Purple is a bold, regal color that can bring a luxurious feel to any bedroom. Using purple effectively comes down to picking the right shades and textures to create an inviting space. Here are some tips on incorporating purple into a master or guest bedroom.
Different Shades of Purple
Purple spans a wide range of shades from pale lilac to deep amethyst. Lighter lavender or mauve work well for accent walls or as an all-over wall color. These airy purples create a soothing, romantic mood. On the other hand, jewel tones like royal purple and eggplant make dramatic impact colors. Use them sparingly on an accent wall or on pillows and drapes. Here are some popular purple shades for bedrooms:
- Lavender – A very soft, light purple with a slightly pink undertone.
- Wisteria – A light purple with blue undertones, named after the hanging purple flowers.
- Lilac – A pale, airy purple with grey undertones.
- Thistle – A light purple-grey tone inspired by the thistle flower.
- Orchid – A medium purple tone that pairs well with greys.
- Plum – A red-purple tone that is more muted than magenta.
- Mulberry – A red-based deep purple, named after the mulberry fruit.
- Eggplant – A deep purple with red undertones, named after the dark purple eggplant skin.
- Royal purple – A rich, deep violet associated with royalty and luxury.
- Wine – A deep purple-red tone inspired by red wine.
Paint and Textiles
Paint is the easiest way to add purple accents. A feature wall in a bold eggplant or soft wisteria sets the stage. Keep the remaining walls neutral to prevent overwhelming the space. Cool grey, beige, and ivory work well with purple walls. Choose paint with a matte or eggshell finish to downplay the bold color.
Upholstery and drapes in purple hues add plush coziness to a bedroom. velvets, silks, or woven textiles in plum and lilac complement paint shades. Select bedding and shams in complementary colors like cream or taupe. Then introduce purple through decorative pillows and throws at the foot of the bed. Use deeper jewel tones here to create a regal look against neutrals.
Furniture
Painted or stained wood furniture creates an elegant foundation for a purple color scheme. Grey-stained oak and ash have a contemporary vibe, while deeper walnut and mahogany stains have traditional appeal. Paint furniture in soft grey or white for a light, airy look. Metallic gold and silver finishes also pop against purple walls and textiles.
Avoid matching all the wood finishes in a purple bedroom. Mixing stain colors adds depth and visual interest. Try pairing a silvery grey stain on the bed with a warm walnut dresser and cool toned ash nightstands. Hardware in brushed nickel, chrome, or oil-rubbed bronze complements both cool and warm toned woods.
Flooring
Hardwood, plush carpet, and tile flooring suit bedrooms with purple color schemes. Hardwood flooring in a dark espresso stain or a grey wash provides an earthy, grounded feel underfoot to balance airy lilacs. For softness underfoot, choose plush carpeting in neutral, textural tones like beige or greige (a grey-beige).
Tile flooring can also complement purple walls, curtains and bedding. Select natural stone tiles in cream, beige, or taupe shades with subtle grey veining. Or opt for concrete-look porcelain tiles in light to mid-grey neutral hues. Use area rugs to soften and define seating areas atop hard floors.
Accessories
Accessories pull the purple color scheme together throughout a master or guest bedroom. Incorporate purple through:
- Throw pillows
- Area rugs
- Artwork
- Decorative objects
- Flowers and plants
- Candles
- Bedding
- Window treatments
Aim for a mix of purple tones and textures for visual interest. Try pairing jewel-toned pillows with sheer curtains in pale lilac. Fresh-cut flowers provide pops of color that can change seasonally. Place eggshell accessories and ceramics around the room to pick up on soft purple walls.
| Accessory | Purple Shades |
|---|---|
| Pillows | Royal purple, plum, mulberry |
| Rugs | Lavender, lilac, wisteria |
| Artwork | Eggplant, wine, orchid |
| Objects | Lilac, wisteria, thistle |
| Flowers | Lavender, orchid, tulips |
| Candles | Lilac, wisteria, plum |
This table shows examples of purple shades that work well for different bedroom accessories.
Create a Balanced Look
Avoid going overboard with purple accents. Stick to one or two feature elements like a wall or curtains, then layer on other hues through bedding, rugs, and accessories. White, cream, beige, grey and wood tones beautifully balance light and vivid purple shades. Always view product swatches and samples under natural light at different times of day before committing to a purple paint color or fabric.
Bedroom Purple Color Scheme Ideas
Here are some inspiring ways to tastefully incorporate purple into a master or guest bedroom:
- Paint one wall in a soft lavender or lilac tone with white trim for a light, airy accent wall.
- Use a deep amethyst or eggplant on an accent wall to create drama, pairing with crisp white bedding.
- Upholster headboards in a muted mulberry or orchid linen or velvet.
- Hang sheer orchid or wisteria curtains on rods extending to the ceiling for an ethereal look.
- Select a duvet cover in subtle grey-purple jacquard or thin stripes.
- Add pops of royal purple and plum with velvet pillows and a wool area rug.
- Choose a lamp with a warm brass base and plum shade to add moody, focused lighting.
Conclusion
Purple makes a bold statement in bedroom spaces. From soothing, airy lilacs to rich, vibrant jewel tones, it creates an elegant backdrop for rest and relaxation. Use purple in moderation on accent walls or textiles to avoid an overwhelming look. Paint, upholstery, bedding, rugs, drapes and accessories all provide ample opportunity to incorporate this luxurious, regal color throughout a master or guest bedroom for a magazine-worthy look.
