Purple is a bold, regal color that can add a touch of luxury to any space. However, pairing the right accessories and decor with purple furniture can be tricky. Here are some tips on how to make purple furniture work in your home.
Neutral Tones
One of the best ways to offset and compliment a rich purple piece is by pairing it with neutral tones like white, gray, black or beige. This creates a nice balance where the purple still stands out but doesn’t overwhelm the space. For example, a light gray sofa or beige walls would allow a purple accent chair to pop. Black and white art or pillows also work well with purple furniture.
Metallics
Metallic accents like gold, silver, bronze and copper make for classic combinations with purple. A purple velvet sofa with gold or brass legs and accessories would be quite elegant. Or pair a purple dining chair with silver flatware and accessories for a glamorous tablescape. Metallics add a bit of shine and sophistication.
Pastels
Soft pastel colors like light pink, mint green, pale yellow or baby blue can complement purple nicely. The pastels keep the look light and airy so the purple doesn’t get too dark or intense. For example, lilac purple walls with mint green decor creates a sweet, romantic vibe. Or a pale pink sofa with purple and cream pillows for a chic living room.
Jewel Tones
Rich jewel tones are perfect partners for purple. Colors like emerald, sapphire, ruby and amethyst have a similar deep, saturated look that pair beautifully with purple hues. A jewel toned rug would ground a purple sofa or armchair. Or mix and match jewel tones with purple in pillows and throws for lots of visual interest.
Earth Tones
Natural earth tones like mossy greens, rich browns, terra cotta and slate blue combine nicely with purple. The earthy neutrals tone down and warm up the purple while still allowing it to make a vibrant statement. A purple media console would pop against a slate blue wall. And brown leather dining chairs would complement a purple glass tabletop.
Same Color Family
Shades of purple and violet like lavender, lilac, plum, eggplant and wisteria layer beautifully together. Mixing various depths, tones and textures creates a cohesive and sophisticated monochromatic look. For example, a big purple velvet sofa with lavender and wisteria pillows and a plum area rug.
Patterns
Patterns and prints can enhance a purple furniture piece, like a floral sofa or paisley chair. But be careful not to go overboard with competing busy patterns. Stick with one larger pattern like the furniture itself, then layer in smaller scale patterns like stripes, geometrics or abstract designs. A good rule of thumb is 60/30/10 – the main furniture being 60% of the pattern, 30% for secondary patterns like pillows or an area rug, and 10% for tiny accents.
Texture
Creating tactile, layered textures is key when decorating with purple furniture. Velvet, velour, linen, chenille and boucle upholstery fabrics feel plush and luxurious. Then layer in some sleek metals, polished wood or ceramic accents. A soft throw blanket over a velvet sofa and sheepskin rug on the floor adds more cozy texture. This makes the purple furniture extra inviting and dimensional.
Wood Tones
Warm wood finishes help soften and ground vibrant purple upholstery or case goods. Walnut, oak, mahogany or teak woods paired with purple create an organic, nature inspired look. For example, an eggplant purple sofa with exposed oak beams overhead and a large walnut coffee table as the focal point. The rich wood grains keep the purple from dominating.
Eclectic Mix
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and styles with purple furniture. An eclectic, collected look has lots of personality. A bright purple chair in a room with turquoise and orange accessories feels fun and youthful. Or combine traditional cherry wood antiques with a bold purple velvet sofa and abstract modern art for some whimsical contrast.
Tips for Decorating with Purple
Here are some top tips for decorating with purple furniture:
- Use purple in moderation – as an accent piece or focal point. Too much purple can feel overwhelming.
- Layer lighter purple shades like lilac or lavender with deeper shades like eggplant or plum to create depth.
- Add plenty of texture with upholstery, rugs, blankets and pillows.
- Mix glossy and matte finishes.
- Pair with blacks, whites and natural wood tones to ground the space.
- Incorporate metallics and jewelry-inspired accents.
- Echo purple with floral arrangements and fresh greenery.
- Use lighting to create a moody, luxurious vibe – chandeliers, sconces and table lamps.
Rooms to Use Purple
Certain rooms lend themselves better to incorporating purple furniture, though it can work anywhere with the right decor. Here are some optimal rooms:
- Living room – A purple sofa or accent chair makes a bold statement.
- Bedroom – Deep purple walls or upholstered headboard feels plush.
- Dining room – A purple dining set or accent wall is eye-catching.
- Home office – A purple desk or armchair perks up a studious space.
- Kid’s room – Soft purple decor creates a whimsical, magical room.
- Powder room – Make the smallest room the most dramatic with purple walls or decor.
- Entryway – Add pops of purple with a rug, bench or art.
Conclusion
Purple furniture can instantly inject drama, luxury and style into any room. Follow the tips above to safely decorate with purple so it provides a stylish focal point but doesn’t overpower the space. Pair purple with neutrals, metallics, pastels, jewel tones, earth tones, wood finishes and eclectic mixes for a look that’s regal yet liveable. Use purple decor in moderation and add plenty of cozy textures. With the right complementary pieces, purple furniture will turn up the volume in your rooms in the best possible way.