African Violet

Technical Profile

What color is African Violet? It's a medium warm purple with the hex code #665385. Colors similar to African Violet include Benjamin Moore Your Majesty, Behr Virtual Violet, Behr Purple Sky. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. African 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. African Violet (#665385) by Sherwin-Williams is a medium purple paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a versatile mid-tone depth that anchors a room without overwhelming it. 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. A Light Reflectance Value of 36 gives it moderate light reflection, striking a balance between brightness and depth. This mid-tone purple adds creative energy to home offices, accent walls, and eclectic living rooms. A satin or eggshell finish brings out the richness at this depth, and the slight sheen makes walls easier to maintain. For color coordination, African Violet pairs beautifully with green tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring magenta 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 Sherwin-Williams is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Benjamin Moore, Behr and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, African Violet strikes a cozy, amber-toned balance that feels like late-afternoon light filtering through linen curtains. 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 Sherwin-Williams palette, African Violet benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, African 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. Mid-tone shades like this look best when balanced with a mix of textures — think leather seating, brushed brass hardware, woven wool, and raw-edge wood. You can order African Violet (6982) directly from Sherwin-Williams or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.