Purple is a versatile color that can work well in many rooms throughout a home. When choosing to use purple, it’s important to consider the shade and how to balance it with other colors. Lighter lavenders can create a soft, calming feel while deeper jewel tones like amethyst can be bold and dramatic. The key is finding the right hue and intensity for each room.
Bedroom
Purple is an excellent choice for bedrooms, as it has a soothing, tranquil effect that encourages rest. Soft lilac or lavender walls or bedding are ideal for creating a peaceful sanctuary. Accent walls in these lighter purple shades also work well. Deeper plums and violets can be used sparingly in small touches like throw pillows or artwork. Lavender and lilac complement airy white bedrooms beautifully. Soft grays, creams and pale greens also pair nicely for a relaxed, romantic bedroom.
Bathroom
Like bedrooms, bathrooms also benefit from the calming properties of lighter purples. Soothing lilac or mauve walls work best with white trim and accents. Avoid deeper shades like eggplant or plum in bathrooms, as these colors can make the space feel dark and closed in. Pastel purples, however, open up the room and create a spa-like ambiance. Pair them with aquatic blues and greens for a real zen feel. Metallic accents like chrome or nickel finishes on fixtures and accessories also pop against purple walls.
| Lighter Purple Bathroom Paint Colors |
|---|
| Lilac |
| Lavender |
| Wisteria |
| Thistle |
Kitchen
Purple can be trickier to use in kitchens, but some lighter shades like lilac can work if balanced well. Soft purple walls will contrast nicely with white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances for a crisp, clean look. For a more vibrant accent, paint an island or lower cabinets in a deep amethyst shade. This jewel tone purple pops against light walls and ceilings. Just be careful not to overwhelm the space with too much dark color. Vibrant purple works best for kitchens with lots of natural light. Herbs like lavender and sage also incorporate the color in a natural, aromatic way.
Living Room
Purple is a great accent color for living rooms, adding a fun splash of color without going overboard. Paint one accent wall in a bold eggplant or plum shade, or use lavender on all four walls for a softer look. Offset these deeper shades with lots of white – white trim, bookcases, fireplace and ceiling for balance. Crisp white molding really makes the purple pop. You can also use purple in furnishings like couches, chairs or ottomans instead of painting the walls. Pick a deep jewel tone like amethyst or violet for drama. Cushions in pale lilac or mauve work for a subtler accent. Coordinate with creams, taupes and light blues.
Dining Room
Much like living rooms, dining rooms are another area where purple can shine as an accent. Darker regal shades like plum, eggplant and wine work best on accent walls. Pair them with white built-ins, wainscoting and trim for contrast. Using purple-toned furnishings is also an option – try an amethyst velvet host chair or deep purple curtains. Metallic accents in silver, gold and copper also complement purple dining rooms. For something more subtle, paint just one wall in a light lilac. Soft purple pairs nicely with creams, taupes, whites and light greens. And don’t forget flowers or herbs on the table – lavender sprigs in a vase add natural beauty.
| Bold Purple Paint Colors | Soft Purple Paint Colors |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | Lilac |
| Plum | Lavender |
| Wine | Thistle |
| Amethyst | Wisteria |
Home Office
A touch of purple in a home office can stimulate creativity and focus. Deeper jewel tones like amethyst and violet work best as accent walls. Pair them with crisp whites – white bookshelves, desk, trim and molding. Lavender or lilac are also options for entire office walls. These soft hues have a gentle, relaxing effect. Upholster an office chair in purple fabric as a fun accent. Purple complements teals, greens, grays and beiges. Incorporate purple with office plants like orchids or violets for a natural look.
Kids’ Room
Purple is a great color for kids’ rooms, as it encourages imagination and creativity. Lighter lavenders work for entire walls, creating a soothing backdrop for play and rest. Use accents like sheets, curtains, toys and books in vibrant jewel tones like violet, amethyst or plum. Painting an accent wall in a bold purple is also fun. Allow your child to help select the perfect shade. Purple works for either boys or girls and complements other bright colors like yellow, green and teal. As a neutral backdrop, soft grays, whites and beiges allow the purple accents to really stand out.
Hallways
Long hallways are the perfect canvas for an intense dose of dramatic purple. Darker shades like eggplant, plum and wine instantly give boring beige halls a bold makeover. Painting all four walls in a jewel tone may be overwhelming, so consider just doing one or two accent walls in a deep purple hue. Break it up with crisp white trim and doors for definition. For a lighter look, soft lilac or lavender can cover all walls. Accent with silver or gold mirrors and sconces to catch the eye. Photos and artwork in white frames pop against the purple.
Basement
Purple is a smart choice for dreary basements in need of a color pick-me-up. Lighter shades open up the space, making it feel bright and airy instead of dark and closed in. Soothing lilacs, lavenders and violets work on all walls. Paint the ceiling white to enhance the effect. Use deep plums, wines or berries on one accent wall as a bold contrast. Crisp white trim provides definition. Offset the purple walls with colorful furniture, rugs and artwork. Purple also complements the earthy reds and browns often found in basements. Avoid using only deep shades, as this can make the basement feel dark and gloomy.
Home Gym
Purple delivers both comfort and energy in active home gyms. Soft lavenders and lilacs create a soothing backdrop for yoga and relaxation. Or make a bold statement with jewel-toned accent walls in plum, violet or amethyst. These deep shades are energizing. Paint workout equipment or mats purple for fun pops of color. Offset purple walls with crisp white trim and fitness accessories in black, gray or chrome. Use patterns and metallic accents for visual interest. Complementary colors like lime green, teal and yellow add extra energy. Display motivational quotes in white frames on purple walls.
Laundry Room
Purple breathes life into boring laundry rooms. Calming lighter shades like lavender or lilac soften the utilitarian space. Paint the wall with washers and dryers a deep amethyst or violet for an eye-catching accent wall. White cabinetry, trim and accessories balance out the bold color. Add whimsy with colorful artwork or curtains in complementary greens, blues or yellows. Pretty purple and white containers corral laundry essentials with style. Hang herb sachets or dried lavender as a natural, aromatic touch. Just avoid using only dark shades, as this can make small laundry rooms feel cramped.
Garage
Make a dull garage fun with a splash of purple. Light lilacs and lavenders work best to open up the windowless space. Use white or black accents for contrast – white storage cabinets, ceiling and trim or black shelving, doors and floors. Metallic shelves, toolboxes and hardware in silver, chrome or gunmetal also pop against purple walls. Add visual interest by painting the back wall a bold accent color like deep plum or violet. Use white striping or checkerboard patterns for a funky retro feel. Finish it off with neon purple signs or safety markings for high impact.
Outdoors
Don’t be afraid to use purple outside your home. On a front door or outdoor furniture, vivid purple makes a cheerful statement. Paint a tired deck or patio in a jewel tone like amethyst or violet for dramatic impact. Use lavender or lilac on fencing or planter boxes for a delicate touch. Incorporate natural purple accents with hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, pansies, petunias or bougainvillea in containers. For landscaping, opt for plants like purple basil, catmint, columbine, astilbe, veronica and ajuga. Place purple accent pieces like bird baths, gazing balls and decor throughout the yard.
Conclusion
Purple can enhance any room with style and personality when used thoughtfully. Light shades like lilac and lavender work well throughout the home, creating soothing, cheerful spaces. Deeper plums, amethysts and violets make dramatic accent walls and focal points. Remember to balance jewel tones with plenty of white and metallic accents. Use bright complementary colors for contrast. Most importantly, choose the right purple hue and intensity for the room’s size and purpose. With so many shades to pick from, there’s a perfect purple to fit any space.
