Quick Answer
Yes, purple can be a very calming color for a bedroom. The shade of purple matters, but lighter, softer shades like lavender and lilac tend to have a soothing, relaxing effect that can promote calmness and tranquility in a bedroom. Darker shades may be too overwhelming.
The Psychology of Purple
Purple is a color that is associated with luxury, creativity, imagination and magic. It has a mystical and regal quality. The color psychology of purple suggests it can have a calming effect.
Purple contains the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. It invokes introspection and self-awareness. Lighter shades encourage compassion and sensitivity while darker shades evoke dignity and mystery.
Lavender, violet and lilac shades in particular are thought to have calming properties. These softer shades create a gentle, soothing environment. The are often recommended for use in bedrooms, especially by feng shui practitioners.
The Effect of Color on Sleep and Relaxation
Color can have a significant impact on relaxation and sleep. Using calming colors in the bedroom is an important part of getting better sleep. Cooler, softer colors like purple, blue and green tend to be more calming and sleep-inducing than warm, bright colors like red, orange and yellow.
Research shows that lavender can decrease heart rate and blood pressure, putting the body in a more relaxed state. Participants in studies feel calmer and drowsy in a lavender-colored room.
Lilac is also thought to have relaxing qualities. Light purple or lilac walls can make a bedroom feel soothing and romantic.
Is Purple Too Overstimulating?
Very pale shades of purple like lavender or lilac are usually not overstimulating and can have a sedative effect. However, brighter, bolder or darker shades of purple may be too energizing for a relaxing bedroom.
Vibrant purple walls or bedding in magenta, violet or royal purple risks being too overwhelming in a small space like a bedroom. These shades can make it hard to unwind.
Dark shades like eggplant and plum can feel dramatic and intimate rather than calm and restful. If going with a darker purple shade, use it sparingly such as on an accent wall.
The Best Shades of Purple for a Calm Bedroom
The most relaxing shades of purple for bedrooms are light or pale shades like:
- Lavender
- Lilac
- Wisteria
- Orchid
- Thistle
Pastel or muted shades of purple like mauve, iris and heather also have a gentle, soothing effect.
Here’s an overview of the best types of purple for a serene, tranquil bedroom:
| Type of Purple | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Calming, relaxing, promotes sleep |
| Lilac | Romantic, relaxing, light |
| Wisteria | Light, airy, soothing |
| Orchid | Relaxing, elegant, soft |
| Thistle | Subtle, soothing, meditative |
| Mauve | Understated, calming |
| Iris | Peaceful, tranquil |
| Heather | Muted, peaceful, nostalgic |
How Different Shades of Purple Affect Mood
Lighter shades of purple like lavender and lilac have calming, soothing qualities:
- Lavender can aid sleep and relaxation
- Lilac feels romantic, nostalgic and dreamy
- Orchid is meditative and calming
Bolder shades like violet and magenta are more energetic:
- Violet can feel magical and inspire creativity
- Magenta is dramatic, passionate and intense
Darker shades like eggplant and plum feel sophisticated but intense:
- Eggplant inspires introspection
- Plum feels intimate and luxurious
Using Different Colors and Shades of Purple in a Bedroom
There are a few options for incorporating purple into a bedroom color scheme:
- Paint walls a pale lavender or lilac for a soothing backdrop
- Use orchid, violet or iris sheets and bedding for a pop of color
- Choose one accent wall in a bolder eggplant or plum shade
- Incorporate accents like pillows, lamps, rugs, curtains or art in shades like wisteria or thistle
- Opt for furnishings like a chair or headboard in a muted mauve or heather tone
Mixing purple shades can look vibrant yet relaxing. Pair a pale purple wall color with deeper accents and lighter purple bedding. Or contrast light and dark shades.
Should You Avoid Any Shades of Purple in a Bedroom?
Some shades of purple may be too overwhelming for a bedroom meant for relaxation and rejuvenation. Avoid using very dark shades of purple or neon/bright shades in large amounts.
Steer clear of utilizing the following shades too heavily in a bedroom:
- Vibrant purples like fuchsia, electric or neon purple
- Intense shades like royal purple or magenta
- Dramatic dark purples like amethyst, deep violet or purple-blacks
These vivid shades can feel overstimulating and make it hard to unwind. Use them sparingly or pick a calmer purple palette.
Which Bedroom Features Should Be Purple?
Certain bedroom features are ideal for painting or upholstering in shades of purple:
| Bedroom Feature | Recommended Shades of Purple |
|---|---|
| Walls | Lavender, lilac, orchid, wisteria |
| Headboard | Lavender, iris, heather, mauve |
| Bedding/Sheets | Lilac, wisteria, orchid, violet |
| Pillows | Lavender, thistle, orchid, iris |
| Accent Wall | Eggplant, plum, deep orchid |
| Rug | Wisteria, mauve, pale lilac |
| Curtains | Lilac, thistle, pale violet |
When selecting a purple paint, bedding or upholstery shade, consider the size of the area or item and choose lighter, softer shades for large spaces and bold shades for accents.
Design Ideas for a Purple Bedroom
Here are some inspiring ways to incorporate shades of purple into a relaxing, tranquil bedroom sanctuary:
- Paint two walls a very pale shade like lavender grey and use a purple floral wallpaper on an accent wall
- Choose a soft orchid paint for walls and add accents like plum curtains and a violet area rug
- Use a muted heather headboard and lilac bedding with cream furniture and mauve lamps
- Paint the walls a pale lilac and use an amethyst velvet chair and jewel toned purple bedding
- Select a sheer white curtain panel and vivid magenta curtain to contrast against pale purple walls
Add texture with layers of purple fabrics, rugs and bedding to create a cozy oasis. Metallic accents and warm lighting can elevate the look.
Should You Avoid Pairing Purple with Other Colors?
Purple pairs beautifully with many colors that complement it well or create striking contrast. However, some color combinations may clash.
Avoid pairing different shades of purple that are too similar, like lilac and lavender, which can end up looking messy.
Don’t pair purple shades with colors like orange, neon green or yellow, which can look jarring. Beware of combinations like violet and mustard or eggplant and chartreuse.
Some classic color pairings that work well with shades of purple include:
- White – clean, brightens purple shades
- Cream – warm, soothing contrast
- Grey – muted, sophisticated
- Pale blue – peaceful contrast
- Green – complementary, natural
- Metallics – elegant and glamorous
Conclusion
The shade of purple you select will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bedroom. Lightweight lavender, lilac or orchid shades are stellar choices for evoking calmness and relaxation, while bolder eggplant and plum shades provide drama. Avoid going overboard with dark or bright vivid purple and opt for pairings with cream, grey, pale blue or green for best results in creating a tranquil sanctuary space. Ultimately, integrating the right purple shades and textures can make your bedroom a beautifully calming oasis for deep rest.
