What accent colors go with lavender walls?

Lavender is a light purple shade that can add a soothing and elegant touch to any room. When decorating with lavender walls, it’s important to choose accent colors that will complement the lavender without clashing. Some key considerations when selecting accent colors include the undertones in the lavender paint color, the mood you want to create, and color theory principles like the color wheel and complementary colors. Looking at examples of successful lavender and accent color schemes can also provide inspiration.

Consider the Undertones

Lavender paint colors can have different undertones, ranging from pink to blue to gray. The undertone will affect what accent colors look best. A lavender with pinkish undertones will pair well with colors like soft greens, warm metallics, blush pinks, and creams. A lavender with blue undertones works nicely with accent colors like corals, yellows, pale blues, and grays. And a lavender with gray undertones complements deeper shades like teal, slate blue, bright white, and black.

When selecting an accent color, pick a few paint swatches in potential colors and hold them up to your lavender wall to see which undertones they bring out. The colors that make the lavender wall look its best will be ideal accents.

Create a Soothing, Spa-Like Vibe

One popular aesthetic for lavender walls is a relaxing, spa-like vibe. To achieve this, stick to soft, calming accent colors like these:

– Light greens like sage, seafoam, and celadon
– Creamy off-whites and antique whites
– Pale blues and grays
– Warm metallics like champagne gold and brushed silver

Incorporate natural elements like woven woods, greenery, stone, and marble to enhance the zen spa look. Use cakey or matte paint finishes to keep the look smooth and muted. Simple, minimal patterns like stripes can also complement the soothing lavender without becoming too overwhelming.

Opt for an Uplifting, Vintage Vibe

Lavender walls don’t have to be limited to restful spaces – they can also take on a playful, uplifting feel. For a lively vintage lavender aesthetic, consider accenting with these colors:

– Corals and peach tones
– Sage greens
– Cheerful yellows and golds
– Robin’s egg blue
– Soft minty greens

Add patterns like floral prints, polka dots, or gingham checks in these colors. Use glossy or eggshell paint finishes and colorful wall art and decor pieces. Paint or stain furniture in the accent colors to tie the look together. The key is keeping things light and playful.

Use Contrasting Colors for Drama

Some spaces call for a bold, dramatic accent color contrasting the lavender walls. Black is a popular high-contrast choice. Other options include:

– Navy blue
– Charcoal gray
– Emerald green
– Ruby red
– Bright white

These deeper hues will make the lavender walls pop. Use them sparingly in furniture upholstery, rug designs, and artwork for maximum visual impact. Metallic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel also pair strikingly with lavender.

Try Complementary Colors for Harmony

Complementary color pairs are located directly across from each other on the color wheel. This creates a harmonious look when used together. The complementary color pairs for lavender include:

– Lavender and yellow-green
– Lavender and yellow
– Lavender and chartreuse

While bright complementary colors can sometimes clash, try softened versions like buttery yellow, pale chartreuse, and sage green instead. Use creams and whites to transition between the lavender walls and pops of its complement.

Consider Analogous Colors for a Cohesive Look

Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating easy-to-blend schemes. Analogous options for lavender include:

– Pink
– Mauve
– Lilac
– Periwinkle
– Violet
– Blue-violet

Choose a darker and lighter version within this analogous palette, like periwinkle and mauve. Use the third as an accent, like in pillows, art, or decorative objects around the room. This creates variation while remaining cohesive.

Examples of Lavender and Accent Color Schemes

Here are some examples of tried-and-true lavender and accent color combinations:

Lavender and Green	Lavender and Blue
Lavender walls with seafoam green and cream accents Pale lavender with mint green and white trim Wisteria purple with sage green and maple wood accents	Lilac walls with navy blue sofa and brass accents Violet walls with robin’s egg blue and white patterned rug Orchid purple with slate blue kitchen island
Lavender and Metallic	Lavender and Orange
Smooth lavender with champagne gold end tables Bright lavender with brushed silver farmhouse sink Mauve walls with oil-rubbed bronze lighting fixtures	Blush lavender with peach and cream bedroom Light wisteria walls with terracotta tiles Grape purple with burnt orange throw pillows

General Tips for Decorating with Lavender Walls

– Stick to 3 accent colors max so the palette doesn’t become overwhelming.
– Use lighter tints of accent colors to prevent dark colors from making a small room feel closed in.
– Tie everything together with neutral tones like white, ivory, beige, and gray.
– Repeat accent colors throughout the space in artwork, pillows, rugs, and accessories.
– Display fresh flowers in accent colors to really make the palette pop.
– Add pops of black or charcoal for contrast and definition.
– Pick accent colors based on your existing furniture to blend old and new.
– Select paint finishes that complement your color scheme, like glossy paint with bright colors or matte paint for muted tones.

Conclusion

Lavender is a gorgeous wall color that can take on many decorative styles. Whether you favor a spa-like retreat, vintage charm, bold contrast, or complementary harmony, the key is choosing accent colors that enhance the lavender walls rather than compete with them. Consider the undertones in the lavender paint itself and try out color pairings by holding up swatches. For a foolproof accent palette, look to analogous colors like pinks and blues or complementary colors across the color wheel. With the right accent colors, your lavender walls will take your room from drab to fab.