Modest Violet

Technical Profile

What color is Modest Violet? It's a very light warm purple with the hex code #E9E4EF. Colors similar to Modest Violet include Behr Coquette, Benjamin Moore Misty Lilac, Behr Pearl Violet. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Modest Violet has a cool (violet) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Modest Violet (#E9E4EF) by Dunn-Edwards is a very light purple paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. It delivers an airy, open feeling that maximizes the sense of space in any room. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. With a Light Reflectance Value of 90, it reflects the vast majority of light, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. A whisper of lavender like this is serene in bedrooms, powder rooms, and feminine-styled sitting rooms. An eggshell or matte finish works well at this lightness, hiding minor wall imperfections while still being easy to wipe clean. For color coordination, Modest Violet pairs beautifully with green tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring magenta and blue hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (violet) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Dunn-Edwards is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Behr, Benjamin Moore, Valspar and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Modest Violet evokes the soft glow of morning sunlight, creating a gentle, optimistic ambiance. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for eclectic, glam, and romantic vintage décor. As part of the Dunn-Edwards palette, Modest Violet benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Modest Violet are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. Very light shades can sometimes read as stark white on small swatches — viewing a larger area in your intended space reveals the true character of the color. Pair this shade with natural linen, light oak, rattan, and marble for a fresh, layered look, or contrast it with dark walnut and wrought iron for more definition. You can order Modest Violet (DE5945) directly from Dunn-Edwards or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.