First Published: April 2023
Updated: November 2026
Indigo vs Violet: More Than Just Colour Theory
Before we dive into the difference between indigo and violet, it’s worth noting why this matters for your home. Indigo is a deeply calming, sophisticated tone that can transform a space. At Download Artwork, we believe that understanding colour is the first step to choosing the right art. Let’s explore the history of indigo, how it differs from violet, and how you can bring this mystical colour into your interior design.
Indigo is a deep, dark blue colour. It’s often used to describe something that’s mysterious or mystical. The colour indigo is sometimes referred to as “blue-violet” or “violet-blue”, as it’s a combination of both colours. In our colour swatch above we have chosen a range from Indigo Hex #4B0082 to Indigo Blue Hex #3F0FB7.
The History and Cultural Significance of the Colour Indigo
The colour indigo has a rich history and cultural significance. In ancient times, the colour was used to dye fabrics and was associated with wealth and power.
The production of indigo dye is a practice that has a long history, especially in India, which was the main source of it during the Greco-Roman period. In the 17th century, indigo dye became a highly prized resource in Europe and was imported from India through the Silk Road.
Issac Newton identified indigo in the range of light that is visible to the human eye. It is placed somewhere between blue and violet and is one of the colors in a rainbow. There is some disagreement on its precise location, as it can look like it is blending into both blue and violet, or even absent from the spectrum altogether.
Indigo has been used to represent a variety of things throughout history. It’s been used to represent royalty, mysticism, and spirituality. Today, the colour is often used to represent trust, wisdom, and intuition.
How to Use the Colour Indigo in Interior Design
Indigo is a powerful colour, but it can feel intimidating. Here is how to use it in your home without making the room feel dark or heavy:
- Use it as an accent: You don’t need to paint a whole wall. A single piece of indigo abstract art against a neutral wall creates an instant focal point. Try our Luminous Art collection for a modern take on indigo.
- Add depth and mood: Indigo is the colour of twilight and deep water. It creates a calming, contemplative atmosphere. It is perfect for a bedroom or a reading nook. Pair it with warm lighting and natural textures like linen or wood.
- Create striking contrast: Indigo pairs beautifully with warm metallics (brass, copper) or soft blush pinks. For a bolder look, pair it with mustard yellow or burnt orange like this example with Duncan Young’s weird sea creature print.
- Go tonal: Layer different shades of indigo and blue together. Start with a dark indigo feature wall, then add lighter blue artwork and soft grey textiles.
Indigo in Art
The color indigo has a rich and storied history in the world of art, dating back centuries. Its deep, captivating hue has been a favorite among artists for its ability to evoke a range of emotions and atmospheres.
Indigo was used by the Romans as a painting pigment, prized for its vibrant and enduring color. By the 14th century, it had been adopted by European artists, becoming a staple in their palettes. This pigment was not only valued for its beauty but also for its rarity and the complex process required to produce it from the indigo plant.
One of the most fascinating discoveries in recent years was the identification of indigo pigments in Johannes Vermeer’s masterpiece, Girl with a Pearl Earring. In 2018, researchers found that Vermeer had used indigo to achieve the painting’s subtle yet striking tones. This discovery highlights the enduring appeal and versatility of indigo in creating depth and dimension in art.
You can read more about Girl with a Pearl Earring in our Printable Artworks blog.
Indigo is often used to create a moody or mysterious atmosphere in artworks. Its deep, rich tones can evoke feelings of introspection and contemplation. This makes it a popular choice for artists looking to add a layer of emotional complexity to their work. Whether in classic paintings or modern digital printable artworks, indigo can transform a piece, adding a sense of intrigue and allure.
Versatility in Art Styles
The versatility of indigo is evident in its use across various styles of art. From the detailed and realistic works of the Renaissance to the abstract and experimental pieces of contemporary art, indigo remains a beloved color. Artists today continue to explore its potential, using it in everything from traditional paintings to innovative digital creations.
In the present day, indigo dyeing and pigment use remain sources of inspiration for creative minds. Artists around the world are experimenting with indigo, creating stunning paintings, installations, mixed media artworks, and even studio pottery. The unique properties of indigo, such as its transparency and ability to create a wide range of shades, make it a popular choice for modern artistry.
Comparing Indigo to Other Colours – Violet, Blue, Purple
Indigo is often compared to other colours, such as violet, blue, and purple. Here’s a quick comparison of the colours.
- Blue, violet and indigo are visible on the rainbow, which makes them pure.
- Purple is a “perceived colour” and is generally described as an equal mix of blue and red.
- Blue is one of the three primary colours – the other two being red and yellow.
- Indigo is a deep and bright shade of blue (a secondary colour). It’s an approximate combination of three parts blue and one part red.
- Violet is at the bottom of the visible colour spectrum and is the last color that our eyes can see before the spectrum becomes ultraviolet. It’s an approximate combination of two-thirds blue and one-third red.
Our William Morris’ ‘Larkspur’ pattern leans heavily into the violet spectrum, it perfectly demonstrates how a deep, rich purple can evoke the same mystical, historical weight as indigo. If you love the depth of indigo but want a touch more warmth, this is the perfect piece.
Conclusion
The colour indigo is a deep, dark blue colour with a rich history and cultural significance. It’s associated with intuition, wisdom, and trust. The colour can be used in a variety of ways in interior design, and it’s often compared to other colours such as violet, blue, and purple. Take a look at a collection of our Indigo and Violet Printable Artworks in our online store.
Indigo Printable Artwork Ideas
Well no that you know more about indigo why not take a look a some stunning indigo prints? We have everything from indigo abstract art to vintage printable artworks with an indigo vibe.
This stunning printable artwork by Michael Paul Bennett effortlessly utilizes all blue, purple, indigo and violet.
