Purple bedrooms are often underrated, yet they hold incredible potential for style and versatility.
Ranging from soft lilacs and lavenders to deep royal and rich eggplant shades, incorporating purple into your décor can create a variety of stunning interior aesthetics.
Whether you seek a tranquil retreat or wish to make a statement with bold jewel tones, there's a purple hue to match every vibe. Here, we've compiled a collection of inspiring purple bedroom ideas alongside expert tips to ignite your creativity.
Discovering Purple Bedroom Ideas
Once a less popular choice, purple is experiencing a renaissance as both interior designers and homeowners begin to appreciate its unique charm.
"This year, purple has become a favorite among many. Though often seen as a challenging color, it can create a calming atmosphere, enhancing any bedroom's tranquility," shares Joanna Ross, general manager of luxury bedding brand Sheridan.
If you're considering decorating with purple, whether in the bedroom or living space, choose the right shade and warmth, as well as complementary colors, to cultivate the desired mood.
"Rich purples like damson and aubergine are fantastic for creating a dramatic and romantic boudoir, especially when paired with luxurious fabrics like velvet," suggests Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs. "These tones can be enlivened with touches of pink, red, and even orange for a fresh look."
"For those who prefer a subtler approach, muted shades like lilac and lavender can effectively evoke a peaceful and relaxing ambiance in the bedroom."
1. Achieve Sophistication with Dark Eggplant
Opting for dark colors can lead to a sophisticated and intimate bedroom environment. This deep shade from Paper & Paint Library offers a rich, enveloping atmosphere, while its red undertones beautifully complement blush pinks and berry hues for a striking yet feminine aesthetic.
2. Embrace Eccentricity with Clashing Colors
If bold colors excite you, consider vibrant royal purple paired with clashing red for a visually stunning effect. After all, bedrooms are personal spaces where you can express your individuality.
"Many people mistakenly avoid darker shades, opting for white instead. I prefer to embrace the darkness and explore the depth of color. Choosing a deep hue with a high gloss finish can reflect light beautifully in the room," advises interior designer Rachel Chudley.
"Mixing clashing colors excites me. Currently, I'm incorporating deep purple with bright apple red, creating a fruity, forest-inspired palette," she adds.
3. Use Purple as an Accent Color
Purple serves as a fantastic accent color that can invigorate neutral bedroom designs, especially when set against light grey walls, as shown in this design by James Hare.
Saffron Hare, creative director at James Hare, recommends using purple boldly for curtains while coordinating with cushions and upholstery in matching or varying shades. You can even introduce other strong color elements like yellow into the mix.
4. Soft Lilac for a Restful Backdrop
If a relaxing atmosphere is your goal, opt for cool, soft lilacs and lavenders. These colors make an excellent alternative to the popular pastel pinks and blues, serving as a lovely base for art and printed fabrics.
"Light enough to create interest, these shades can act almost like a neutral on the walls, allowing you to layer in floral, checked, or gingham prints for added depth while maintaining a light and airy vibe," explains Emma Deterding.
5. Play with Paint Effects
Deep purples can create a striking wall-to-wall effect. For those seeking impact without overwhelming a space, consider color blocking deep purples with lighter shades in a playful design.
Here, the lower half of the wall features the rich Addiction shade by Crown, grounding the scheme, while the Fairy Dust above ensures the area remains light and airy.
6. Consider Paint Finishes
While matte finishes are typically favored for bedroom walls, gloss can create a stunning and glamorous look, particularly when paired with jewel tones like amethyst purple, as demonstrated by New York-based interior designer Phillip Thomas.
"Purple is such a refined color for a bedroom. A high gloss finish not only brings a touch of femininity but also provides a beautiful escape from daily life," he notes. Gloss finishes are also effective in reflecting light in darker rooms and complement warm metallic furnishings and accessories.
7. Layer Delicate Shades for a Soothing Atmosphere
Layering various soft purples with subtly different tones, such as pinky heathers and bluey lilacs, creates harmony and depth in your bedroom design.
This country bedroom showcases an array of delicate hues combined with different textures and nature-inspired prints to achieve a restful and romantic atmosphere.
8. Make a Statement with a Purple Headboard
If you love color but are hesitant to go all-in, start by introducing a striking purple headboard or ottoman. In this design by Kelling Designs, the purple headboard serves as a bold focal point in a compact room, balancing out the intricate wallpaper.
"The headboard is a prime opportunity to introduce vibrant color and patterns. An upholstered headboard with a striking shape in vivid purple velvet can anchor your design scheme," says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs. "Consider contrasting piping for an added burst of orange and use complementary accessories to tie the scheme together."
9. Pair Lilac with Teal
Purple complements a wide range of colors, from contrasting yellows and oranges to harmonious greens and blues. For a serene yet striking bedroom, consider color-blocking soft pastels with jewel tones, as seen in this space featuring cool ocean teal walls, a lilac divan bed, and pops of indigo through accessories, resulting in a sophisticated atmosphere.
10. Try Purple Window Treatments
Incorporating purple curtains is a fantastic way to introduce color into a minimalist bedroom, as they can be easily updated to reflect changing tastes. In this cottage bedroom, soft lilac drapes add a feminine touch while framing beautiful countryside views.
Is Purple a Good Choice for Bedrooms?
Purple is a versatile color that can help achieve various interior styles, making it increasingly popular for bedrooms.
"Purple is a soothing, comforting hue that encourages relaxation and makes you want to linger in the space. It's perfect for bedrooms as it promotes rest," says Saffron Hare, creative director of James Hare.
Choosing the right shade of purple and pairing it with complementary colors is essential for successfully designing a purple bedroom.
"Consider the room's purpose and the ambiance you want to create when selecting colors for your home. Bedrooms are personal spaces that allow you to embrace colors you love and create an intimate design that represents your style," explains Andy Greenall, creative director of Paint & Paper Library. "Opt for rich, sumptuous colors to evoke a cozy and tranquil feel."
For a fun and vibrant look, go for bold purples like ultraviolet and royal purple, or choose deep purples for a dramatic, cocooning effect. Alternatively, light lilacs and lavender shades can provide a bright and uplifting atmosphere, making bedrooms feel larger and more open.
What Colors Pair Well with Purple in a Bedroom?
Purple is a flexible color that pairs beautifully with many shades on the color wheel. Contrasting colors like yellow and orange create a lively atmosphere, while purple also harmonizes well with greens and blues. It's frequently used as an accent against grey tones. To find the ideal colors that complement purple, consider the specific tone and the ambiance you wish to create.
"When selecting a complementary shade for purple, pay attention to the undertones and choose neutrals with pink or lilac undertones for a cohesive look," advises Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene.
"A true royal purple, reminiscent of the 1970s, can be softened with a calming neutral like 'Dash of Soot', which acts as a grounding element, while the gentle lilac 'Hortense' pairs beautifully with vivid purples for a well-thought-out scheme," adds Ruth Mottershead.
Purple also works wonderfully with metallics, as Joanna Ross, general manager of luxury bedding brand Sheridan, suggests.
"If you're adding accessories, metallics are a great choice. A gold lamp or copper mirror can brighten the deep purple space, creating a bedroom interior you'll adore," she remarks.
"I also enjoy incorporating shades of green, as they complement purple and add a touch of sophistication to the overall design."
