French Violet

Technical Profile

What color is French Violet? It's a light warm blue with the hex code #988EB4. Colors similar to French Violet include Sherwin-Williams Brave Purple, Benjamin Moore Snugglepuss, Vista Paint Yolanda. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. French Violet has a warm (pink) 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. French Violet (#988EB4) by PPG is a light blue paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. Its Light Reflectance Value of 58 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light blues are classic in bathrooms, bedrooms, and coastal-themed living rooms. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, French Violet pairs beautifully with green tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring purple and blue hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its warm (pink) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If PPG is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Vista Paint and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, French Violet radiates an inviting, sun-washed warmth that makes guests feel immediately at ease. 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 nautical, classic traditional, and Hamptons-style interiors. As part of the PPG palette, French Violet benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, French Violet can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order French Violet (1175-5) directly from PPG or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.