that use all colors, but I especially love the periwinkle/yellow combinations.
See below for a range of periwinkle paint colors to use in your decor. I’ve included the Light Reflectance Value (LRV). The range is 0-100, with 100 reflecting all the light available.
Benjamin Moore, Blue Ice 821, LRV 59. A very pale periwinkle blue for a ceiling or child’s room.
Behr Simply Blue PPU 15-16, LRV 49. A mid-range value that leans blue with a nice amount of gray. Great for a bedroom.
Ralph Lauren Veranda Iris CO18A, LRV 38. A beautiful blue-grayed version like the AirMail paper of the past.
Benjamin Moore California Lilac 2068-40, LRV 27. A bright version with equal parts purple and blue, great for a front door, or a piece of furniture.
Farrow and Ball Bothy Blue G11, LRV 23. A dark subdued periwinkle.