Purple and red are both bold, dramatic colors that look stunning when worn together. Combining these two shades creates an eye-catching look that makes a statement. However, it’s important to combine them strategically to achieve a balanced, harmonious look. Here are some tips on how to successfully pair purple and red in your wardrobe and home decor.
Complementary Colors
Purple and red are considered complementary colors on the color wheel. This means they are directly opposite each other. Complementary color combinations create high contrast, which attracts attention. The boldness of purple and red makes them ideal accent colors. When placed next to each other, they make each other stand out.
Color Theory
According to color theory, complementary colors balance each other out. Purple contains cool, blue undertones, while red is warm with yellow undertones. When combined, these opposing temperature forces create visual stability. The contrast also creates vibrancy, with each color making the other one seem more intense.
Creating Balance
Too much of both purple and red can seem jarring and overwhelming to the eye. The key is balancing the two colors with neutrals like black, white, gray, or brown. Here are some tips for combining purple and red harmoniously:
- Use one color as the dominant shade, and the other as the accent.
- Layer red and purple with neutral colors in between to “break up” the bold colors.
- Incorporate texture and patterns to add depth and interest.
- Anchor the colors with neutral accessories like shoes, handbags, and jewelry.
Purple and Red Color Combinations
Here are some classic purple and red pairings:
Purple and True Red
This high-contrast combination really packs a punch. True red has a warm, fiery energy that pops against cool, moody purple.
Purple and Brick Red
Brick red has subtle rusty orange undertones that flatter the blue tones in
