Purple is one of the most polarizing hues in interior design. People tend to either love it or loathe it—rarely is anyone neutral about this regal shade. But let's be honest, it's truly a stunning color choice to work with, sorry not sorry to the people who disagree! The sheer number of beautiful, designer-approved spaces featuring purple proves that it deserves a spot in your home. We do recognize, though, that it can be a challenging one to pair with other colors for fear of a room looking too childish or, on the other side of the spectrum, too glamorous. There is a middle ground, and these colors that go with purple prove it.
When you're unsure where to start with a design project, one of the easiest ways to find inspiration is by browsing thoughtfully curated spaces. We've curated a list of 29 projects that show what colors go with purple in a range of environments. From bedrooms to living areas to kitchens, this whimsical shade is more versatile than you might think. Keep scrolling to find the perfect palette for your space.
In this child's room, designed by Alexander Reid, the sailboats on the wallpaper float on a lilac sea, outlined in a pale olive trim (Thayer Green by Benjamin Moore). While the purple nautical wallpaper has a whimsical feel, the trim helps keep the space grounded.
Designer Kelly Hurliman chose a classic, feminine color palette for this girl's room, pulling distinct shades from the Pierre Frey wallpaper to color the rest of the room. The pale purple sconce, mustard bedding, and touches of deep eggplant come together beautifully, while the pale pink nightstand adds an extra layer of charm.
Parallel to this bed are two large floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to a wooded area, so Melissa Anderson of OAD Interiors chose this abstract wallcovering as a subtle nod to the picturesque view. The deep mauve and dark green layered behind the wooden bed frame and nightstand give off tranquil vibes.
The purple botanical wallpaper on the ceiling is what inspired the hues used in the rest of this house by designer Betsy Wentz. The deep violet displayed from the ceiling to the benches is so striking, especially next to the stark white trim and fireplace.
Threads of purple can be found throughout this house by Wentz, like in the daughter's bedroom. Though the shade is lighter than in the tea room above, the walls and floor are both covered in a light lavender, broken up by gray fabric covering the pinboard on the wall.
Wentz achieved a sense of balance in this primary bedroom by layering a rich mix of colors, including several shades of purple. The deep wine wallpaper, soft lavender carpet, and creamy bed tones bring a cool, calming vibe, while the orange accents in the rug introduce just the right amount of warmth to round out the space.
This built-in bar shows how an atmospheric plum can look so elegant in a modern home. Designer Ali Budd paired the hue with cloudy marble and gold accents, adding to that sense of approachable luxury.
On the other side of the bar, Budd kept the same plum color but used a marble fireplace façade with more mossy greens in it. She accented the space with a large area rug with a graphic, cobalt blue design. This particular detail keeps the space feeling modern yet moody.
Krysta Gibbons of Kipling House designed this lounge space for her three daughters, using a purple and green color palette for the feminine and soothing walk-through. Pale purple grounds the space while the saturated guacamole green gives it a more sophisticated edge.
Purple is one of the most serene colors for a bedroom, and this calming space—designed by Amy Knerr, principal designer at
Of Place Studio—is a perfect example. Paired with a muted mustard yellow bedspread, the soft tones throughout the room create a peaceful, elegant atmosphere (and the charming sheep figurine adds a lighthearted touch).
Designer Lindley Arthur didn't shy away from the glam when designing this at-home bar. With a high-gloss green surface and jewel-like purple and gold barstools, this intimate space feels like it could be from a boutique hotel.
Designer Alexandra Kaehler’s garden-inspired dining nook feels like the perfect spot to sip a morningespresso. Bathed in natural light, the space features ivory and green wallpaper with subtle trellis vibes, while the plush plum banquette adds a cozy yet elevated touch.
This dining room, designed by Anne Hepfer, is full of delightful surprises. The grayscale cloud motif wallpaper asserts a whimsical charm while the marbled blue tablecloth introduces modern vibrance. The purple fabric over the chair cushions adds just enough contrast.
Fresh purple flowers in a stylish amethyst vase brighten up the pale dusty rose walls, mauve bedding, and grassy green accents in this lovely bedroom designed by Kevin Isbell.
This lavender oasis, designed by Cathy Chapman, presents a strong case for monochromatic purple decorating. The key: Stick to a color story of muted pastels and use just the right neutral—in this case, light gray.
In this contemporary sitting room designed by Shapeless Studio, the deep mauve walls set an intimate mood. The inky-black accents and charcoal sofa deepen that vibe, while the lighter pink and cream elements soften things up just enough.
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17
Charcoal + Red + Eggplant
Kingston Lafferty Design
In this chic, swanky kitchen nook by Kingston Lafferty Design, the mosaic of colorful handmade tiles extends overhead. This makes the niche pop, not disappear into the corner. And the gray chalk paint brings in a smoky sophistication, complementing the gold accents and plum paint.
18
Baby Blue + Grape
John Merkl
Heather Hilliard gave the more traditional elements in this hallway—like the elaborate gilt mirror and oak console—a playful counterpoint with sky-blue grass-cloth wallpaper and a ginger jar table lamp with a grape-toned pleated shade. The pretty purple lilac blossoms are a nice touch too.
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19
Power Purple + Tangerine
Heidi Caillier Design
This subtle yet bold bathroom designed by Heidi Caillier is master class in decorating with tiles (and decorating with purple!).
20
Royal Blue + Magenta + Plum
Redmond Aldrich
This dining room by Redmond Aldrich Design is a sublime blend of modern and traditional thanks to the multi-size paper pendants and elaborate turn-of-the-century ceiling. We adore the bursts of purple balanced by the rich yellows in the carpet and the vibrant blue dining chairs.