Purple gray palettes blend the calm neutrality of gray with the creative, expressive undertone of purple. The result is a modern set of colors that feels soft, elevated, and easy to use across digital and print.

Below are 20 purple gray color palette ideas with HEX codes, moods, and ready-to-copy prompts you can use to generate matching visuals for UI, branding, posters, packaging, and editorial layouts.

In this article
  1. Why Purple Gray Palettes Work So Well
    1. misty lilac granite
    2. twilight mauve slate
    3. orchid ash harmony
    4. plum fog concrete
    5. lavender steel calm
    6. amethyst pewter night
    7. iris smoke minimal
    8. violet graphite luxe
    9. heather storm office
    10. wisteria stone spa
    11. mulberry cloud tech
    12. lilac charcoal contrast
    13. dusty violet cement
    14. purple haze alloy
    15. periwinkle coal modern
    16. mauve granite paper
    17. grape quartz boutique
    18. royal plum silverline
    19. lavender rain metro
    20. soft aubergine smoke
  2. What Colors Go Well with Purple Gray?
  3. How to Use a Purple Gray Color Palette in Real Designs
  4. Create Purple Gray Palette Visuals with AI

Why Purple Gray Palettes Work So Well

Purple gray sits in a sweet spot between expressive and neutral. The purple undertone adds personality, while the gray influence keeps the overall look controlled and professional.

These palettes also scale beautifully across backgrounds, surfaces, and typography. Light lilacs can act like “tinted whites,” mid mauves handle UI surfaces and brand accents, and deep charcoals deliver strong readability without pure black.

Because they’re naturally muted, purple gray combinations feel modern and premium in both digital interfaces and print materials, especially when you want calm contrast instead of loud saturation.

20+ Purple Gray Color Palette Ideas (with HEX Codes)

1) Misty Lilac Granite

misty lilac granite color palette with hex codes

HEX: #e7dff2 #cbb9d8 #9b8aa6 #6e6675 #2f2c35

Mood: airy, calm, modern

Best for: calm landing page ui

Like morning fog drifting over lilac blooms, this purple gray color palette balances softness with structure. Use the light lilac as a page background, then step down through muted mauves for sections and cards. Keep the granite charcoal for headings and primary buttons to hold contrast without feeling harsh. It works especially well for UI when you want a soothing, trustworthy first impression.

Image example of misty lilac granite generated using media.io

calm saas landing ui
Prompt: 2d ui mockup of a calm saas landing page layout with hero header, navigation, feature cards, testimonials, and pricing table, flat design, clean grid, no device frame, plain background --ar 16:9
Media.io
Media.io is an online AI studio for creating and editing video, image, and audio in your browser.
media.io media.io

2) Twilight Mauve Slate

twilight mauve slate color palette with hex codes

HEX: #e8d0df #b597ab #7f6f80 #59555f #26242a

Mood: moody, refined, minimalist

Best for: minimal brand identity

This set feels like twilight clouds settling into slate rooftops, with mauve glow tucked inside the shadows. A purple gray color palette with hex codes like these is ideal when you want elegance without loud saturation. Use the mid mauve for signature elements, and reserve the near-black for wordmarks and type hierarchy. It’s a strong choice for branding where print and digital need consistent contrast.

Image example of twilight mauve slate generated using media.io

minimal brand identity kit
Prompt: 2d graphic design brand identity board on a plain background showing logo lockup, color swatches, typography samples, business card front and back, minimalist layout, no hands, no scene --ar 4:3

3) Orchid Ash Harmony

orchid ash harmony color palette with hex codes

HEX: #f3e6f5 #d0b7d1 #a08aa3 #6c6672 #3a383f

Mood: soft, romantic, balanced

Best for: music festival poster

Orchid petals against ash-toned stone inspire the gentle contrast in this purple gray color palette. Start with the pale lavender as negative space, then layer dusty purple for shapes and highlights. Use the darker grays to anchor the title and event details for crisp readability. It’s especially effective for posters that need a dreamy vibe while staying legible from a distance.

Image example of orchid ash harmony generated using media.io

festival poster layout
Prompt: graphic design of a music festival poster on a plain background, bold headline, lineup text blocks, abstract geometric shapes, clean typography, high contrast, no hands, no table --ar 3:4

4) Plum Fog Concrete

plum fog concrete color palette with hex codes

HEX: #ecd8e2 #b48399 #7e6272 #5a5660 #2d2b32

Mood: cozy, upscale, grounded

Best for: skincare packaging

Think plum jam swirling through cool fog above concrete sidewalks—warmth and grit in one view. This purple gray color palette with hex codes gives skincare packaging a premium, modern calm. Use the muted plum for labels and accents, while the pale fog shade keeps the box feeling clean and airy. For packaging, keep text in the deep charcoal to stay readable under studio lighting.

Image example of plum fog concrete generated using media.io

skincare packaging mockup
Prompt: realistic studio shot of minimalist skincare packaging boxes and bottles with clean labels, soft diffused lighting, seamless neutral background, no props clutter, premium look --ar 3:2

5) Lavender Steel Calm

lavender steel calm color palette with hex codes

HEX: #eef0ff #c2c8e0 #8f94ad #636577 #2b2c33

Mood: cool, serene, contemporary

Best for: modern bedroom interior

This palette echoes lavender dusk reflected in brushed steel, cool and quietly comforting. A purple gray color palette like this works well when you want a restful base with just enough color personality. Paint or textiles can lean into the pale lavender, while steel grays support furniture and fixtures without clashing. It’s a dependable option for interiors where calm lighting and soft contrast matter.

Image example of lavender steel calm generated using media.io

modern bedroom interior
Prompt: photorealistic modern bedroom interior with soft lavender-gray walls, minimalist furniture, neutral bedding, subtle metallic accents, balanced natural light, calm atmosphere --ar 16:9

6) Amethyst Pewter Night

amethyst pewter night color palette with hex codes

HEX: #d9c9f5 #a394b8 #6b637a #4a4751 #1d1c21

Mood: dark, confident, sleek

Best for: analytics dashboard ui

Amethyst glints inside pewter shadows, like city lights after rain. This purple gray color palette with hex codes is perfect for data-heavy screens that need depth without fatigue. Use the amethyst tint for highlights and active states, and keep the darker neutrals for panels and navigation. It’s a strong fit for UI dashboards where hierarchy and focus states must be unmistakable.

Image example of amethyst pewter night generated using media.io

analytics dashboard ui
Prompt: 2d ui mockup of an analytics dashboard with sidebar navigation, KPI cards, line charts, bar charts, and tables, flat design, crisp typography, no device frame, plain background --ar 16:9

7) Iris Smoke Minimal

iris smoke minimal color palette with hex codes

HEX: #f2e9ff #c7bfd8 #968fa3 #6a6670 #3b3940

Mood: gentle, elegant, clean

Best for: wedding invitation suite

Like iris petals caught in soft smoke, these tones feel intimate and polished. A purple gray color palette brings romance without leaning too sugary, especially when paired with airy spacing. Use the palest shade for invitation stock, keep the mid lavender for decorative rules, and set typography in the deep gray for clarity. It’s a graceful choice for wedding invitations that need a modern, understated finish.

Image example of iris smoke minimal generated using media.io

wedding invitation suite
Prompt: graphic design wedding invitation suite on a plain background, invitation card, RSVP card, details card, minimalist floral line accents, elegant typography, no hands, no table --ar 4:3

8) Violet Graphite Luxe

violet graphite luxe color palette with hex codes

HEX: #cdb6ff #8a7aa8 #5b5668 #3a3943 #15141a

Mood: luxury, dramatic, modern

Best for: luxury perfume ad

This mix feels like violet velvet against graphite stone—rich, dark, and controlled. Use this purple gray color palette with hex codes to create premium contrast where highlights feel jewel-like. Let the light violet appear only on key callouts or reflections, while graphite supports the product silhouette. It shines for product ads that need a high-end, cinematic mood.

Image example of violet graphite luxe generated using media.io

perfume studio ad
Prompt: realistic studio shot of a luxury perfume bottle with subtle violet accents, dramatic softbox lighting, clean seamless dark-to-mid gray background, minimal composition, premium advertising style --ar 21:9

9) Heather Storm Office

heather storm office color palette with hex codes

HEX: #efe7f1 #c1b7c7 #8a8593 #5d5c66 #303038

Mood: professional, steady, understated

Best for: corporate presentation slides

Heather-toned skies before a storm give this set its quiet seriousness. A purple gray color palette like this helps presentations feel modern while staying business-appropriate. Use the light heather as slide backgrounds, mid gray for charts, and the darkest shade for headings to keep contrast consistent. It’s dependable for presentations when you want subtle color that won’t compete with data.

Image example of heather storm office generated using media.io

corporate slide deck
Prompt: 2d corporate presentation slide deck design on a plain background showing title slide, agenda, data chart slide, and quote slide, clean grid, modern typography, flat shapes, no devices --ar 16:9

10) Wisteria Stone Spa

wisteria stone spa color palette with hex codes

HEX: #f1eaff #d2c6e6 #a49db3 #6e6b77 #2e2d33

Mood: soothing, airy, natural

Best for: watercolor botanical illustration

Wisteria blossoms draping over smooth river stones inspired the gentle gradients here. This purple gray color palette with hex codes works beautifully when you want nature-inspired softness with enough neutral grounding. Layer the pale violet washes first, then deepen shadows with the grays to keep leaves and petals dimensional. It’s ideal for illustrations where calm, spa-like color tells the story.

Image example of wisteria stone spa generated using media.io

watercolor botanical sprig
Prompt: watercolor botanical illustration of wisteria sprigs and soft leaves, delicate washes, subtle paper texture, gentle shadows, no photo realism, clean white background --ar 3:2

11) Mulberry Cloud Tech

mulberry cloud tech color palette with hex codes

HEX: #e4d0e3 #b6a2b6 #7c6f7f #4f4c57 #242228

Mood: techy, soft, confident

Best for: app onboarding

Mulberry-tinted clouds over a dark horizon give this set a friendly, modern tech feel. A purple gray color palette helps onboarding screens feel welcoming while still serious enough for productivity apps. Use the lightest tone for screen backgrounds and reserve the deep gray for navigation and primary labels. It performs well for app onboarding where clarity and a gentle tone reduce friction.

Image example of mulberry cloud tech generated using media.io

onboarding screens ui
Prompt: 2d ui mockup of mobile app onboarding screens with three panels, simple illustrations, progress dots, primary button states, clean typography, flat design, no phone frame, plain background --ar 9:16

12) Lilac Charcoal Contrast

lilac charcoal contrast color palette with hex codes

HEX: #f6effa #b8a7c7 #7a6c86 #403c47 #1a191e

Mood: bold, editorial, high-contrast

Best for: magazine spread layout

This pairing feels like lilac ink on charcoal paper—clean, sharp, and stylish. Use the purple gray color palette with hex codes to control contrast in long-form layouts without resorting to pure black and white. Let lilac highlight pull quotes and section markers while charcoal supports body text and image captions. It’s a natural match for editorial design where hierarchy must stay crisp and elegant.

Image example of lilac charcoal contrast generated using media.io

magazine spread layout
Prompt: editorial magazine spread layout on a plain background, two-page grid, headline, subheads, body text columns, image placeholders, pull quote, modern typography, print design look --ar 4:3

13) Dusty Violet Cement

dusty violet cement color palette with hex codes

HEX: #e9d7ec #b9a1bf #867b8f #5e5a65 #33323a

Mood: urban, muted, calm

Best for: instagram quote templates

Dusty violet drifting across cement walls gives this palette an urban softness. A purple gray color palette like this keeps social graphics modern and readable without flashy saturation. Use the pale violet for backgrounds, the mid tones for frames or shapes, and the deep gray for the quote text. It works well for social posts when you want consistency across a feed and easy typographic contrast.

Image example of dusty violet cement generated using media.io

quote post templates
Prompt: graphic design set of square social media quote templates on a plain background, minimal shapes, bold typography, multiple layout variations, flat design, no hands, no scene --ar 1:1

14) Purple Haze Alloy

purple haze alloy color palette with hex codes

HEX: #d8cbe3 #a18cad #6d647a #45424e #1f1e24

Mood: cinematic, intense, sleek

Best for: cinematic movie poster

Purple haze over cold alloy metal creates a suspenseful, late-night atmosphere. Use this purple gray color palette with hex codes to build layered depth, letting the mid purples carry the mood while the dark grays deliver legible titles. Keep highlights sparse so the design feels cinematic rather than decorative. It’s ideal for movie posters where dramatic contrast and controlled color tell the genre instantly.

Image example of purple haze alloy generated using media.io

cinematic movie poster
Prompt: graphic design of a cinematic movie poster on a plain background, dramatic title typography, tagline, billing block, abstract smoky gradients and subtle texture, no photos, no hands --ar 2:3

15) Periwinkle Coal Modern

periwinkle coal modern color palette with hex codes

HEX: #dde6ff #a9b2d0 #747a95 #4c4f5e #22242b

Mood: modern, analytical, cool

Best for: data visualization dashboard

Periwinkle light against coal shadows feels like clear winter air over dark rock. A purple gray color palette helps charts and KPIs look modern while keeping the interface calm. Use periwinkle for data series highlights and hover states, and keep coal for axes, labels, and navigation. It’s a smart option for data dashboards where color must communicate without overwhelming the user.

Image example of periwinkle coal modern generated using media.io

data visualization dashboard
Prompt: 2d ui mockup of a data visualization dashboard with multiple charts, filters, legend, and KPI tiles, flat design, clean grid, accessible contrast, no device frame, plain background --ar 16:9

16) Mauve Granite Paper

mauve granite paper color palette with hex codes

HEX: #f2dfe8 #c3aab6 #8a7682 #5b5560 #2b2a31

Mood: warm, tactile, understated

Best for: notebook cover design

Mauve ink on granite paper brings a handmade calm, like pressed flowers in an old journal. This purple gray color palette with hex codes is great for covers that need a gentle, premium feel. Use the light blush-mauve for the base, add mid tones for patterns, and keep the charcoal for titles and spine text. It’s especially suited for notebook covers where subtle contrast reads well from a shelf.

Image example of mauve granite paper generated using media.io

notebook cover design
Prompt: graphic design of a minimalist notebook cover on a plain background, centered title typography, subtle pattern bands, clean margins, flat vector style, no hands, no mockup scene --ar 3:4

17) Grape Quartz Boutique

grape quartz boutique color palette with hex codes

HEX: #e6d1dd #b89aab #866b7a #5a525b #2c2a2f

Mood: boutique, chic, cozy

Best for: jewelry brand packaging

Grape skins and quartz crystal highlights give this set a boutique, gem-like softness. A purple gray color palette makes small packaging feel refined while keeping the brand approachable. Use the pale quartz tint for box surfaces, bring in grape tones for ribbons or seals, and set typography in the deep neutral for clarity. It’s ideal for ecommerce packaging where details must look premium in product photos.

Image example of grape quartz boutique generated using media.io

jewelry packaging mockup
Prompt: realistic studio shot of small jewelry boxes with minimalist logo print, tissue paper, and a subtle ribbon accent, clean seamless background, soft shadows, premium boutique styling --ar 3:2

18) Royal Plum Silverline

royal plum silverline color palette with hex codes

HEX: #c0a0d8 #846c99 #5b5467 #3e3b45 #1c1b20

Mood: regal, sleek, dramatic

Best for: fantasy book cover

Royal plum with a silverline edge feels like moonlight on velvet cloaks. This purple gray color palette with hex codes creates instant atmosphere while staying readable for titles and author names. Use plum for focal shapes or ornaments, keep mid grays for secondary text, and anchor everything with near-black. It’s a strong pick for book covers where you want fantasy elegance without neon color.

Image example of royal plum silverline generated using media.io

fantasy book cover
Prompt: graphic design fantasy book cover on a plain background, ornate border elements, mystical moon icon, bold title typography, subtle gradient texture, no photo realism, no hands --ar 2:3

19) Lavender Rain Metro

lavender rain metro color palette with hex codes

HEX: #efe9f4 #c9c1d3 #9792a3 #66626f #32313a

Mood: metropolitan, calm, polished

Best for: urban apartment living room

Lavender rain on city sidewalks gives these tones a quiet metropolitan vibe. A purple gray color palette like this supports modern interiors where you want softness without losing edge. Use the light lavender-gray on walls or large textiles, then bring in deeper metro grays for sofas, rugs, and lighting fixtures. It works well for real estate staging where neutral appeal still needs a memorable twist.

Image example of lavender rain metro generated using media.io

urban living room
Prompt: photorealistic urban apartment living room with lavender-gray accents, modern sofa, minimalist decor, large window light, concrete and textile textures, balanced neutral styling --ar 16:9

20) Soft Aubergine Smoke

soft aubergine smoke color palette with hex codes

HEX: #c9b0c2 #8b7387 #615767 #403c46 #1f1d22

Mood: cozy, mature, understated

Best for: newsletter template ui

Soft aubergine fading into smoke feels like dusk settling over a quiet garden. This purple gray color palette with hex codes keeps long-form layouts calm while maintaining clear hierarchy. Use the lightest tint for content blocks, apply aubergine sparingly for section headers, and rely on the darker neutrals for body text. It’s a reliable choice for email newsletters where readability and subtle brand tone matter.

Image example of soft aubergine smoke generated using media.io

email newsletter template
Prompt: 2d ui mockup of an email newsletter template with header, hero section, article cards, CTA buttons, and footer, clean grid, flat design, no device frame, plain background --ar 4:3

What Colors Go Well with Purple Gray?

Purple gray pairs naturally with crisp neutrals like white, soft ivory, and deep charcoal, helping you control contrast without making the design feel stark. This is why lavender gray palettes are so popular in modern UI and editorial layouts.

For a warmer direction, add blush pink, dusty rose, taupe, or muted gold accents. Warm accents keep purple gray from feeling too cool or technical, especially in branding and packaging.

For a fresher, more contemporary twist, combine purple gray with sage green, eucalyptus, or pale mint. The green adds a natural counterpoint that still stays calm and sophisticated.

How to Use a Purple Gray Color Palette in Real Designs

Start by assigning roles: pick one very light tint for backgrounds, one mid purple-gray for surfaces or secondary UI, and one deep neutral for text and key actions. This keeps hierarchy clear and makes the palette feel intentional.

In branding, treat the purple tone as a “signature” accent rather than an all-over fill. A little violet in logos, seals, or highlight shapes often looks more premium than saturating the whole layout.

For print (posters, invitations, packaging), test contrast under different lighting and paper textures. Purple gray can shift visually, so anchoring type in a dark charcoal usually protects readability.

Create Purple Gray Palette Visuals with AI

If you already have HEX codes, you can generate matching mockups and concept images in minutes by describing the layout and style you want. Prompts work best when they specify composition, typography feel, lighting, and aspect ratio.

Use purple gray prompts for landing pages, dashboards, packaging, posters, and interiors, then iterate by swapping one accent shade at a time. This helps you explore “warmer mauve” versus “cooler lavender” directions without redesigning from scratch.

With Media.io, you can quickly turn a palette idea into consistent visual examples for presentations, mood boards, and client approvals.

Purple Gray Color Palette FAQs

  • What is a purple gray color palette?
    A purple gray color palette is a set of colors built from gray neutrals with purple undertones (like lilac, mauve, and amethyst). It’s often used to create a modern, calm look with more personality than plain grayscale.
  • Are purple gray palettes good for UI design?
    Yes. Purple gray palettes are great for UI because light tints can act as soft backgrounds, mid tones work for cards and surfaces, and deep charcoals provide readable text and button contrast without harsh black.
  • How do I keep text readable on lavender gray backgrounds?
    Use a deep charcoal or near-black (not mid gray) for body text, and reserve lighter text for large headings only. If possible, check contrast ratios to ensure accessibility in key UI components.
  • What accent colors work best with purple gray?
    Blush pink and muted gold add warmth; sage and eucalyptus add a natural, modern balance; and clean whites help keep the overall design airy and minimal.
  • Is purple gray more warm or cool?
    It depends on the undertone: mauve-based purple grays feel warmer, while lavender/periwinkle-based purple grays feel cooler. You can control the temperature by pairing with warm neutrals (taupe/cream) or cool neutrals (steel/coal).
  • What are common use cases for mauve gray colors in branding?
    Mauve gray works well for beauty, wellness, boutique retail, and premium lifestyle brands. It communicates softness and sophistication while still feeling contemporary.
  • Can I generate palette-based mockups with AI using prompts?
    Yes. You can describe the design type (UI, packaging, poster, etc.), the mood, and the composition, then iterate variations to match your purple gray palette direction and lighting style.

Next: Pastel Pink Purple Color Palette

Sarah Johnson
Sarah Johnson Feb 03, 26
Share article:

media.io

AI Video Generator star

Easily generate videos from text or images

Generate