Skip to main content

What colors go with purple? 9 captivating shades for your home

Here's how to decorate with purple and find colors that complement it

vibrant purple and beetroot color palette in living room
Ground Picture / Shutterstock

Purple represents royalty, mystery, peace, and much more, depending on who you ask. So, why can’t you decorate with purple? There are many ways to work it in if purple is your thing, from purple color combinations to purple accents.

Research shows that people who decorate with purple are most likely to say their home makes them happy, and Pantone’s color of the year in 2022 certainly celebrated the shade. If you already love purple, this is definitely the read for you, but if you need some convincing, this just may be the thing that convinces you that purple is the right choice for remodeling your space.

Living room with purple couch and walls
vanitjan / Shutterstock

Colors that go with purple

We have some ideas for every level of purple commitment: If you’re all the way in, we’ll discuss painting a few walls purple and decorating the room accordingly. If you’re purple-curious but not quite ready to take the plunge, we have some great ideas for accenting with purple. Either way, keep reading to find out how to work some purple into your home decor.

Recommended Videos

Gray

Since most of the last decade was filled with interior decorating featuring different shades of gray, it shouldn’t be challenging to pair purple with gray in your home without redesigning the entire thing. Since purple is a vibrant color, it pairs well with the cooling tones of light grays. If you have gray furniture, consider painting a wall (or all of them) purple for a fresh new look. If you don’t want to paint and have gray walls, look for a few pieces of purple furniture.

Pink or orange

Pink and orange go well with purple because they are neighboring colors on the spectrum. Pairing purple with orange or pink creates an energetic vibe that evokes happiness. Pink and orange accents in a purple room allow the purple to be the star while still complementing it well.

Black

If you’re going for a contemporary look, purple walls with black accents will create a deep vibe that achieves just that. Light purple pairs well with black and won’t make the room too dark. If you want to use a darker shade of purple and pair it with black, try to use a few light pink or cream accents, so the mood isn’t too dreary. Throw pillows or blankets are an excellent way to add accent color without overpowering the room.

Living room with purple couch.
ExperienceInteriors / Getty Images

Lime green

Purple and lime green have gone together for ages, especially lavender and lime green in nurseries or children’s rooms. But if you’re not decorating a kid’s room and want to try out this look, don’t be afraid to experiment with darker shades of purple paired with lime green for a contemporary look. Since the two colors are drastically different, they demand attention when paired together.

Yellow

Pairing yellow or mustard colors with purple can work and traditionally evokes feelings of royalty. Purple is bold, as we’ve mentioned, so pairing it with a bright color like yellow just works. The key to this color combination is to find a balance, which will take a bit of planning. Yellow walls with purple furniture or purple walls with yellow accents? The decision is yours, depending on what you’re going for, but either way, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Living room with purple walls..
LEKSTOCK 3D / Adobe Stock

Light blue

If you want to introduce some purple into your home decor but don’t want to go contemporary or bold, light blue is the way to go. Light blues paired with purple will give you a more traditional or country vibe while remaining fresh and unique. Something as simple as a baby blue lamp with a bright purple lampshade will liven up the room while bringing in a pop of color.

Bronze

Bronze and purple may not be the first color combination that comes to mind when you think “purple decor,” but this pairing is actually quite popular these days. A bronze touch can add a bit of drama to the room and a bit of excitement to the vibe. Even lighter shades of purple will work with bronze tones — you just have to experiment a bit to find the right combo.

Purple bedroom with dusty pink bedding
Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock

Taupe

Taupe is a neutral color that you may already have in your home. One of the best parts about purple is that there are so many different shades; you can indeed find one that goes well with the shade of taupe you already have. Whether you choose plum, grape, or burgundy, pairing it with taupe will create a sophisticated and chill vibe.

Emerald green

With jewel tones making a comeback, emerald green has become a staple in many spaces. This is a fantastic color to pair with many shades of purple, from blue-undertone lilac hues to rich and deep eggplant purples. Use emerald green and darker shades of purple equally in a 1:1 ratio in your space. With these tones as your main colors, opt for one other neutral base and a metallic accent for a dramatic, jewel-tone flair. Alternatively, use light lilac purple with deep emerald green accents in the kid’s rooms, nursery, bedroom, or living space for an uplifting look.

Part of the reason people tend to stay away from purple as a home decor color is that, most of the time, people aren’t sure which colors to pair with it. For this reason, purple is not the most popular or obvious choice when it comes to decorating. However, purple goes well with several other colors — more than you may realize. With a bit of planning and experimenting, you can find endless ways to incorporate purple into your home decor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your color choices; you won’t regret it.

Kelly Kaliszewski
Kelly's work has appeared in blogs and on websites. When she's not writing, she is playing with her two dogs, cooking, or…
7 amazing wood paneling makeover ideas
Follow our tips for transforming your wood paneling to refresh your space
White painted wood paneling on wall

Wood paneling may be a trend of the past, but anyone owning a midcentury home knows that this trend has a habit of making a reappearance. If you’re struggling to style or update your existing wood paneling, don’t fret. Here are our wood paneling makeover ideas to give your outdated space a fresh and modern look.
Embrace the wood paneling

The easiest way to makeover wood paneling in your home is to embrace it.
Refresh your wood paneling
Your wood paneling could appear lackluster and outdated due to years of wear and tear. Refresh your panels by giving them a deep clean. Scrub away any grime or dust, and carefully clean the grooves between the panels. Once properly cleaned, consider adding a fresh layer of wood stain or varnish to have them look as good as new.

Read more
9 blanket storage ideas just in time for cold weather
Keep your space warm and cozy without all the clutter
Folded and organized blankets

As the temperatures drop and the cozy season settles in, it’s time to pull out those blankets and throws. But with more blankets comes the need for creative storage solutions that don’t clutter your space. Luckily, we’ve compiled some practical and stylish blanket storage ideas that'll keep your home neat while ensuring your favorite throws are always within reach. From putting them on display to tucking them neatly out of sight, here’s how to organize your blankets just in time for the colder weather.
Blanket storage ideas: Put your throws on display

There’s something beautiful about a well-placed blanket that adds warmth and texture to your living space. If you’d rather make your blankets part of your room’s look and feel, these blanket storage ideas are for you. Let’s explore a few ways you can showcase your cozy throws stylishly.
1. Drape them on a decorative ladder
A decorative ladder is not just for farmhouse-style homes; it’s a versatile piece that can fit any interior. Simply drape your blankets over each rung to create a layered look that’s both functional and stylish. This idea works well in living rooms or bedrooms where a cozy vibe is key. It also allows you to change the display easily depending on the season or your mood.
2. Install a wall-mounted towel rack
Who says towel racks are just for bathrooms? A wall-mounted towel rack is a fantastic way to store blankets without taking up any floor space. Choose a rack that matches your room’s aesthetic, whether it's modern, rustic, or minimalist. You can keep multiple blankets on the rack, making it easy to grab one whenever you need a bit of extra warmth.
3. Display them on the wall
Turn your blankets into a unique piece of art by displaying them on the wall. You can use hooks, dowels, or even a tapestry rod to create a stunning visual display that doubles as storage. This approach works particularly well with blankets that have interesting patterns or textures, adding a touch of personality to your room.
4. Fold them neatly on shelves
If you have open shelves in your living room or bedroom, neatly folded blankets can become part of your decor. Stacking blankets on shelves keeps them organized while also adding a touch of color and texture to your space. This method is perfect for those who like to switch out blankets regularly, as everything is easily accessible.
5. Blend them into your room's decor
One of the best blanket storage ideas is to blend them seamlessly into your room’s decor. Consider using your throws as decorative accents on your sofas, chairs, or even at the foot of your bed. By coordinating the colors of your blankets with the rest of your room, you’ll create a cohesive look that feels intentional and stylish.
Blanket storage ideas: Out of sight

Read more
What colors go with brown? How to make this seemingly drab hue look glam in your home
Brown doesn't have to be boring. Here's how it can jazz up your space
Room with brown walls.

Brown tones have a reputation for being "boring" since these earthy hues often have a tendency to feel dull and bleak for many people. However, this is largely due to poor design execution. If used well, brown shades can enhance a room’s design and bring a new sense of vitality to a space. Brown can be a wonderful hue to add to your home if you're looking to create a luxe and vibrant environment. These rustic shades can be natural, rich, and earthy when paired with complementary colors that let this hue shine.

Unfortunately, many struggle to figure out what colors go with brown, which leads them to create spaces that feel drab, bland, or unfinished. Today, we’ll cover some of the best colors to pair with brown and how this stunning color can help revitalize your space.
What color matches well with brown?

Read more