Puce

Puce is a color, specifically a dark, brownish-purple, often with a slight reddish hue. The name derives from the French word for flea (puce), as the color is reminiscent of flea blood. This color is often associated with vintage fashion, historical textiles, and interior design, and it may also be used to describe other items possessing the color. The depth of the color can range from a lighter, more reddish hue to a darker, near-black shade of brownish purple.

Puce meaning with examples

• The antique velvet curtains in the parlor were a rich puce, lending an air of old-world elegance to the room. The deep color seemed to absorb the light, creating a cozy atmosphere. It complemented the gilt frames of the portraits hanging on the walls, adding to the room's grandeur and sophistication. The slight sheen of the velvet further enhanced the beauty of the shade.
• She selected a puce silk scarf to complement her black dress for the evening gala. The scarf's subtle color provided a pop of sophistication without being too overpowering. It added a touch of mystery and understated elegance to her outfit. The scarf was made to be worn multiple ways, to have multiple looks.
• The historical society restored an old carriage, and painted it in a traditional puce hue. The carraige was perfect for parades and historical reenactments, with the carriage color remaining accurate to its time. They selected the color after researching the original color charts of the carriage. The puce was the perfect color for the carraige.
• The artist blended shades of purple and brown to create the perfect puce for the painting of a vintage mansion. The paint was an oil based paint to blend perfectly and match the tone and the mood of the mansion. The color perfectly captured the aged character of the buildings, creating a certain mood and tone of the painting.