Purple is a regal and luxurious color that can add a sense of sophistication and elegance to any room. When used thoughtfully, purple can be an exciting and dramatic accent or focal point. However, too much purple or the wrong shade can look dated or overwhelming. When designing with purple, it’s important to consider the purpose of the room, the amount of natural light, and shades that complement your existing decor. With careful planning, purple can elevate both intimate and grand spaces.
Bedrooms
A touch of purple in the bedroom can create a relaxing retreat and add a sense of tranquility. Soft lavender or lilac purple works well in bedrooms, as these hues are associated with relaxation and romance. Deeper shades like eggplant or plum can also look striking when used sparingly in bedding or one accent wall. Those aiming for a light and airy look should stick to pale purples, while bold jewel tones make more of a statement. When decorating a master bedroom or guest room, consider how purple walls will appear at night and opt for lighter shades if you want a bright space. Accent the walls by layering in purple bedding, pillows, area rugs, and artwork.
Bathrooms
From bold to barely there, purple brings out the fun and luxurious side of bathroom design. Pale purple walls or tiles create a soothing spa-like ambience, especially when paired with white fixtures and accents. For a bolder look, paint vanities, cabinets or an accent wall a vivid purple. Metallic purple wallpaper makes a striking focal point behind sinks or bathtubs. Deeper plums and eggplants work well in bathrooms with plenty of natural light. Keep accessories like towels, bathmats, shower curtains and wastebaskets in sync with purple walls. Add pops of contrasting colors like green or yellow for visual interest. Overall, purple bathrooms feel inviting yet elegant.
Kitchens
While some may see purple as unexpected in kitchens, it can add a fun, creative spirit to the heart of your home. Light purple walls or backsplashes provide an uplifting background without overpowering the space. Vivid purple islands or accent walls make the kitchen the life of the party. For a striking blend of retro and contemporary, paint lower cabinets a bold purple and pair them with white uppers. Metallic or glossy purple finishes on cabinets and appliances add glamour. Incorporate purple into kitchen textiles like window treatments, placemats, and dish towels. Purple kitchens work best with plenty of task lighting and lighter counter surfaces to prevent the space from feeling too dark and moody. Overall, a touch of purple brings out kitchens’ playful side.
Living Rooms
Purple living rooms exude regality and sophistication. Light purple walls serve as a neutral backdrop for displaying art and anchoring furniture arrangements. For drama, paint one wall a bold purple or add a purple statement piece like a velvet sofa or wingback chair. Incorporate purple through pillows, area rugs and accessories like vases and lamps. Lighter purples work well for airy, contemporary living rooms while jewel tones amp up the elegance in traditional spaces. Avoid going overboard with purple and let other accent colors shine through. If your living room lacks natural light, stick to softer purples for a cozy, intimate feel. Vibrant purple creates an exotic lounge, perfect for entertaining.
Dining Rooms
There’s no better color than purple to create a dramatic, elegant dining room. Deep plums and eggplants are ideal for dining room walls, invoking a sophisticated wine bar or restaurant. For a brighter, more versatile space, soft lilacs and violets make dining rooms feel chic but lively. Painting one wall purple while keeping the rest neutral prevents the space from feeling too dark. Add pops of purple through a boldly colored tablecloth or runner, vase centerpieces, and fresh flowers. Metallic purple dining chairs make a striking style statement. Incorporate purple lighting fixtures like a dramatic chandelier to add ambiance during meals. Limit patterns and opt for solid purple fabrics so the space doesn’t compete visually. Overall, purple dining rooms are tasteful, refined and versatile.
Entryways
Making a great first impression, a punch of purple in an entryway sets the tone for your home’s style. Paint your front door a vibrant purple for curb appeal. For small entryways, purple walls or wallpaper make the space feel vibrant and welcoming. Continue the purple inside by layering in mirror frames, console tables, rug runners and framed prints. Incorporate purple into storage like coat racks, shelves, bins and hooks for unified decor. For rustic entryways, deep plums and eggplants add a regal element while pale lilacs keep the look light and airy. As high-traffic spaces, purple entryways should stick to washable finishes like semi-gloss paints and durable fabrics. Overall, a touch of purple energizes any entryway.
Home Offices
Boost productivity and creativity by incorporating purple into a home office design. Soft lavenders or lilacs keep home offices uplifting but focused. Paint an accent wall purple or add pops through wall art, pillows and desk accessories. Bold plums and eggplants make home offices feel polished and stimulated creativity. Add purple file cabinets, desk chairs or mouse pads for a punch of color. Incorporate metallic purple for modern appeal through desk lamps, wastebaskets and organization trays. Limit florals and intricate patterns to prevent distraction. For windowless home offices, stick to lighter purples to prevent eye strain. Muted purples also make video calls feel professional. Overall, purple promotes imagination and diligence in home offices.
Kids’ Rooms
In kids’ rooms, purple promotes imagination and self-expression. Young girls often adore shades like lilac and lavender, which create a whimsical backdrop for play and rest. Vibrant purples jazz up teenagers’ rooms and add energy. Paint one accent wall purple or incorporate through bedding, wall art, rugs, storage bins and desk accessories. While bold purple may seem overwhelming to adults, most kids find it fun, cheerful and stimulating. For younger kids, stick to pastel purple paired neutrally with blues and greens. In older kids’ rooms, layer in jewel tones and metallic purples for bold style. Regardless of shade, washable purple paint and fabrics stand up to wear and tear. Allow kids to help select their preferred purple for personalized rooms.
Nurseries
Few colors are as sweet as purple in nurseries, as lighter shades create a soothing, peaceful environment. Soft lilacs and lavenders work for either gender and make naptime a dream. Paint one wall purple and keep the rest neutral. Incorporate purple through crib sheets, window treatments, rocking chairs and storage. Add whimsy with purple wall decals of trees, hot air balloons or animals. For girls’ nurseries, pale purples look darling when paired with metallics and prints. For boys, balance out purple with navy blues and greens. Limit patterns to avoid visual clutter. As babies grow into toddlers, shift to bolder purples or more gender-specific colors. Overall, purple nurseries are dreamy yet lively.
Home Theaters
A splash of purple turns any home theater into a luxurious experience. Deep, dramatic purples like plums or eggplants make small home theaters feel intensely cinematic. Paint the wall behind your screen purple and keep other walls neutral. Incorporate bold purple seating through recliners and accent chairs or pillows. Add a touch of regality with patterned purple carpet. Paint ceiling beams or the ceiling’s perimeter purple for striking contrast. Use metallic purples on lighting, shelves, and media components. Keep accessories minimal and modern. Allow purple to set the vibe without competing with the screen. For dedicated home theater rooms, layer in purple with navy blue for an enveloping, upscale feel.
Laundry Rooms
Energize mundane laundry duties by incorporating purple into laundry room design. Bold purple walls make small laundry rooms feel upbeat rather than confining. Paint just the back wall purple to create a focal point without overwhelm. Metallic purples give appliance-heavy laundry rooms a pop of style. Bring in purple with storage bins, organizers, art prints and decals. Light purple walls keep the laundry room feeling clean and contemporary. In laundry rooms with windows, all shades of purple add light and personality. Avoid overly busy purple patterns that distract from function. With vibrant purple accents, laundry rooms become places you want to be versus have to be.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Add a burst of color by incorporating purple into outdoor living areas. All shades of purple make striking backdrops for plant walls, whether a single bright focal point or a full wall of greenery. Paint benches, patio dining sets, planters or fencing a fun purple. Use purple patio or entry rugs to define the space. Umbrellas, accent pillows and outdoor drapes provide pops of purple too. For a tropical vibe, bright purples with palm prints transport you. Light purples keep outdoor spaces feeling soothing and breezy. Avoid easily faded purples and stick to color-fast outdoor fabrics. Overall, purple makes outdoor living areas feel festive and full of personality.
Conclusion
From tranquility to excitement, purple takes any room’s style to the next level. The key is choosing the right shade and intensity for your space’s purpose and personality. Light purples create soothing, airy rooms while vivid purples make bold statements and energize. Layer purple throughout both small and large rooms for cohesive style. Avoid overwhelming spaces by letting purple share the stage with complementary neutrals and accent colors. With careful selection, purple conveys elegance and imagination throughout your home. Mastering the use of purple elevates and transforms your decor.
