Decorating a room with purple walls can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be! Purple is a bold, dynamic color that can add an exciting pop of color to any space when styled properly. The key is finding the right complementary colors and decor elements to create a cohesive, stylish room. Follow these tips to learn how to style a room with purple walls.
Choose the Right Purple Hue
Not all shades of purple are created equal when it comes to home decor. Some tips for choosing the perfect purple paint color include:
| Light purples | Great for a soft, feminine look. Try lavender, lilac or washed-out violet. |
| Vibrant purples | Bolder and brighter. Opt for richer royal purples, jewel tones or bright fuchsia. |
| Dark purples | Dramatic and moody. Deep eggplant or amethyst purples work well. |
The undertones of the purple also matter. Cool-toned purples with blue, violet or gray undertones are more calming. Warm purples with red, pink or yellow undertones are energizing. Be sure to get color swatches and test your purple paint color in both natural and artificial light before committing. This will help ensure you love the shade once it’s on the walls.
Use the 60-30-10 Rule for Accessories
When decorating with bold purple walls, follow the 60-30-10 rule for choosing accessories and decor:
– 60% should be neutral and subtle
– 30% should be complementary colors
– 10% should be bold purple accents
This formula creates balance and prevents the space from feeling overwhelming.
For neutrals, incorporate whites, blacks, grays, browns and beiges through furniture, decor items, window treatments and textiles. Keep larger pieces like sofas or beds neutral.
Use accent colors like green, yellow, orange or soft blues for about 30% of decor. These complementary colors will make the purple pop. Add them with pillows, throws, centerpieces and artwork.
Finally, use purple itself for about 10% of accessories. Incorporate through flowers, candles, vases, table lamps or other purple decor items you love. The bold purple accents will pull the whole room together.
Layer Lighting
Proper lighting is key when decorating with dark purple walls. Layering different light sources creates depth and dimension:
| Overhead light | Use a central ceiling light or chandelier to provide overall ambient lighting. |
| Task lighting | Add table or floor lamps for focal tasks like reading. |
| Accent lighting | Use track lights, picture lights or wall sconces to highlight decor. |
Dimmers allow you to control the mood. Bright, white light makes the space feel crisp and energetic. Soft, golden glows create an intimate, relaxing vibe. Play around to find your ideal balance.
Add Mirrors and Metallics
Mirrors and metallics help brighten up dark purple walls:
– Hang mirrors across from windows to reflect more natural light.
– Incorporate metal finishes like chrome, silver, gold or copper through frames, lamps, vases and more.
– Add metallics through accents like gold table legs, silver candle holders or copper plant pots.
The reflective qualities and sheen of mirrors and metals cast light around the room, opening up the space visually. They also create depth and interest through varied textures.
Warm It Up with Wood
The richness of wood furnishings and decor offsets purple walls nicely. Wood adds warmth and balances out the cooler tones of most purples. Incorporate wood through:
– Furniture pieces like beds, dressers, dining tables, nightstands or bookshelves
– Decor accents like picture frames, sculptures, fruit bowls or candle holders
– Window treatments like wood blinds and bamboo shades
– Accessories like wood baskets, crates, boxes or carved wood wall hangings
Mix warm wood stains like cherry, walnut or mahogany with occasional soft white-washed woods for contrast. Rustic, natural-edged woods also complement purple’s vibrancy.
Add Texture with Fabrics
Use a variety of plush fabrics to soften hard surfaces and add cozy texture:
| Rugs | Layer rugs over hardwood or tile. Choose plush piles like shag or wool. |
| Pillows | Toss fun printed or embellished pillows onto sofas and beds. |
| Throws | Drape soft knit or faux fur throws on chairs and couches. |
| Curtains | Pick rich velvets, delicate sheers or cozy knits for window treatments. |
Mix textures like nubby knits with smooth velvets and sleek satins for dynamic contrast. Add weight and dimension with fabric.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Finally, bring in natural elements to complement the lushness of purple:
– Live plants in a variety of sizes and shades of green
– Fresh flowers like orchids, peonies or hydrangeas
– Organic decor items like woven baskets, stone vases, pottery or driftwood
– Raw materials like wood tables, linen curtains, cotton rugs and rattan settees
Nature’s colors, textures and materials pair beautifully with purple’s vibrancy. Let greenery, blooms and other organic elements round out your room’s style.
Sample Room Designs
To pull all these tips together, here are some sample room designs using purple walls:
Energizing Home Office
– Walls: Vibrant royal purple
– Desk: White with brass accents
– Chair: Gray velvet
– Shelves: White, edged with gold
– Desk accessories: Marble, gold, glass
– Lighting: Golden pendant light
– Florals: Pink peonies in gold vase
Serene Bedroom
– Walls: Pale lilac purple
– Bed: White wood frame
– Bedding: Crisp white linens with purple and green accent pillows
– Nightstands: Rustic natural wood
– Lighting: Hanging rattan pendant lamps
– Window: Sheer white curtains
– Area rug: Soft patterned wool in cream
Bold Dining Room
– Walls: Deep eggplant purple
– Table: Marble top with black metal legs
– Chairs: Tufted purple velvet
– Centerpiece: Purple orchids with candlesticks and wood platter
– Curtains: White linen with eggplant trim
– Lighting: Crystal chandelier
– Wainscoting: White paneled wood
Conclusion
Decorating a stylish space with purple walls just takes thoughtful color choices, balanced accessories, and the right mix of textures and materials. Use the complementary color palette 60-30-10 rule to create harmony. Incorporate wood, metallics, lighting and greenery for contrast and depth. With these tips, you can fashion a fabulous room with your perfect shade of purple!