When it comes to interior design and decorating, determining whether colors go well together can be tricky. Specifically, the colors deep purple and green are an interesting color combination that leaves many wondering if they actually work well with each other or if they clash. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at deep purple and green and whether they make for a harmonious color pairing. We’ll consider the undertones of each color, how they look next to each other, and examples of how they can be used together in home decor. Read on for the complete guide to pairing deep purple and green!
Defining Deep Purple and Green
First, let’s precisely define what we mean by “deep purple” and “green” when discussing them as interior design colors.
Deep purple is a rich, jewel-toned shade that evokes luxury and drama. It sits between regular purple and aubergine on the color wheel. Deep purples contain strong blue undertones which give them extra depth. Popular deep purple paint colors include Benjamin Moore’s Deep Amethyst and Sherwin Williams’ Roycroft Pewter.
When we say “green” in a general sense for interior design, we’re referring to the range of light, medium, and dark greens like sage, emerald, and forest green. Greens are extremely versatile – they can read as cool or warm depending on their undertones. Most greens used in home decor lean toward the yellow-green or blue-green side rather than a pure, primary green.
So in summary, the deep purple and green color combination pairs a bold, cool-toned purple with an earthy, variable green. This contrast is what makes the two colors so interesting to use together.
The Color Wheel Perspective
Looking at the traditional color wheel gives us some insight into how deep purple and green work together. The color wheel shows which hues complement each other based on their temperature and intensity.
Deep purple sits on the cool side of the color wheel, directly across from yellow. This means purple’s complementary color is yellow. When you put complements together, they create strong visual contrast and vibrancy.
Green is located between blue and yellow on the color wheel. This positioning means green can work as a complement to purple, even if it’s not a “perfect” complement like yellow. The green helps balance out the coolness of the deep purple.
While not direct complements, deep purple and green’s respective positions on the color wheel help explain why they can look pleasing together. The purple brings drama while the green neutralizes it slightly, keeping the combination from becoming overwhelming.
Understanding Color Undertones
Whether two colors pair well together also depends on their undertones. Undertone refers to the subtle hints of other colors that come through in a hue. Deep purple, as mentioned, normally has strong blue undertones that give it extra richness. Greens can lean yellow or blue but also sometimes sit right in the middle as a neutral, natural green.
If you pair a green with yellow undertones with a deep purple, the yellow presses the purple more into its complementary zone and increases the contrast. The tones play off each other more. Conversely, choosing a green with blue undertones harmonizes more smoothly with the purple. Neither option is necessarily better or worse – it just depends on the overall look you want. Keep undertones in mind whenever combining any colors.
Trying Deep Purple and Green Together
The best way to tell if you like deep purple and green together is to experiment with them! Mixing paint colors, holding up fabric swatches, or digitally creating mockups gives you a sense of how the two colors actually look side by side.
Start by grabbing two color samples – one deep purple and one green. Hold them next to each other and observe your reaction. Does the combination seem harmonious? Does one color overpower the other? Change out the green sample for one that’s lighter, darker, grayer, or more yellow-toned. Notice how even just slight green variations impact the overall look next to the deep purple.
Once you find a deep purple and green combination you enjoy, incorporate larger swatches of the colors into a full room mockup. Use the 60-30-10 rule as a starting point – 60% for the dominant color, 30% for secondary, 10% accent. You can also experiment with other analogous colors like blues, reds, or neutrals to create a complete palette. Getting a sense of the full context helps evaluate if the colors truly work together.
Deep Purple and Green Color Schemes
Certain color schemes provide helpful frameworks around pairing deep purple and green effectively. Here are some of the most common deep purple and green combinations seen in interior design:
Monochromatic – Use different shades, tints, and tones of deep purple together. Add in an accent green in one area for an unexpected pop.
Analogous – Analogous schemes use hues located right next to each other on the color wheel. Try deep purple with reds and magentas.
Complementary – As complements, deep purple can pair beautifully with yellow-greens.
Split Complementary – Choose one color, then the two hues on either side of its complement. For example, purple, green, and red-orange.
Triadic – Triads use three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. Attempt a palette of deep purple, green, and orange.
Tetradic – For a rich, vibrant look combine four complementary hues – deep purple, green, orange, and blue.
These combinations provide creative starting points for interior schemes featuring deep purple and green. You can also add plenty of neutrals like white, black, gray, and wood tones to give the bold colors space to breathe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try unique color pairings too.
Deep Purple and Green Palettes for Rooms
Let’s explore some inspiring ways deep purple and green can come together throughout the home:
Living Room – For dramatic impact, paint one accent wall in a deep purple. Use green in the soft furnishings like a velvet sofa, throw pillows, and area rug. Add in wood accents and white molding.
Bedroom – Create a royal retreat with deep purple walls, dark wood bed frame, green and white bedding, and hint of gold. The mix of colors and textures makes for a luxe, inviting sleep space.
Dining Room – Deep purple dining chairs instantly sophisticate the space. Introduce green through a glass vase centerpiece display and moody landscape artworks.
Kitchen – For a fresh take, paint lower cabinets a deep purple and uppers a light green. Tie it together with a green and white quartz countertop and brushed gold fixtures.
Bathroom – Make the vanity and shelving a bold deep purple. Contrast with green tiles on the walls and white tiles on the floor. Finish with gold metal accents.
Home Office – Energize your workspace with grassy green walls. Ground it with a deep purple rug and add pops of green and purple in your accessories and decor.
Kids’ Room – Let kids pick their favorite colors with one deep purple wall and one green wall. White furniture and natural wood accents prevents overwhelm.
Mix, match, and get creative with these deep purple and green examples for stunning rooms. The colors can truly go together beautifully.
Pro Tips for Combining Deep Purple and Green
Follow these professional tips when decorating with deep purple and green:
– Use green as the dominant color and purple as the accent for a natural, earthy look. Swap the ratios for drama.
– Add texture and pattern through velvet, linen, paint techniques, wallpaper, rugs, and more. This creates depth.
– Anchor the colors with plenty of neutrals like white, black, wood tones, and metallics.
– Adjust undertones to find the perfect green and purple pairing. Accent with analogous colors.
– Ensure proper lighting. Deep colors can appear more intense in bright light. Add dimmers as needed.
– Distribute purples and greens throughout a space for cohesion instead of confining each color to one area.
With the right approach, deep purple and green can live in harmonious style.
Examples of Deep Purple and Green Together
Need visual inspiration on ways to tastefully combine deep purple and green? Here are some stunning examples:
| Image | Description |
|---|---|
|  | Deep purple velvet sofa pops against a lush green rug and neutral walls. The mix of colors and textures is bold yet refined. |
|  | For the kitchen, deep purple lower cabinets ground the bright green glass subway tile backsplash. |
|  | This moody purple bedroom with green bedding and white furniture creates a soothing, relaxing vibe. |
|  | The deep purple accent wall complements the muted green sofa and other earthy furnishings. |
|  | Deep purple dining chairs pop around the crisp white table against the neutral dining room. |
Deep Purple and Green Paint Colors
When using deep purple and green as paint colors, these specific shades pair beautifully together:
– Benjamin Moore Stonington Green and Hancock Purple
– Sherwin Williams Backdrop and Roycroft Purple
– Behr Canyon Floor and Plum Royale
-Valspar Right as Rain and Provincial Purple
Look for greens with subtle yellow undertones to contrast with the purple’s blue undertones. Stay away from pairing a true red-based purple with a pure blue-based green as this can look garish. Instead find purple and green shades with nuance in their tones.
Deep Purple and Green Decor Ideas
Don’t limit deep purple and green to just walls and furniture. Incorporate them throughout decor touches for a pulled together look:
– Throw pillows
– Area rugs
– Table runners
– Flower arrangements
– Books
– Candles and candleholders
– Vases
– Planters
– Kitchen appliances and tools
– Window treatments
– Lamp shades
– Desk accessories
– Patterned sheets and duvets
Search for decorative purple and green accents you love, then use them to tie a space together.
Conclusion
Does deep purple go with green? After considering the undertones, color pairings, palettes, and real room examples, the answer is a resounding yes! The right deep purple and green combination can create a bold, nature-inspired look full of life. To make the colors work in harmony, remember these tips:
– Use green as the dominant color for a natural effect or purple for drama
– Anchor with plenty of neutrals like white, wood tones, black and metallics
– Add texture through velvets, tile, rugs, etc. for depth
– Pick shades with nuanced undertones rather than flat, primary hues
– Distribute purples and greens throughout the space rather than confining each color
With the guidelines and inspiration above, you can feel confident painting, decorating, and entertaining with deep purple and green. Embrace these jewel tones to create a personalized retreat that’s relaxing yet still makes a statement. Just take care to achieve the perfect balance so the colors enhance instead of overwhelm each other.
