Choosing a wall color can be an exciting yet daunting task when decorating or redecorating a room. The wall color sets the tone for the entire space and impacts how all the other elements – furniture, accessories, artwork – will look together. Purple is a bold yet versatile color choice that can work in many different rooms when paired with the right accents. But what exactly goes well with purple walls? Here are some ideas for accent colors, materials, patterns and textures that complement and enhance the look of purple painted walls.
Neutral Colors
Pairing purple walls with neutral colors is a foolproof way to create a stylish, pulled-together look. Neutrals like white, gray, tan and brown make the purple pop while keeping the overall palette soothing and sophisticated.
White is an obvious yet optimal neutral to match with purple walls. The high contrast look is very elegant and energizing. All-white bedding and furniture allow vivid purple walls to take center stage in a bedroom. In other rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, white cabinetry, tiles and countertops provide a fresh, bright backdrop for the dramatic purple paint.
| Shade | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Bright white | Bathroom, kitchen, trim/molding |
| Soft white | Bedding, furniture |
| Warm white | Rugs, lamps, curtains |
Creams, taupes and greys are softer neutral options that tone down purple’s punch but still complement beautifully. Pair dusty lavender walls with warm cream furniture or try dark eggplant purple with cool grey tones and stainless steel accents. The lighter the purple hue, the more you can get away with warmer creams and tans. Deeper plums and wines look best with cooler, darker neutrals.
Metallics
For serious dramatic flair, accent purple walls with metallic and shiny surfaces. The contrast of mattte, dark purple walls with gleaming metal fixtures, accessories and furniture is bold and glamorous. Metallics in silver, gold, copper and brass all pop gorgeously against purple backdrops. Incorporate metals through:
– Light fixtures
– Candle holders
– Vases/bowls
– Mirror frames
– Tables/chairs
– Throw pillows
– Drawer pulls
– Photo frames
– Sculptures
In small doses, metallic accents give purple walls an elegant, jewelry-box effect. Go all out with metallic furniture, cabinets, tiles, wall art and decor for a ultra glam, contemporary vibe. The darker the purple, the better it can handle lots of flashy metallics.
Patterns
Vibrant patterns paired with purple walls make for an eclectic, bohemian inspired space. Busy florals, geometrics and abstract prints balance out the intensity of purple walls through color and texture. Try layering in patterns with:
– Area rugs
– Throw pillows
– Blankets/throws
– Curtains
– Chair upholstery
– Wall decor
– Quilts
– Table runners
Sticking to patterns in the same color family as the purple walls ties everything together. For example, pair lilac walls with indigo ikat toss pillows. Deep wine-colored walls can handle bright pink or neon floral patterns. Just take care that the patterns have enough contrast from the wall color so they stand out and don’t blend in.
Wood Tones
Warm, natural wood tones complement and ground just about any vibrant wall color, and purple is no exception. Rich wood furniture, floors, ceilings, shelves and decor add cozy texture and help tone down purple’s bold impact. Try:
– Wood flooring
– Wood dining table
– Wood shelving
– Wood end tables
– Rattan furniture
– Wicker baskets
– Wood picture frames
– Driftwood decor
Darker wood finishes like mahogany, ebony and walnut pair best with deeper eggplant and plum walls. Lighter purple hues can handle maple, birch and oak finishes. Just stick to wood tones that are noticeably lighter or darker than the purple walls for maximum contrast.
Green
On the color wheel, purple’s complementary color (directly across from it) is yellow. But purple and green decorative accents actually pair incredibly well together too. The union of purple and green evokes a relaxing, spa-like feel. Different hues of green – from mint to sage to emerald – all complement both light and dark purple walls. Incorporate green through:
– Houseplants
– Throw pillows
– Patterned rug
– Candles
– Kitchen towels
– Glassware
– Decorative bowls
Deep purple walls sing against bright greens like chartreuse, lime and neon. Pastel purple and lavender are perfectly balanced by more muted greens like olive, forest and palm.
Black
Nothing boosts purple’s dramatic impact like black. The deep, sultry union of black and purple creates an elegant gothic feel that works in many rooms. Use black judiciously – too much can overpower the space or make it feel dark and heavy. Try:
– Black furniture (ideally with purple upholstery)
– Black metal light fixtures
– Black window frames
– Black tiles or granite counters
– Black picture frames
– Black mirrors
– Black cabinets or built-ins
– Black candle holders
– Black lanterns
For bedrooms, use black in smaller doses like bed frames, sconces and chair upholstery to avoid an overtly goth look. Black works best in living rooms, entryways, media rooms and home offices paired with purple walls.
Yellow
Yellow is purple’s complementary color on the color wheel, meaning the two are directly opposite each other. So it’s only natural that cheerful yellow beautifully brightens up and rounds out purple’s moody boldness. Different shades of yellow all complement purple walls, from pastels to neon. Use it in:
– Throw pillows
– Area rugs
– Window treatments
– Table lamps
– Flowers
– Ceiling lighting
– Furniture
– Abstract art and prints
Soft buttery yellows pair exquisitely with pale lilac or lavender walls. Bright lemon and neon yellow make an energizing statement against rich fuchsia or plum walls. Just stick to yellow accessories to keep the look fresh – too much yellow furniture could clash.
Pink
Pretty in pink takes on a sophisticated flair when paired with purple walls in any room. Like yellow, vivid pink makes an excellent accent color to balance out the drama of dark purple. Softer dusty pinks and blush tones are dreamy complements to pale lilac or mauve walls. Incorporate pink through:
– Throw pillows
– Area rugs
– Drapes
– Chair upholstery
– Abstract art/prints
– Flowers
– Table lamps
– Candles
– Bath mats
– Towels
Avoid pairing super bright fuscia and neon pink with lighter pastel purple walls to prevent clashing. But feel free to go bold fuchsia on deep eggplant and plum walls for serious pop.
Blue
Surprisingly, shades of blue make an absolutely beautiful pairing with purple walls. Something about the union of blue and purple creates a serene, cosmic vibe perfect for bedrooms, living rooms and home offices. Try different blue hues:
– Navy blue
– Royal blue
– Sky blue
– Teal
– Cobalt
– Periwinkle
– Ice blue
Use blue in smaller doses like pillows, rugs, curtains and ceramic decor. Avoid blue furniture or pieces that take up large visual space to prevent these cool tones from overpowering the warmth of purple walls. Lighter sky blue and periwinkle complement pale lilac walls, while navy and cobalt contrast dramatically against deep wine hues.
Texture
Beyond color, introducing varied textures is key to making purple walls pop. Too many soft, smooth surfaces can make purple feel flat. Mix up textures with:
| Texture | Examples |
|---|---|
| Sleek | Glass, metal, polished wood |
| Soft | Suede, velvet, wool |
| Cozy | Knits, wicker, cotton |
| Luxe | Satin, leather, silk |
Crisp white molding, gleaming metal light fixtures, nubby knit throw blankets all contrast beautifully with the flat matte finish of purple painted walls.
Conclusion
With so many options for colors, patterns, textures and materials, it’s easy to create a stylish space with purple painted walls. Neutrals, woods and metallics establish an elegant foundation. Vibrant accent colors like yellow, green, pink and blue balance out purple’s intensity. And varied textures add visual interest on top of the wall color. With the right complementary accents, purple walls can transform any room into a stylish sanctuary.
