Imagine your space as a canvas, with purple as your charismatic lead hue—bold, mysterious, yet inviting. Unveiling the right color palette to complement such a sovereign shade can feel akin to a fine art more than mere decor.
Delving into the world of color harmony, you’ll find that lavender and grey whisper subtlety, while purple and gold announce luxury. These are more than just shades; they’re expressions of your space, a dance of light and texture. This article spills the secrets of color psychology and design, navigating through bold color schemes, like royal purple and mustard, to the soft touch of mauve and taupe.
Armed with insights from color theory and a splash of interior design savoir-faire, you’re about to unlock an alchemy of colors to embolden your purple theme. From the understated to the vibrant, tailor your surroundings to evoke the exact mood and style you envision.
By article’s end, expect nothing less than a deep dive into a curated spectrum, your blueprint for crafting that perfect purple ambiance. No guesswork here—just a treasure trove of hues waiting to transform your world.
Colors that go with purple
Complementary Color | Mood Enhancement | Design Style | Best Used In | Avoid Pairing With |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yellow (Mustard) | Vibrant and Energetic | Modern Vintage | Accent Pieces | Overly Bright Greens |
Gray (Silver) | Sophisticated and Sleek | Minimalist | Wall Colors and Furniture | Dull Browns |
Teal | Refreshing and Uplifting | Contemporary | Decorative Accents | Saturated Oranges |
Gold | Luxurious and Warm | Glamorous | Accessories and Trimmings | Pale Pinks |
Green (Olive) | Natural and Grounding | Rustic | Textiles and Plants | Bright Reds |
Combining Purple with pink or orange
Image source: Bankston May Associates
Purple likes to be the star of the night on its own and it doesn’t need any color out there to give it that lift. However, combining purple with its neighbors is only appealing to the eyes. Especially when it comes to purple, pink, and orange.
These colors that go with purple create an ambiance of energy, enthusiasm, and happiness. The voice of purple just gets louder. However, if you do not wish to stick to these three colors only, you can always use black as the base to make them pop out more!
The Saturated Shades of Purple and Dark Blue
Image source: Attractive Listing
Dark blue is one of the colors that go with purple that finds much use even today. This is because dark blue is one of the most effective contrasts to the saturated purples group. Hence, it is a striking color combo that calls for neutral colors for proper space depth. Then, apply these complementary colors on the wall art or hanging accessories.
A light blue tint is an alternative option, though you’ll need another bold accent color in that scenario. So, look for ways to accentuate the purple elements without relying on a regal color that can lead to a chic outcome.
Purple with a Bronze color combination
Image source: Harrell remodeling
At first, you might be taken aback by this pair. However, the palette of purple colors with various tones of bronze is quite popular in the interior and fashion industry.
While the color purple can turn up the mood, adding the glimmer and shine of bronze only makes it more dramatic.
Even if you pair lighter shades of purple with deep bronze tones, you can get a chic style in no time. Take our advice in the department of colors that go well together and experiment with purple and bronze right away!
Pairing Purple with plum
Image source: Design3
You might think that purple and plum are just different shades of purple itself but that’s where it gets a little complicated. But when thinking about color combinations, you can try lighter shades of purple to go with the deep mysterious plum tones.
While plum and purple are simply gradients of the same shade, pairing them together can make any space or object luxurious. If you wish to keep the base lighter with this color combination, you can always go for beige and other cream colors.
Various Shades of Purple and the Cream Color
Image source: Tuba Yavuzer
Deep purple walls call for a neutral partner to counteract their intensity. Hence, cream is one of the optimal colors that go with purple. By default, cream works well with any of the darker shades of a visually tricky color. Hence, following that basic colour theory can produce an elegant, violet-and-cream bedroom.
Purple with lime green creates a complementary color scheme
Image source: Rusk Renovations
Purple and lime green are actually longtime friends. You must have already seen the yin and yang combination of lavender and lime green in nurseries. Well, this style just never gets old. Pairing these two drastically different shades never goes out of style.
While lavender is pretty light, you should never get scared of reaching out for darker shades of purple to pair with lime green. If you think this combination looks too plain on its own, go for patterns right away and you’ll see this pairing as colors that go together!
Mint Green as color that goes with purple
Image source: Leicht Westchester
You can never go wrong with a lighter, watercolor shade of green and purple.
While it might seem odd as an image in your head, mint green helps to neutralize the depth that comes with different shades of purple; all the while purple still stands out. This dynamic actually blends quite well together and it can only feel natural to the human eye!
Mixing Purple and the Tan Color Scheme
Image source: Красюк Сергей
For a harmonious result that allows you to relax, you can use tan as a base for various purple elements. For example, apply tan on the walls and contrast it with a deep purple rug. Such a color scheme is a sure-shot option for a modern and sophisticated living space.
The Purple and Sage Green Combination
Image source: Nick Smith Photography
When favoring the subtle pastel purple tints, sage green is one of the primary pairings you should consider. Plus, it is a fun hue in its own right, providing depth and calmness to the space. Thus, you can use it as a paint color behind some interesting purple accessories.
Can Purple and Mauve Work Together?
Image source: Kayron Brewer, CMKBD / Studio K B
Mauve and purple are an energetic duo that can quickly alter the overall atmosphere of the room. Opting for a strong shade of purple, like aubergine, is the way to go here. Similarly, you can opt for an even darker purple hue and still get a tasteful outcome. Plus, you can use this combo for your bedroom, dining room, or even bathroom areas.
Pairing Purple with gray
Image source: Concept Design
This combination of purple and gray might sound very vintage but it never goes out of style. The color purple has the ability to blend very well with the cooling tone of light grey. Not only does it symbolize sophistication but it looks flawless.
If you feel like any other combinations are not doing so well for you, you can always rely on this pairing. Among colors that go with purple, gray will never disappoint you. Gray is that one color that promises to only uplift purple and becomes a base for it to rely on.
Combining Purple With Bronze
Image source: Peg Berens Interior Design LLC
This is an eccentric and even dramatic combination that’s also quite trendy these days. It has many uses and sub-variants, too. Hence, you can use colors of either end of the purple spectrum with the bronze color. For a tasteful outcome, consider the overall brightness level of the setup and opt to increase or preserve it with this combo.
Can Dark Gray and Purple Go Together?
Image source: Julianne Kelly interiors
For an elegant and suave living room, try pairing the dark gray and purple hues. This is a traditional pairing that carries a tasteful balance and class. Next, you can accentuate either tone with your choice of accessories.
Matching purple with pink and gray
Image source: d2interieurs
Now that your heart is in love with the combination of purple and grey, it’s time to get a little risky. Throwing in some pink is only going to give it an ombre effect.
While it will help anything look simplistic, classy and chic; the addition of pink will only give it that edge that it’s looking for. Among the purple color palette, you can go for a darker shade to marry with grey and pink.
The Classic Purple and Brown Pairs
Image source: Billinkoff Architecture PLLC
Brown and purple always produce a charming combo that won’t counter the current interior design trends. Instead, it’s a regal yet traditional pairing that looks welcoming and eventful. Plus, there are a multitude of ways you can achieve that effortlessly.
For example, you can opt for deep purple walls and complementary wooden veneers. Then, apply light tones via the flooring to tie it all together. As a result, you’ll produce a sophisticated ambiance that’s perfect for hosting a classy social event.
Pairing Silver With Purple
Image source: Amazon
This is another bold combination reserved for those trying to achieve a regal and somewhat chic setup. However, you can also tone things down for a seductive-looking bedroom area. To that end, pick a subtle purple hue to avoid overwhelming the color scheme and ending up with too much spark.
Olive Green with different purple colors
Image source: Rikki Snyder
When you combine purple with olive green, you’ll have to be a little more careful. However, investing time in finding the perfect match will be worth it in the end.
If you need some tips, you should always go for shades of purple with blue or indigo undertones instead of yellow or red. Add a hue of olive green and it will only attract your eye!
Shades of mustard as colors that go with purple
Image source: 1800Lighting
You might think it’s weird to pair a color as bold as purple with shades of yellow that are only bright.
But in reality, both these colors can marry each other well especially if you play with them a little and find out a balance. Among colors that go with purple, mustard/yellow has royal routes.
Once you pair different shades of purple with the complimentary tone of mustard, you’ll immediately notice that a combination that has been seen throughout history won’t do you any wrong.
Because among the colors that go with yellow, purple can change the ambiance of any space in a second!
Combining Purple and Yellow
Image source: Joyce Marie Interiors
This is an eventful approach that can produce a regal ambiance if you choose to. To that end, you’ll have to balance the intensity of the purple shade with the brightness of the yellow tone. For example, use yellow wall paint before filling the room with lavish lavender elements.
Pairing Pastel Pink and Purple
Image source: Cathy Dykman Acinger Design
When aiming for a feminine and glamorous space, look for the fruitful pink-purple combination. When together, these hues look soothing, elegant, and trendy at the same time. To complement them best, pick a neutral background and preserve their “focal point” status.
Mixing purple and taupe
Image source: justinesterling
Taupe itself is quite a neutral color. However, pair this shade with purple and you will find yourself a royal marriage!
The purple spectrum is open to you to pick any tone of purple to go with taupe. So, whether its plum-like purple, grape purple or burgundy purple, you won’t make a mistake here!
The marriage between purple, pink and red
Image source: Dykman Acinger Design
We know you might be thinking that these three colors can never infuse together and might just end up making your palette look like a mess.
But this combination will only make anything look edgy, chic and vibrant. You can always pick out softer shades of one of the colors while maintaining bold shades for the other two.
Plum with Lime Green with a hint of pale cobalt blue and winter white
Image source: Laurie S Woods, ASID
You might think this is the most unusual mixture of colors that go with purple but wait till you experiment a little; because this might be the best color combinations of all time that has a potential to become your favorite.
Since these are four colors paired together, you can opt for this combination for your bedroom. If your living room allows a lot of sunshine to come in, this pairing will only make it look classier.
Deep purple with French lavender, white, berry and natural linen
Image source: Michael Abrams Interiors
Now it’s time to take your game to the next level and play with four colors that go with purple. This robust pairing of colors is very high fashion and comes with 0.01% chances of failure. Just make sure to mix and match warm shades, milky whites, and hues of lavender together.
Pairing plum with duck-egg blue, putty, pomegranate red, pale gold, and olive green
Image source: Rachel Reider Interiors
You might think this is crazy; to think that these are the colors that go with purple but that’s where you’re wrong.
Instead of giving you a clownish vibe, this combination gives you a vibe of Britain in the 40s. Giving purple a whole new outlook, you can make sure that your main star stands out by increasing the warmth of red and olive green.
Matching Bordeaux, teal, buttermilk, charcoal, and dirty blue-green
Image source: Amity Worrel & Co
If you want your space to look very Victorian, this is your way to go.
The purple color complements this vast range quite well especially near your fireplace since it gives off a wintery vibe. If you wish to marry warm and cool colors together, this pairing should be on the top of your list.
Taking this risk will surely pay off whether you choose to only change the pillows in the room, or the rugs or the curtains even. Once you find the right mix of shades from the range we’re talking about, you’ll notice how well these colors mix together.
Colors that go with purple for your living room
Image source: colorTHEORY Boston
The purple color doesn’t get shy from grabbing people’s focus right away. However, instead of simply using purple by itself, you can match other colors with it to give your living room a modern outlook. So, if you have been playing it safe, scratch that off and begin again.
When playing with colors, you can match purple with red and blue or you can look into a wider range of colors. When looking for good color schemes, be sure to try various combinations instead of one.
Cool tones and warm tones of color paired with purple
You won’t be able to match very different colors with purple if you don’t play with the temperature a little bit.
Whether the shade of purple itself or other colors is warm or cold makes a huge difference and it can have a whole new type of impact on your room. The trick is to find that balance when pairing purple with a very opposite color.
For example, you can pair cool colors of purple with warm orange shade to give your room a bohemian outlook. Just like that, changing the temperature ever so slightly will completely translate the feel your living room gives.
Neutral colors that go together with shades of purple
Image source: Sheila Rich Interiors
If you do not wish to play with the opposite colors that you normally do not imagine going well with shades of purple, you can always pair purple with neutral colors.
This will give you the perfect balance you are looking for while making your room brighter. So, colors like grey, black, beige, white will always blend well with purple and let it bloom!
At the same time, your room won’t give off the idea that you played it very safe when deciding on the interior.
When your guests enter and when they leave, they will surely be intrigued by your taste in color combinations. To take another step, you can add textures, patterns and different shapes using purple with neutrals.
The Purple-White Combo
Image source: Joyce Marie Interiors
White is the basic entry of the list of colors that go with purple since it’s the most versatile one. Hence, you can use white walls with lilac elements for a fun child’s bedroom. Also, combine a darker shade of purple with white paint for an airy atmosphere.
Traditional combinations of purple
Image source: MC lean and tircuit
Gray is one of the most classic colors paired with purple. Whether it’s the rugs, the sofas or the wall of the color, it can simply help you tone the loudness a bit. Other classic combinations include using ruby red, teal, and blue with purple.
From the fabrics to your room to the rugs and the pillows, a mix of these classic shades gives it a dramatic touch. Other than that often the lilac shade of purple is paired with beige whereas mossy green also never fails to go well with purple.
Using the Purple and Beige Colors
Image source: HomeSmiths
Beige can play the role of a complementary color to a number of accent colors. However, purple makes this calm hue serve an even greater purpose. For a graceful outcome, use a beige wall color and apply an unexpected twist via soft lavender furniture.
Image source: Akke Woodworks
Aside from that, you can include different shades of purple, even the true purple or royal purple colors. In that case, you’ll have to balance things out with a soft beige backdrop.
Contrasts of purple that work surprisingly well
Image source: Oliver Burns
Many colors from the spectrum might make you think they will clash with purple. Such is the case with neon green. However, if you match it with royal purple it can only make your space look more modern and up to date.
Adding hints of bright orange will also give off a very chic contrast. Among other colors in the palette then, you should also play with bright yellows and reds in a small amount. This will help you save your living room from looking cartoonish.
FAQs about colors that go with purple
What are complementary colors to purple in design?
Purple sits regally across from yellow on the color wheel, forming a duo of contrast that’s pure magic. But it’s not just any yellow – think soft pastels or mustard tones. They pop against purple, creating a vibrant color contrast that’s both striking and elegant in any space.
How does purple affect moods in interior settings?
It’s all about the vibe, right? Purple’s got this royal feel, a touch of luxury. That’s color psychology for you. In lighter shades like lavender, it can soothe and calm. Go darker, and you get drama and depth—perfect for creating a cozy, contemplative corner.
Which colors pair well with purple for a modern look?
For a modern twist, get audacious. Silver and grey lend a sleek edge to purple’s flair. Throw in a dash of teal for a refreshing pop. This combo? It’s on-trend, injecting freshness and a bit of that urban chic into your place.
Can purple work with warm colors?
You bet it can. Purple straddles the warm-cool divide like a charm. Think plum and copper or even eggplant and cream. These pairings bring warmth and richness, perfect for spaces that you want to feel inviting and snug.
What are the best colors for a purple-themed wedding?
Ah, a wedding palette! Romance in the air, and purple’s playing cupid. Pair it with ivory for timeless elegance or magenta for pops of passionate color. These bold color schemes make weddings unforgettable, channeling love and exuberance down the aisle.
Which colors should I avoid with purple?
Careful not to drown in a sea of cool – too much blue can chill purple’s warmth. And watch that purple-orange clash; it’s about balance. Aim for color harmony; respect purple’s presence by choosing accents and backgrounds that complement, not compete.
How do you mix purple into a monochromatic scheme?
Start with a base—think mauve or lavender. Layer it up, use different textures. Maybe throw in a periwinkle cushion, a grape throw. This monochromatic dance, it’s subtle, it’s chic, and it’s all about those graduated tones making peaceful waves across the room.
Can purple work in a minimalist design setting?
Absolutely. Picture this: stark white walls with a single amethyst sofa, standing proud. It’s that pop of color that defines minimalist design. Confident, sparse, and every choice deliberate—purple, used sparingly, anchors the minimalist vibe with its depth and presence.
How does purple interact with wood finishes in furniture?
Picture purple in cahoots with rich wood grains. It’s a cozy rendezvous—mulberry meets walnut, orchid flirts with oak. Each wooden tone adds to the conversation, bringing out the best in purple. The more natural the wood, the homier it feels.
What is the ideal lighting to enhance purple hues in a room?
Lighting is like purple’s personal photographer—it can flatter or falter. Warm, diffused light? It cozies up to purple, makes it glow. If you’ve got cooler purples, those LED whites might just do the trick—keeping things crisp and vibrant. Choose wisely, light matters.
Conclusion
Alright, we’ve danced through an array of hues, those colors that go with purple, twirling through each one like partners in a grand ballroom. From the whisper of lavender and grey to the declaration of purple and gold, it’s clear – the spectrum plays well with our regal friend.
Let’s snap this to a close, then. It’s about balance—a harmony between the bold and the subtle. It’s about that sweet spot where bold color schemes and understated whispers meet. Thinking of that purple-themed wedding? You’ve got a palette that speaks in volumes of love. Or was it a minimalist design with a splash of purple power? It’s all about that solitary piece that speaks volumes in silence.
You’re equipped now; your design senses fine-tuned to the purple possibilities. Weave these inspirations into your own tapestry, and watch how purple can transform a space and maybe even, a little bit of you.
- What is Task Lighting? A Designer’s Guide - November 23, 2024
- What is Ambient Lighting in Interior Design? - November 22, 2024
- The Role of Form in Interior Design - November 21, 2024