Introduction
Purple is a rich, regal color that can be paired with a variety of other shades to create stylish and striking color combinations. When deciding what colors go well with purple, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Hue – Colors next to each other on the color wheel tend to complement each other well. For purple, these colors include blues, greens, and reds.
- Tone – Lighter toned colors like pastels and neutrals often look great with the boldness of purple.
- Context – The setting and purpose for the color combination should inform what works best. More subdued palettes may suit certain environments better.
With these factors in mind, some of the best colors to pair with purple include:
Silver
Silver is a top choice for complementing the richness of purple. The metallic shimmer of silver creates an elegant, sophisticated look when combined with deep purple hues. Silver works especially well with lighter purples like lilac and lavender. The softness of the lighter purple prevents the pairing from feeling too cold or stark.
In fashion, purple and silver make for an opulent, regal color scheme, perfect for formal events or making a statement. Purple dresses, shoes, jewelry or accessories will pop when accented with silver details. In interior design, silver furnishings like lamps, mirrors or decor mixed with purple walls, pillows or area rugs create a glamorous vibe. The colors evoke luxury and royalty.
White
Crisp white is another excellent option for pairing with purple. White lightens and brightens the tone of purple, creating a cheerful, uplifting color combination. It works with all shades of purple from pastel lilac to deep eggplant. Light purple with white gives off a soft, ethereal vibe, while bold purple with white feels modern and graphic.
In fashion, white clothing pieces complemented by purple accessories creates a stylish, visually interesting look. For events, the purple and white color scheme evokes springtime and femininity. In interiors, white walls, furniture and decor allow purple accents like pillows, art and flowers to pop. The contrast makes each color look more vibrant. Overall, white and purple create a palette that is light yet distinctive.
Green
On the color wheel, purple and green are complementary colors, meaning they sit opposite each other. This makes green an automatic choice for pairing with purple. The contrast of the warm green against cool purple is visually striking and creates a bold, vibrant look.
All shades of green work well with purple, from mint to emerald. Lighter greens help soften deep purples, while brighter greens make pale purples pop. In nature-inspired design, combining purple and green is an organic choice, with the colors representing flowers, plants and other botanicals. Purple and green is a perfect color scheme for gardens, floral arrangements and spring/summer events.
Pink
Pink is a versatile pairing for purple, as it comes in hues ranging from soft and dusty to bold and saturated. Light pinks complement lighter purples like lilac and lavender, creating a pretty, romantic aesthetic. Hot pink makes a dramatic statement against rich purple, with the combination reading as fun, youthful and modern.
In fashion, purple and pink create a playful color scheme that flatters many skin tones. The palette works well for women’s and children’s apparel. For interiors, pink and purple can give bedrooms a dreamy vibe or make living spaces feel energized with color. Overall, pink purple combinations work for many contexts where you want to create a colorful, uplifting mood.
Blue
On the cool end of the color spectrum, shades of blue make natural partners for purple. Light blues like powder blue and periwinkle complement soft purples, while navy blue offsets deeper eggplant and amethyst tones. Royal purple and cobalt blue together evoke luxury and depth.
In design, pairing blue and purple together creates a sophisticated, thoughtful color palette. It’s popular for spaces like home offices, studies and libraries. The colors feel calming yet still visually interesting. In fashion, purple and blue is a go-to color scheme for creating unified outfits that use different shades of the two colors together. With the right tones, purple and blue can be elegant, versatile and easy to wear.
Yellow
Purple’s complementary color on the color wheel is yellow. This makes yellow an impactful, dynamic pairing that creates visual contrast. Bright, warm yellows make an energetic statement against purple. Soft pastel yellow has a more delicate effect against lighter purples like lilac.
Using purple and yellow together results in an eye-catching combination. In interior spaces, yellow accents and decor items make a bold statement against purple walls or furniture. Fashion-wise, purple and yellow work for playful, casual outfits and accessories. Florally, the colors reflect lovely spring blooms like irises and tulips. Overall, purple and yellow together creates a lively, vibrant aesthetic.
Gray
For a more subtle complement, various shades of gray pair beautifully with purple. Dark charcoal grays lend depth and sophistication to rich eggplant and wine-hued purples. Light heather grays help soften lighter purples like mauve and lavender. The muted nature of gray allows the purple tones to take center stage.
In home interiors, gray and purple creates a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere. It’s a go-to palette for bedrooms, living rooms and spas. Fashion-wise, gray and purple pair nicely as well- a charcoal gray t-shirt helps ground a vibrant purple skirt, for example. Overall, the colors complement each other in a more understated way than purple’s bolder pairings.
Black
Another neutral option, black, makes the perfect bold backdrop to any shade of purple. Against black, the richness and depth of purple truly stands out. Black enhances deep purples like amethyst, while providing contrast to lighter purples like lilac.
In fashion, black clothing with purple accents comes across as chic and sophisticated. For interior design, black furniture, pillows or decorations allow purple features like walls, lamps and candles to shine. The dramatic color scheme creates an elegant, intimate setting. Overall, black makes an impactful pairing that intensifies the regal quality of purple.
Gold
Like silver, metallic gold complements and enhances the lush richness of purple. However, gold has a warmer, more vintage effect. Together, purple and gold conjure images of medieval crests, royal jewels and opulent brocades. Deep purple with brassy, antique gold particularly reads as lavish and ornate.
In interior design, purple and gold make for an indulgent color palette fit for formal dining rooms or master bedrooms. Fashion-wise, the color pairing creates luxury looks perfect for red carpet events. Jewelry, shoes, bags and other accessories shine in purple and gold. For any application where you want to create a sense of grandeur, purple and gold is a winning color combination.
Best Color Combinations
Based on their degree of complementarity, some especially pleasing purple color combinations include:
- Pale purple and silver
- Lavender and mint green
- Lilac and light gray
- Grape purple and lime green
- Eggplant and navy blue
- Wine purple and charcoal
- Mauve and blush pink
- Violet and bright white
- Amethyst and black
- Royal purple and gold
These combinations showcase the range and versatility of purple. By thoughtfully selecting complementary hues, purple can be tailored to suit any aesthetic and design purpose.
Context Dependent Combinations
While certain colors may objectively complement purple well, choosing the right pairing also depends on the specific context:
Fashion
- For women’s clothing and accessories, pair purple with pinks, blues, grays, blacks and whites
- For men’s fashion, combine purple with black, gray, blue and white
- For children’s items, use purple with complementary brights like yellow, green and orange
Home Decor
- In living spaces, use purple with whites, blacks, grays, greens and blues
- In bedrooms, pair purple with whites, grays, pinks and light blues
- In dining rooms, complement purple with grays, greens, blues and metallics
- In offices, combine purple with blues, greens, grays and blacks
Events
- For weddings, use purple with silver, gray, white, blush pink and gold
- For birthdays, pair purple with bright complementary colors like yellow, green, orange and lime
- For formal events, complement purple with black, silver, gray and blue
The setting and purpose of the color scheme should inform which shades ultimately complement purple in the most tasteful, appropriate way.
Color Combination Examples
| Setting | Purple Shade | Complementary Color |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Fashion | Amethyst | Silver |
| Home Decor | Lavender | Seafoam Green |
| Events | Violet | Gold |
| Office | Plum | Steel Gray |
This table demonstrates sample complementary color pairings for purple across different contexts. The combinations showcase how the right complementary color can tailor the look and feel of the purple for the setting.
Conclusion
Purple is a versatile color that can be made modern, fun, elegant, or edgy depending on the shades paired with it. Colors that complement purple range from neutrals like white, gray and black to bold brights like yellow, green and fuchsia. metallic silver and gold also enhance purple’s richness. The best colors to pair with purple depend on factors like the specific hue, tone and the desired look for the application. With the right complementary color, purple can suit any aesthetic. From fashion to interiors to events, purple’s regal quality shines when accented with shades that unify yet provide visual contrast.
